TPD’s Community Service Officers: Enforcing the Law with Compassion, Not Firearms

Isaac Silva, a community service officer with the Tucson Police Department, begins his day at the South Side police station at 5:30 a.m. Accompanied by his partner Cayley Puiu, the two drive Ford Maverick pickup trucks marked with “Community Service Officer.” Silva notes that community service officers (CSOs) previously used older Crown Victoria vehicles, but the department aimed to set their presence apart from that of traditional officers.

They wear light blue button-down shirts rather than the standard dark blue police uniform, and do not carry guns; instead, they are equipped with mace and a baton. The primary responsibility of CSOs is to respond to nonviolent calls, particularly traffic incidents, which Silva describes as their “bread and butter.” This specialization allows police officers to focus on more serious matters, such as violent crime.

While community service officers handle non-threatening situations, they remain equipped to collect evidence at crime scenes. Their limitations prevent them from making arrests or conducting traffic stops, although they can issue tickets for violations. Silva emphasizes the emotional intensity of traffic incidents; often, victims are anxious and shaken when he arrives.

Silva’s two years in the role have taught him to observe body language to assess a situation’s potential volatility. He notes that aggressiveness typically stems from those at fault, and he has learned to remain composed in response to hostile reactions. He frequently encounters tragic outcomes, such as serious injuries or fatalities at accident scenes, making the job inherently dangerous.

Tucson’s community service officer program has expanded significantly over the past two decades, increasing almost fourfold since 2018, with 131 CSOs currently on staff. Police Chief Chad Kasmar advocates for an additional 169 officers to meet departmental needs.

Assistant Police Chief Stacie Schaner emphasizes that CSOs enhance the police force, allowing sworn officers to prioritize high-threat calls. This structure improves response times for lower-level incidents. Tucson’s voters will consider approving a half-cent sales tax in March, potentially directing 22.75 percent of funds—about $182 million over ten years—toward hiring more CSOs and emergency responders.

Staffing shortages in the Tucson Police Department reflect a broader trend across law enforcement agencies in the U.S., with TPD currently facing a 25 percent reduction in officer numbers compared to ten years ago. Schaner attributes this decline to increasing scrutiny of police practices and societal shifts that have impacted recruitment.

Significant incidents, such as the 2020 deaths of Damien Alvarado and Carlos Ingram-Lopez, have raised community concern over police use of force, contributing to the ongoing discussion about accountability and therapeutic policing methods. Assistant City Manager Liz Morales states that hiring outreach specialists aims to lessen the dependency on police responses in the long run.

Other cities, including Phoenix and several in California, have adopted similar models by employing unsworn officers. Tucson’s CSOs require less training compared to sworn officers, making them more accessible as recruits for the department’s workforce. Starting salaries also reflect this difference, with CSOs earning around $21 an hour compared to $29 for police officers. Notably, 70 percent of CSOs express interest in eventually becoming police officers, with some transitioning into that role.

Despite occasional public complaints about CSOs responding in lieu of sworn officers, Schaner asserts that they possess the skills necessary for effective investigation. “CSOs handle many of these cases frequently, and they can request sworn assistance if needed,” she said.

Silva finds fulfillment in his work, often going beyond the call of duty to assist community members in need. Recently, he and Puiu encountered individuals living in a camper due to financial struggles. After expressing concern during a conversation, Silva offered assistance as Thanksgiving approached, showing the human side of community service in law enforcement.