The Park Ranger Division is comprised of Park Ranger and Beach & Community Service Officers. The officers within the division patrol over 2.5 miles of beach, area bluffs/preserves, and community parkland.

The Park Ranger is a highly trained law enforcement and emergency response officer.  The Park Ranger is a sworn peace officer under California Penal Code 830.31 (b).  Qualifications include police academy training, ocean lifeguarding, and certified as an Emergency Medical Technician with advanced airway and defibrillator accreditation. The Park Ranger is a member of the lifeguard specialized rescue team. Together they respond to critical situations including: cliff, boat, swift water, search & recovery, and scuba rescues. In addition, the division continuously cross-trains with regional law enforcement and fire/rescue agencies.

The Beach Community Officers proactively assist the Park Ranger and Lifeguard staff in providing: information to the public, responding to beach and park emergencies, reporting and responding to illegal activity within the city, issuing warnings where warranted and writing citations when necessary.  The Beach and Community Officers are PC-832 certified which allows them to enforce municipal, local and state code sections.

The Park Ranger and Beach Community Officers assist the parking division by conducting late night traffic enforcement.  Parking regulations are enforced in the downtown core and throughout the city as required.