The Patrol Division consists of six platoons that have the responsibility for patrol services, crime preventio, and enforcement services.   A Lieutenant commands each platoon.

• Six patrol sergeants are assigned to the Patrol Division.  Sergeants will be assigned offsetting shifts and will serve as field supervisors and report to a Lieutenant.
• Each Police Officer assigned to the platoon will report to the sergeant as their immediate supervisor.  The numerical composition of patrol officers within a platoon may vary at times, depending on allocations, service demand and deployment of personnel.  Police Department policy and procedure dictate the lines and limits of authority and responsibility.

Patrol officers are the backbone of the Police Department and constitute the largest Division.  The majority of patrol services are first-line contact with citizens.  Patrol officers respond to various calls, requiring well-rounded skills and knowledge concerning law enforcement, traffic laws, criminal behavior, civil order and protection and both city and state laws and ordinances.

The Patrol Division works in four shifts: day, flex, evening and night.

Responsibilities
The Patrol Division responds to citizen calls for service, enforces traffic laws, apprehends criminal perpetrators, conducts and promotes crime prevention programs and assists with strategic problem solving in the community.

Tactical Patrol Response
"Directed" or "tactical patrol response" allows patrol officers to use information and statistics to predict where and when crimes are likely to occur.  Working in cooperation with the other divisions, patrol officers focus crime prevention on areas predicted to experience problems.

Traffic Enforcement
Officers approach traffic enforcement aggressively to protect lives and property.  This includes enforcement of speed limits and traffic signals, and the state statute prohibiting driving under the influence of alcohol.

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Photos Courtesy of Malcolm J. Wilson and Bristol News Paper 
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