Patrol Division

The Patrol Division, the largest within the police department and commanded by Captain David Smith, is comprised of four (4) sergeants, and thirty-two (32) officers. The Patrol Divisions' primary responsibility is to prevent crime through visible patrol of the city, conduct preliminary investigations into reported crimes, check suspicious incidents and persons, investigate traffic accidents, and enforce traffic laws.

Captain David Smith

Community Oriented Policing efforts of the Patrol Division are aimed at problem solving, apprehension of those involved in on-going criminal activity, allaying citizens' fear of crime, providing services, and enhancing the quality of life through the cooperation of the police and the citizens of the community.

Work Week

The Patrol Division Personnel work 12-hour shifts. Shifts begin at 0700 and 1900 hours. This allows the availability of a supervisor and eight (8) officers on the streets at any given time. Patrol officers attend 40 hours of in-service training during duty time throughout the year. The Patrol Division also encompasses Animal Control efforts.

Any time worked after working an actual 85 hours in a 14-day pay period is paid at time and a half. Officers who are called in from off-duty to testify in court are paid a minimum of two hours.

Shift Assignment

An officer's initial assignment is generally to the Patrol Division as a patrol officer. The Patrol Division is staffed on a twenty-four hour basis through the utilization of two work shifts. Officers work three days on, have three days off and then work fours days on and have four days off with the cycle repeating itself.

Specialized Units

Transfer to specialized units is based upon the needs and best interest of the department as defined by the Chief of Police or the Police Operations Commander. In addition to service as a patrol officer, positions are available on the bicycle detail, Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.), Traffic Accident Investigator, Negotiations Team, Drug Recognition Expert, Police K-9, Motorcycle Patrol, and Street Gang Unit.

The police department is also involved in the following programs/services: Police/Citizen Advisory Board, Educational Observation Program, Cultural Diversity, Language Line, Telecommunications for the Deaf, Physical Fitness Program, Duty Command Officer, Public Information Officer, and Leadership Council. A Citizens' Police Academy was established in 1998.

Promotions are made by the Chief of Police after officers undergo testing and/or an interview board. Officers may be eligible for promotion to Lieutenant, Sergeant, Detective, Master Police Officer, and Senior Master Patrol Officer.