Overview
The Uniform Patrol Division is the proverbial backbone of the police department. A majority of the department’s officers are assigned to uniform patrol. The department includes three separate shifts. This allows officers to respond to the majority of the calls for service throughout each day.
Types of Calls
Patrol officers will typically respond to calls within the boundaries of the Northern Regional Districts. On occasion, the officers will also assist other nearby police agencies when requested to do so. These requests are general for high priority incidents requiring additional police units beyond the capacity of the requesting agency.
Calls for service that are handled by patrol officers, range from minor problems such as noise complaints, civil disputes, and traffic issues; up to serious vehicle accidents, domestic disputes, armed robberies etc.
Motor Vehicle Violations
In addition to responding to calls, patrol officers routinely enforce motor vehicle code violations through proactive patrols along the Municipality’s roadways. Officers typically monitor for speed violations, failure to stop at posted stop signs and traffic signals, intoxicated drivers, and other poor driving habits. These violations are the cause for a majority of motor vehicle accidents. The officers in the Uniform Patrol Division utilize marked and unmarked police cars, as well as motorcycles and bicycles to conduct their daily patrols throughout the municipality. Marked police vehicles provide instant recognition when seen on the roadways, which helps to deter bad driving and criminal activity. Unmarked police cars and motorcycles are commonly used for traffic enforcement. They allow officers to easily spot aggressive drivers. Furthermore, the officers may ride bicycles during special events, making it easier to navigate through large crowds.
Training & Instruction
Patrol officers receive training and instruction in many different facets of police work. Some officers may specialize in certain fields, in addition to their daily patrol functions. Here are some examples of specialty training the officers receive:
Certified Accident Reconstructionist: Sergeant Matthew Blough, Patrolman David McCurdy, Patrolman Kurt Gilkinson
Certified Truck Inspector: Sergeant Andrew Bienemann, Patrolman Chad Knox
Firearms Instructor: Officer Scott Barlett, Officer Garrett Pampiks, Officer Scott Carney, Officer Adam Greco, Officer Ismael Lopez, Officer Matthew Crawshaw, and Officer Ryan Olszewski
Canine Handler: Officer Michael Stevenson, Officer Justin Welling
Say Hello
The Uniform Patrol Division of the Northern Regional Police Department are the group of officers you are most likely to encounter in the community and see driving through your neighborhood. Please feel free to stop and say hello, should you see an officer in your neighborhood.
