The goal of the Patrol Division is to address community problems and assure a safe community environment through directed and routine patrol. As the most visible and largest division of the police department, the Patrol Division provides the first response to emergency and non-emergency incidents. Patrol personnel proactively address community problems, use various specialized units with special problems, and deliver police services to city residents.
A total of 65 officers man eight teams in the patrol division. Four watch commanders (Lieutenants) act as supervisors of the shifts, each shift has a Sergeant and Corporal. The schedule has a day shift, early swing shift, a late swing shift and a night shift each day. The officers work a modified plan that allows for a 40 hour week. The schedule has double coverage between 11:00 A.M. and 3:00 A.M. each day, allowing for more units to patrol high crime areas during these times. Many extra duty assignments including RAT Patrol, K-9, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Field Training Officer, and Crime Scene Investigator, are available to the patrol officers. As with any department, the patrol division is the backbone of the agency, with most of the department's resources being put into this division.
Of the 122 authorized sworn positions, we currently have 13 openings. Like many other agencies, we are having difficulties in finding qualified applicants. New programs such as the Lateral Hire will help get us caught up in FY 08. As we fill positions, we will be able to put "more boots on the street."
