A Park Ranger is a sworn peace officer under 830.31(b) P.C. who receives full basic police academy training upon hire. The Park Ranger Division is dedicated to ensuring that city parks are a safe and enjoyable place for public use. Park Rangers strive to meet the safety needs of the community through persistent efforts toward crime reduction and security, and by collaboration with law enforcement agencies to forge and improve community-police relationships.

Typical duties performed by Los Angeles City Park Rangers include:

1. Patrolling Recreation and Parks facilities and responding to calls for assistance from the public, Department staff, or others
2. Providing public assistance
3. Enforcing park ordinances and educating patrons regarding park rules  and regulations
4. Providing emergency services (i.e., firefighting, search and rescue)
5. Conducting nature hikes for school children
6. Assisting in citywide shelter and welfare operations during states of emergency
7. Acting as security at Department or privately sponsored special events and functions
8. Clearing and locking facility parking lots after park closing hours
9. Participation in specialized units such as the Equestrian Mounted Unit, the Bicycle Unit, and the Fire Suppression Unit

Deployment: Park Rangers are deployed 7:00 a.m. to Midnight, seven days a week, from Griffith Park or from sub-stations located in the Sepulveda Basin, Wilmington, and West Los Angeles (Cheviot Hills).

Administration

Division Staff
Title Name
Chief Park Ranger Albert E. Torres
Senior Park Ranger I, Citywide Field Operations Anne Waisgerber
Senior Park Ranger I, Metro and Pacific Regions Rick Beutell
Senior Park Ranger I, Griffith and Valley Regions Tom Cotter
Senior Park Ranger I, Interpretive Unit Desiree Rideaux
Senior Park Ranger I, Park Safety Officer Program Kelly Byrne
Senior Park Ranger I, Special Events Joe Drabinski
Senior Communications Operator Gracie Madrid
Senior Communications Operator Margie Kimble
Acting Watch Commander Al Garcia

Field Staff

34 Peace Officer Park Rangers
12 Non-Peace Officer Park Rangers
41 Park Safety Officers (Security Officer Exempt – part-time)
8 Communications Operators
11 Clerical employees (part-time)