Patrol
At the core of any police department is
the Patrol Division. It provides police service to our community 24 hours a
day. Officers within the division generally work in uniform and drive “marked”
(black and white) police cars. The officers’ primary duties include answering
calls for assistance from our citizens, engaging in crime prevention through
proactive patrol, reducing traffic problems by both preventative and enforcement
efforts, conducting initial investigations, taking crime reports, and
maintaining a commitment to our city’s community policing efforts.
Many other policing units or tools are
used to assist the patrol officers in this effort. They include the Bicycle
patrol, K-9 unit, Air Support (Helicopter), Communications Center, and Retail
Crime Unit. Due to the Patrol Division’s mission, it is the largest policing
unit within the department and the most visible. It is under the command of a
Police Captain who is assisted by four Lieutenants also known as Watch
Commanders.