Functions & Responsibilities

The principal operational duties and responsibilities of the Patrol Bureau are as follows: 

Provide Primary Police Patrol Services

Whether specially assigned, dispatched, or the result of personal observation, Patrol Bureau personnel must respond to any situation requiring police intervention or assistance and, to the extent possible, provide for proper disposition or resolution. This general mandate includes, but is not limited to:

• Take immediate enforcement action as appropriate when violations of law are observed or can otherwise be established..
• Provide emergency or non-emergency assistance to citizens when necessary.
• Assist other bureaus of this department in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities.
• Develop positive relationships between citizens and this department including the dissemination of crime prevention information and otherwise support the department crime prevention and public education programs.
• Intervene in and, to the extent possible, resolve disputes or other problems giving rise to the need for police services.

Engage in General Preventative or Directed Patrol

Preventative Patrol involves officers being visible in the community for the prevention of crimes and accidents, the discovery of hazards, as well as to create a sense of security on the part of the general public. Directed Patrol involves the deployment of police personnel with more specific objectives utilizing special techniques as circumstances require.

• Utilize available time and resources to provide preventative patrol coverage of assigned areas.
• Establish and maintain a police presence in the community giving priority to areas deemed most apt to generate police problems.
• Inspect and generally maintain the security of public places as well as other high-risk premises in assigned areas.
• Collect and communicate information obtained as a result of observations or other sources, which may be of use to other officers and/or bureaus.
• Utilize special patrol techniques to deal with special problems, which have been identified.

Conduct Preliminary & Follow-up Investigations

The Patrol Bureau is principally responsible for the collection of information to be used in the investigation of crimes and other situations requiring police action. Patrol Bureau personnel are also assigned follow-up investigations. Specifically, the Patrol Bureau should:

• Document information received from complainants and witnesses regarding the occurrences of criminal and other offenses.
• Identify, preserve, and process crime scenes. The most serious crimes will often times require the assistance of other department personnel with specialized training and experience.
• When assigned, conduct thorough follow-up investigations and if possible, make final disposition of those cases.
• Conduct on-scene and follow-up investigations of motor vehicle accidents.

Monitor Pedestrian / Vehicular Traffic & Public Places

Special attention should be given to the movement and control of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and public places which include government buildings, public parks, schools, businesses and other places where people congregate. The principle purpose of this activity is to maintain public order, safety and ensure compliance with various regulations.