PATROL DIVISION
The Patrol Division is
considered the backbone of the police department. Each patrol officer works
under the police department's supervision to protect life & property, uphold the
civil rights of individuals, preserve public peace, provide citizen assistance,
enforce criminal and motor vehicle laws, and respond to emergency situations.
Officers competently
handle a mind-boggling mix of calls during their active patrol. Within a week's
tour of duty a single officer might be dispatched to assist in lost & recovered
property, motor vehicle accidents, disoriented or missing persons,
bar-room brawls, domestic disputes, medical aid, crowd control, animal barking &
bites, chemical spills, loud noise, prowlers, traffic accidents, drug dealing
incidents, and burglar alarms. This mélange constitutes the fabric of
patrol work. It is important to realize that in a split second, the most
inconsequential and routine activity can develop into a potentially hazardous
situation. Branford Patrol Officers responded to over thirty thousand calls for
service last year. Their work stands as an example to all of those who put
themselves in harm's way to help others.
Patrol officers maintain
closer contact with the public than any other section of the police department.
Most likely, the first person you will see when you are in need of the police,
will be a patrol officer. The men and women of the Branford Police Department
Patrol Division take great pride in serving the citizens of Branford.