Captain Ken Tran
Western Division Commander
San Jose Police Department
kenh.tran@sanjoseca.gov
Phone: 408-277-4631

Western Division includes 4 police patrol districts totaling approximately 28 square miles. Residents and visitors to Western Division call for police response an average of 7,986 times a month (2011 stats). It is home to 154,885 residents and includes many of San Jose’s most recognizable landmarks. The Winchester Mystery House, Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, and San Jose Municipal stadium; the home of the minor league baseball San Jose Giants.

Western Division Team

The Western Division Command Staff includes four Lieutenants who cover all three watches. Their range of experience is from 15 to 24 years in law enforcement. Each Lieutenant has led a unique career path. Their former assignments include but are not limited to Narcotics, Burglary, Gang Investigations, Assaults/Juvenile/Missing Persons and Internal Affairs. Crime Prevention Specialists Mini Le and Marta Dominguez are also an integral part of our team. Combined they have over 20 years of experience educating community members on how to make their neighborhoods safer. I have the utmost confidence my staff will provide the best service possible despite the current budgetary and staffing limitations.

Crime Prevention Tip for Safe and Happy Holidays

This holiday season, don't let the spirit of giving lull you into giving burglars, muggers, and pickpockets a better chance to do their dirty work. Crooks love the holidays as much as everyone else, but chiefly because its an opportune time for crime.

If You're Traveling

• Get an automatic timer for your lights.
• Ask a neighbor to watch your home and park in the driveway from time to time.
• Don't forget to have mail and newspaper delivery stopped. If it piles up, its a sure sign you're gone.

If You're Out for the Evening

• Turn on lights and the radio or TV so it looks like somebody's home.
• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave, even if it's just for a few minutes.
• Don't display gifts where they can be seen from outside.

If You're Out Shopping

• Stay alert and be aware of what's going on around you.
• Park in a well-lighted space, and be sure to lock the car, close the windows, and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk.
• Avoid carrying large amounts or cash; pay with a check or credit card whenever possible.
• Deter pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Don't overburden yourself with packages. Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
• Only carry a minimal amount of credit cards when out shopping.
• Do not carry your Social Security Card or PIN numbers in your wallet or purse, leave these items in a secure place at home.
• Taking the extra time to close your purse and keep it with you while shopping or in public places will reduce the opportunity for thieves to take wallets and other valuables.
• Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.
• When possible walk to your car with someone or ask a store employee to walk with you to your car especially after dark.
• For more holiday safety tips, please visit our Holiday Safety page.

For more burglary prevention tips and a video view our Crime Prevention Tips.