The Vernon Police Department implemented the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Program at the Vernon City Elementary School since 1999. The program consists of 10 weekly lessons that include lectures, discussion, cooperative learning group activities, role-playing, classwork, homework and the introduction of role models. Students are taught to recognize various drugs and other harmful substances. They learn about the effects of these substances on themselves, family and community. Personal worth is reinforced and they are taught the skills which can help them to avoid involvement with drugs in the future. The idea is to educate them prior to the opportunity for drug involvement.

The program was very well received. The D.A.R.E. officer and a program administrator work closely with the staff at the Vernon City Elementary School to coordinate the presentation of the D.A.R.E. curriculum to all 5th grade students. D.A.R.E. graduates are recognized at a graduation ceremony attended by the Chief of Police and other community representatives.

The D.A.R.E. officers also visit with the children in grades kindergarten through 5th grade, presenting information on a variety of child safety topics. This contact helps to create positive relationships between law enforcement and the children while building interest and enthusiasm for participating in the D.A.R.E. program when they get older.

In 2006, the Vernon Police Department established an Honor Guard comprised of fourteen volunteer police officers and one volunteer Sergeant. The volunteers have trained as a unit and ultimately established the tradition and reputation the unit enjoys today. The Honor Guard first utilized a modified version of the Department's class "A" uniform. Team members wore white gloves, a white ascot, a shoulder cord and high gloss leather shoes.

In 2006-2007 the Honor Guard's first chance to represent the Vernon Police Department was by sending two team members to the Los Angeles County Peace Officers Memorial. The Honor Guard quickly took on the responsibilities of posting colors and leading the pledge of allegiance each time a ceremony was held in the City Council Chambers for new officers being sworn in. The Honor Guard also led the first 9/11 ceremony conducted in front of the police station where the flag was raised and lowered to half-mast.

In 2008, the Police Chief approved the purchase of three M1 Garand rifles that have since been traditionally carried by the Honor Guard. In 2008 the role of the Honor Guard continued to evolve and took on new responsibilities. The Honor Guard again took part in all swearing-in ceremonies and led the second9/11 ceremony conducted in front of the police station where this time taps were played while the flag was raised and lowered to half-mast. The Honor Guard was also requested to represent the City of Vernon Police Department during a state sponsored Dispatcher's banquet. The year ended with members of the Honor Guard posting colors and leading the pledge of allegiance at the dedication ceremony of a new city street "Pennington Way," named after a fallen motor officer who was killed in the line of duty in 1946.

In 2009 the Honor Guard continued to show their ability to adapt to changing responsibilities. Along with being a part of all the departments' swearing-in ceremonies, the Honor Guard was also requested to take part in a swearing-in ceremony for the City of Vernon Fire Department. The Honor Guard also sent two team members to represent the Vernon Police Department at the funeral services held for the fallen officers of the Oakland Police Department. In July, the Honor Guard was requested and took part in the funeral services for Vernon City Councilman, Thomas Ybarra.

In 2009 there were more changes for the Honor Guard as the Police Chief approved a new uniform, which is currently worn. The success of the Honor Guard assisted in giving the unit its identity; however, it was the new uniform which has made the Honor Guard one of the most recognizable units in the department.

The Mobile Field Force was developed by the Vernon Police Department in the early 1990's. The Mobile Field Force is an experienced and well-disciplined squad, trained to address crowd management and deal with large gatherings that can transition into an unlawful assembly or riot. The team currently has nineteen members including two Motor Officers, two Sergeants and one Lieutenant.

The Mobile Field Force has answered the request for mutual aid on several occasions, including assisting a neighboring police department during soccer game celebrations. One in particular turned into a large gathering and transitioned into an unlawful assembly and near riot. The celebration turned to an unruly public party that was marred by 31 arrests and clashes with the police.

The Mobile Field Force has also assisted another police department when approximately 250 outlaw motorcycle members rode into their city. They all converged on Saint Benedict's Church, which hosted the funeral of a Mongol Motorcycle Club member. The club member died as a result of an uprising between the Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club and the Mongol's Motorcycle Club. The Mobile Field Force has also assisted adjoining cities in several immigration rallies, where there have been estimated crowds of 8000 plus people and over 500 protestors respectively.

The Vernon Police Department Mobile Field Force is a part of the Los Angeles County area "E" mutual aid program that includes twenty-four other surrounding cities.