The COPPS Unit consists of a sergeant, officer and two community service officers who work out of the police substation at Rivermark. This unit handles issues that affect the quality of life in our city. The unit works extensively with the residents surrounding Santa Clara University and the issues of living in a university environment. There were 125 projects handled by this unit in 2004 and were involved in 25 evictions of people who were causing problems in their respective neighborhoods. The unit also made 60 arrests this year for criminal behavior and processed over $11,000 in administrative citations for municipal code violations. A key ingredient is the partnership this unit maintains with other governmental departments and private agencies that also provide services to our residents.

Nuisance Suppression Unit

The officers and staff of the Nuisance Suppression Unit manage a caseload pertaining mainly to "quality of life" issues and offenses. NSU cases are quite varied, usually involve neighborhood complaints or disputes, and have included such issues as drug dealing, offensive animals, and chronically loud parties or music. The NSU works WITH the community to solve problems, utilizing both traditional and non-traditional means. Traditional methods include arrests and citations while non-traditional tactics can include administrative fines or mediation. In many instances, the NSU uses state and/or City public nuisance laws and regulations to hold property owners accountable for unresolved problems. The NSU works very closely with other Santa Clara Police units and City Departments, allied law enforcement agencies, State agencies, and Federal agencies to creatively and effectively solve problems.