The Riverside Police Department (RPD) serves the City of Riverside in California and provides a wide range of law-enforcement and public-safety services to residents, businesses, and visitors. From emergency response and patrol services to investigations, records, traffic enforcement, and community programs, the department plays an important role in maintaining public safety throughout the city.
The department was founded in 1896 and has developed from a small local police force into a large metropolitan law-enforcement agency. According to the department, RPD has 373 sworn police employees and 147 non-sworn employees.
Riverside Police Department Address
Riverside Police Department
The Riverside Police Department has multiple facilities serving different functions.
| Information | Details |
| Department | Riverside Police Department |
| City | Riverside, California |
| Emergency | 911 |
| Non-Emergency / Dispatch | (951) 354-2007 |
| General Information | (951) 826-5700 |
| Magnolia Station | 10540 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA 92505 |
| Lincoln Station | 8181 Lincoln Ave., Riverside, CA 92504 |
| Orange Street Station | 4102 Orange St., Riverside, CA 92501 |
The department’s official contact page currently lists the Magnolia and Lincoln stations and notes that the Orange Street station is closed effective May 29, 2026.
Riverside Police Department Phone Number
For emergencies requiring immediate police, fire, or medical assistance, residents should call 911.
For non-emergency police assistance and dispatch, the department lists:
Riverside Police Department Non-Emergency:
(951) 354-2007
For general department information, the listed number is:
(951) 826-5700.
People should choose the appropriate number depending on the nature of their situation rather than using the non-emergency line for an immediate life-threatening emergency.
What Services Does Riverside Police Department Provide?
RPD provides numerous law-enforcement and public-safety services.
- Patrol Services
Uniformed officers respond to calls for service, conduct patrol activities, enforce applicable laws, and assist residents and visitors.
Patrol is an important part of the department’s field operations and provides the first response to many incidents reported within the city.
- Criminal Investigations
The Investigations Division provides investigative services related to different categories of crime. It includes the Centralized Investigations Bureau and Special Investigations Bureau.
Its specialized investigative functions include:
- Domestic violence investigations
- Economic crimes
- Robbery and homicide investigations
- Sexual assault and child abuse investigations
- Forensic services
- Computer forensics
- Crime analysis
- Property and evidence management
The department’s Computer Forensics Unit, for example, works with digital evidence from devices such as computers, mobile phones, hard drives, USB devices, and digital surveillance systems.
- Police Records
The Riverside Police Department Records Bureau handles various public-facing records services.
These include:
- Police report copies
- Non-emergency police reports
- Stored vehicle releases
- Vehicle correction citation sign-offs
- Assistance with records-related concerns
The department also provides online reporting for certain qualifying incidents.
Because station services and locations can change, residents should check the current official department information before visiting a records counter.
Riverside Police Records
The department’s Records Bureau provides services to the public and maintains police records in accordance with applicable California law.
The department’s current information lists 10540 Magnolia Ave., Suite B, Riverside, CA 92505 for Records Bureau services.
Depending on the type of incident, eligible reports may include certain:
- Thefts
- Vehicle burglaries
- Vandalism
- Missing-person reports
- Lost or found property
- Non-injury hit-and-run collisions
- Vehicle tampering
- Certain threats
- Other qualifying non-emergency incidents
Not every incident qualifies for online or front-counter reporting. The department determines which reports can be handled through these systems.
Riverside Police Department Online Reporting
RPD provides an online reporting option for certain qualifying incidents. This can allow residents to report eligible incidents without physically visiting a police station.
However, online reporting is generally intended for incidents that meet the department’s eligibility requirements. Situations involving an immediate threat, emergency, or circumstances requiring an officer’s immediate response should not be handled through an online reporting form.
For emergencies, call 911.
Community and Public Safety Programs
Modern policing involves more than responding to crimes. Riverside Police Department also emphasizes community engagement and public communication.
The department provides information for residents, businesses, visitors, recruits, and community members through its official website and programs. The department describes its goal as building stronger relationships and trust with the Riverside community.
Riverside Police Department Leadership
The department’s official website identifies Larry V. Gonzalez as Chief of Police. The department’s history page states that Gonzalez became chief in 2019.
The Office of the Chief oversees department administration and operations and focuses on areas including training, technology, public safety, and accountability.
Riverside Police Department History
Riverside Police Department has a long history dating back to 1896.
Over the years, the department expanded along with the City of Riverside. According to RPD, it has also developed law-enforcement tactics that have influenced police agencies elsewhere, including approaches associated with high-risk or felony traffic stops.
Today, the department operates as a large metropolitan agency with specialized investigative, patrol, traffic, records, training, and support functions.
When Should You Contact Riverside Police Department?
Residents may need to contact RPD for various reasons, including:
- Reporting a crime
- Requesting police assistance
- Reporting certain non-emergency incidents
- Obtaining eligible police records
- Reporting suspicious activity
- Asking general police-related questions
- Seeking information about department services
For a life-threatening emergency or crime in progress, call 911 rather than waiting for an online response or using a general information number.
Riverside Police Department vs. UC Riverside Police
It is important not to confuse the Riverside Police Department with the UC Riverside Police Department.
Riverside Police Department serves the City of Riverside, while UC Riverside Police provides law-enforcement services for the University of California, Riverside campus.
These are separate agencies with different contact information and responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Riverside Police Department phone number?
The RPD non-emergency and dispatch number is (951) 354-2007. The general information number is (951) 826-5700.
What is the Riverside Police Department emergency number?
For emergencies requiring immediate assistance, call 911.
Where is the Riverside Police Department located?
RPD operates from multiple facilities. Its official contact page currently lists the Magnolia Station at 10540 Magnolia Ave. and Lincoln Station at 8181 Lincoln Ave. in Riverside.
Can I obtain a police report from Riverside Police Department?
Eligible members of the public can request police report copies and receive other Records Bureau services. The department also provides online reporting for certain qualifying incidents.
Does Riverside Police Department investigate serious crimes?
Yes. Its Investigations Division includes specialized units handling crimes such as homicide, robbery, domestic violence, economic crimes, sexual assault, child abuse, and other serious offenses.
Conclusion
The Riverside Police Department is a major California law-enforcement agency serving the City of Riverside through patrol, emergency response, investigations, records, traffic services, community programs, and specialized units.
For routine police assistance, residents can use the department’s non-emergency number (951) 354-2007, while 911 should be used for emergencies. Because station locations, operating procedures, and public services can change, it is always best to verify current information through the official Riverside Police Department website before visiting or relying on a specific department service.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not an official publication of the Riverside Police Department, the City of Riverside, or any other government agency.
Department addresses, telephone numbers, operating hours, reporting procedures, and available services may change. Readers should verify important information through official Riverside Police Department sources before taking action.
This article does not provide legal advice, police advice, or official instructions. For an emergency or situation involving an immediate threat to life or safety, call 911.