Patrol Division

Patrol officers are highly trained professionals, responsible for the:

apprehension of criminal offenders;

maintenance of order;

protection of life and property; and

emergency intervention.

Patrol and traffic officers issue traffic citations, gather accident scene evidence and file reports, and provide traffic control. They also participate in the investigation of fatal traffic accidents, and hit and run cases. Patrol officers serve as a direct liaison between the department and the community on quality of life issues.

Also part of the Patrol Division are the K-9 Unit and Street Crimes Unit. The specially trained K-9s and their handlers perform patrol functions such as searches, drug tracking, and tracking of suspects or missing persons. The Street Crime Unit is responsible for aggressive street level enforcement and neighborhood crime prevention initiatives and Gang intervention. The Gang intervention was established in 1996 to counteract the growth of gangs in central Illinois.

Police presence in our community is further enhanced by our Neighborhood Police Officers and Neighborhood Enhancement Action Team These strategically located outposts provide bases of operations for community education programs, and create a sense of security and involvement for citizens.

Among the tools used routinely by patrol officers are the mobile data computers in our squad cars. This sophisticated communication network enhances crime-fighting efforts by providing immediate access to vital information such as vehicle license number or a suspect's criminal history. Through a grant provided from the U.S. Department of Justice we are in the early stages of implementing a lap top reporting system for field officers. Patrol officers will be able obtain information and complete reports in the field and transmit them immediately to headquarters for advisement and review. The new method of transmitting information to and from the officer in the field will provide greater efficiency and impact advance notice to criminals with police scanners.

Website Developed  by: James C. Hurban, Peoria Police Department Management Analyst, in 1997 and it continues to be updated by Police Department Personnel with input from many, many people.

Copyright 1999 all rights reserved

Updated: January 25, 2003