California Emergency Mobile Patrol, Inc.

Overview

California Emergency Mobile Patrol, Inc. (CEMP) is a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles, California, dedicated to providing emergency services to the community. Established in 1962, CEMP has served as a volunteer search and rescue team, recognized for its commitment to public safety and emergency response.

Mission and Activities

CEMP's primary mission is to assist in the search and rescue of missing persons, provide traffic control, assist law enforcement at crime scenes, and offer standby medical assistance during special events. The organization is comprised of volunteers aged 18 and older, including community members and several full-time police officers from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) who have undergone special training.

Some specific activities CEMP engages in include:

• Search and Rescue Operations: CEMP plays a critical role in locating missing persons and has logged thousands of volunteer hours in this effort.

• Event Support: CEMP provides standby medical services and traffic management for various community events.

• Lighting and Safety: The organization is equipped with portable lighting systems and has specialized teams that manage lighting at crime scenes and emergencies to enhance visibility and safety.

Training and Membership

All CEMP members complete extensive training before participating in operations. This includes certification in first aid, CPR, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use, and training through the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. Many members also hold Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certifications and are trained in search and rescue techniques by the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR).

CEMP maintains its own radio communications system and operates vehicles that include command and medical support units. The organization also features a K-9 unit, where canine partners are trained for tracking and cadaver searches, certified by the California Rescue Dog Association (CARDA).

Funding and Community Impact

CEMP is funded entirely through donations and member dues, receiving no financial support from the city of Los Angeles. This model allows CEMP to maintain independence while providing invaluable services to the community. In recent years, the organization has saved the city significant resources by volunteering manpower for critical search operations, valued at over $100,000 in avoided police salary costs during 2011 and 2012.

CEMP has responded to several major incidents in Los Angeles, including the Northridge earthquake, the Chatsworth Metrolink train crash, and significant wildfires, demonstrating its critical role in local emergency response efforts.

Conclusion

With over 60 years of experience, California Emergency Mobile Patrol remains a fundamental resource in Los Angeles, offering trained volunteer support for a range of emergency services. The organization continues to recruit passionate individuals who wish to contribute to their community through volunteerism in emergency and rescue operations.