The Support Bureau consists of units and divisions which “support” the overall operational functions of the emergency responders for the Police Department. Under the Support Bureau there are units such as the Investigations Division, the Forensic Laboratory, the Property Room, Records Division, Training Division, Internal Affairs, Animal Control, Mounted Police and the Volunteer Program.

Royal Bates

 Support Captain

Captain Royal Bates grew up in East County, attended Santana High School, and graduated with a B.S. in Criminal Justice from San Diego State University. He has served with the City of El Cajon Police Department for 20 years. Royal was promoted to Sergeant in 2011, Lieutenant in 2015, and Captain in August 2019.

Royal has served in various assignments throughout his career. He was hired as a police officer in March of 1999 and was assigned to Patrol, where he also served as a Field Training Officer. Royal worked in the Patrol Gang Unit, in Investigations in the Gang Suppression Unit, Special Investigations Unit and as a Task Force Detective. He was a Sergeant in both the Crimes Against Property Unit and Crimes of Violence Unit. He also served as the ITP and Internal Affairs Lieutenant. Royal has also served as the Vice President of the El Cajon Police Officer’s Association. Royal was assigned to the SWAT team September 1, 2000 and served for 18 years, concluding his assignment as SWAT Commander upon his promotion to Captain in 2019.

He is a graduate of the Supervisory Leadership Program, a recipient of Officer of the Month, four ECPD Meritorious Unit Citations and two San Diego Sheriff’s Dept. Meritorious Unit Citations.