The proverbial back-bone
of the department, the Patrol Division is commanded by a Captain and made up of three
platoons, each commanded by a Lieutenant; the Marine Unit commanded by a Sergeant; and
Community Policing Unit, also commanded by a Sergeant. Over 100 officers are assigned to
the Patrol Division, making it the largest division in the police department.
Patrol Division
The Patrol division was responsible for handling almost
100,000 assignments resulting in almost 60,000 case numbers each year. The calls range
from administrative matters and minor offenses to homicides. The patrol force makes over
3,400 criminal arrests in addition to issuing numerous violations and infractions for
breaches of the motor vehicle codes. The division encompasses three platoons which operate
24 hours a day, seven days a week. The 1st platoon operates from 11pm - 7am, the second
platoon which operates 7am - 3pm, and the third platoon which operates from 3pm - 11pm.
Each platoon is divided into three squads, each supervised by a Sergeant. The total number
of officers on duty varies by shift and day of week, with the busiest hours receiving the
highest number of officers assigned.
Marine Unit
The Marine Unit operates year round, with increased staffing during the summer boating
months,. The unit maintains three boats and added a Jet Ski in 1995. The unit achieved
lofty goals in 1995 including obtaining the Jet Ski at no cost to the City and equipping
and training four officers in EMT and MRT First Aid certifications. In addition to routine
patrol of the waterways, the unit monitors the signs and markings in the harbor area and
works closely with commercial fisherman and enforces shellfish violations,. The unit
responds to over 250 assistance calls, and makes over 100 arrests per year for a variety
of offenses, in addition to numerous written and verbal warnings which are issues. The
Marine Unit often works in conjunction with the US Coast Guard among other public and
private water and boating safety organizations.
Community Policing Unit
The Community Policing operated within the Patrol Division. For more information
visit COMMUNITY POLICING page.
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In addition to traditional policing
activities, the Community Police Officers wereare responsible for planning and
coordinating non-traditional functions and events for youth in their areas including
bowling leagues, midnight basketball and holiday parties and events. The new "Cops
& Kids" program unites the police with the community. Finally, Community Police
Officers and Bike Unit Officers conduct informational programs for community groups, such
as bike safety seminars.
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Also coordinated by the Community Policing
Component are the department's two (2) state-of-the-art Mobile Police Precincts. The
original MPP continues to provide an added presence in various areas of the city and is
also utilized as a base of operations for special walking patrols, selective enforcement
efforts and other specialized police operations. The newest addition to the fleet is the
Mobile Community Outreach Police Substation or MCOPS vehicle. This vehicle was purchased
by the Department of Justice, Executive Office of Weed and Seed and provided to the
department. This vehicle is used for a variety of community outreach programs. |
