State Park Peace Officers perform a wide variety of general law-enforcement activities, including complex criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, and participate in statewide task forces, for gang suspension, narcotics enforcement, auto theft, and fish and wildlife crimes, under the jurisdiction of the California State Parks.

Duties include general law enforcement, aquatic rescue (by lifeguards and other certified officers), search and rescue, emergency medical response, interpretation of natural, historic and cultural resources, resource protection, park management and proactive enforcement patrol.

SPPOs are trained and designated as sworn California State Park Peace Officers.

They patrol park grounds by vehicle, boat, and foot or horse patrol; enforce park regulations and issue citations; write reports; make physical arrests for misdemeanors, felonies, and warrants; conduct criminal and administrative investigations; take command in emergencies; perform search and rescue activities; assist in wildland and structural fire suppression; provide emergency medical assistance and aid; and may also perform traffic control and radio dispatching.

S.P.P.O.s continue training regularly upon graduation from the academy and are encouraged to further their knowledge and skill base to best serve the parks and people of California.