About
the East Palo Alto Police Department
The City
of East Palo Alto is located in the heart of the Silicon Valley and is uniquely positioned to maximize its potential as a
significant city in the region. Founded by speculators and farmers in 1849, the town was originally named Ravenswood. For
most of its history, the area regarded as East Palo Alto was 13 square miles and part of unincorporated San Mateo County.
As such, it did not have an official boundary until it incorporated in 1983.
The East
Palo Alto Police Department has an authorized strength of 53 employees and is organized into four Divisions: Administration
Division; Investigations Division; Operations Division; and, Support Services Division. There
are currently 28 police officers and 6 detectives working in the East Palo Alto Police Department.
