Police

Message from the Chief of Police

Responsibilities
The primary goal of the Department is protection of life and property, prevention of crime and apprehension of criminal perpetrators. The Department strives to provide the best possible police service to the residents of the City and to those who work, travel, and shop here.

The Chief of Police is responsible for the operation of the Department. He accomplishes this with the assistance of his executive officer, the Deputy Chief of Police. The Deputy Chief sits on the Traffic and Safety Board and assists in recommending coordination of traffic control devices and traffic flow patterns.

To handle the traditional duties of the Department and the associated administrative functions effectively, the Department is divided into Patrol/Services and Investigative Divisions, each under the supervision of a Commander.

Staff
The Patrol Division has three shifts to fulfill its 24-hour responsibilities. Three Sergeants and 21 uniformed officers are distributed among these shifts. This highly visible group responds to calls for service, enforces traffic laws, investigates motor vehicle accidents and conducts preliminary investigations of criminal offenses. In order to increase our effectiveness, and to develop closer relations between the community and the department, officers are frequently assigned to patrol on bicycles and on motorcycle. Officers speak to citizen groups, businesses and school children about traffic matters, drug use, baby-sitter safety, crime prevention and many other topics. Whenever possible, appearances are made at block parties and other neighborhood activities to meet the community.

The Investigative Division is staffed by four investigative Corporals, one of whom is designated as the School Liaison Officer. This division is responsible for follow-up investigations involving crimes, liquor and narcotics violations, liquor license applications and employee background checks. In addition, one officer is assigned to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration to serve with investigative groups.

The Staff and Services Division is responsible for preparation and administration of the budget, purchasing, record keeping, and management of the property and evidence room. Police/Fire/Emergency Medical Service dispatch operations, parking enforcement, animal control, traffic sign installation and school crossing guards also fall within the responsibilities of the Services Division.

The Department is supported by a volunteer Police Auxiliary unit, trained and uniformed, whose members serve regularly at high school athletic events and at special events such as the Dream Cruise, Village Fair and parades. They also ride with regular officers on patrol.