This Bureau of Field Operations (BFO) has one of the more recognizable presence of the SCCPD. It consists of the Patrol Division, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and encompasses several specialized units (PDF). Approximately 84 commissioned personnel and 20 non-commissioned personnel serve in the Bureau.
Patrol Division Hours & Shifts
The division operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with three different shifts.
- First Watch / Day Shift: 6:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Second Watch / Evening Shift: 2:45 p.m. - 11 p.m.
- Third Watch / Midnight Shift: 10:45 p.m. - 7 a.m.
Each shift is assigned a Watch Commander Lieutenant and two Shift Commander Sergeants. They lead each of the shifts on a rotation basis.
Responsibilities
The Patrol Division is directly responsible for maintaining a uniform presence 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The county is divided into eight patrol zones. The Patrol Division is responsible for contract patrols in the cities of Augusta, Weldon Springs Heights, St. Paul, Flint Hill, Portage De Sioux, New Melle, and West Alton.
Additionally, a full-time officer is dedicated to patrol services in the municipalities of Dardenne Praire and Weldon Spring.
Assigned Vehicle Program
In 1972, the Police Department enacted the permanent vehicle assignment program, which assigns a vehicle to each officer who is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of their assigned vehicle. This also allows officers to take their assigned vehicle to their residence, which increases visibility and enhances response times and safety to the county residents.
The current fleet of marked patrol vehicles, include Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Explorer, and Dodge Charger, to name a few.
Equipment
Patrol vehicles are equipped with equipment specialized to assist officers with their assigned duties while serving the residences of the county. Some of the items include:
- Digital video cameras
- GPS navigation systems
- Mobile data computers
- New state of the art radio system
- Radar units
