Patrol
Patrol is a 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year responsibility. As such, Patrol is the largest function of the Police Department. The patrol function is covered by two Patrol Divisions, each with three Patrol Squads. All Patrol Squads are staffed by a Sergeant, a Corporal, and eight to 12 Officers. Generally, when citizens need police assistance, Patrol Officers handle these calls.
Duties
Patrol duties include:
- Conducting preliminary investigations
- Detecting crime through proactive policing
- Documenting events through report writing
- Enforcing traffic laws
- Making contact with citizens and businesses as part of community outreach
- Responding to and resolving calls for service
Transportation
Patrol Officers use several modes of transportation. Primarily, the fleet is comprised of Chevrolet and Ford sedans. In addition to marked and unmarked patrol vehicles, Officers use bicycles, Segways, and foot patrols. To maximize visibility and availability, each patrol vehicle is equipped with a mobile laptop computer. This allows Officers to complete a majority of their paperwork out on the street.
Calls for Service
In 2016, the Patrol Divisions handled 75,894 calls for service. A significant percentage of these calls for service were Officer-initiated. For example, Officers conducted over 15,000 patrol checks and foot patrols in specific areas to detect or prevent crime, made over 11,900 traffic stops to enforce violations of motor vehicle laws, and conducted over 1900 business checks to meet owners and employees.