Patrol Division

Patrol Division

The Patrol Operations Division represents the largest component of the police department. The most important focus of the patrol is to respond to calls for service. Officers work under the supervision of a patrol operations commander. Patrol is comprised of four patrol teams, animal control, and a traffic unit that provides police services to the City of Graham. The primary mission of each team is to protect life, property, and the prevention of crime. Our officers have evolved out of the traditional law enforcement role and are involved in all aspects of the community; often serving as a link between residents and other city, county, or public service providers.

The department provides twenty-four-hour traditional patrol functions.  The officers in the Patrol Division are the first to respond to most calls for service.  Patrol officers respond to criminal calls, traffic accidents and other calls as required.

Patrol Shifts: The department’s four patrol teams operate on a rotating 12 hour schedule with Continuous 24 hour coverage. Each shift consists of a sergeant, a corporal, and three patrol officers.

District Assignments: Patrol Supervisors are responsible for zone assignments for their respective shifts. Each patrol shift as a group is responsible for Community Oriented Policing Activities for their assigned section of the city. This helps facilitate enhanced communication between members of the Department and citizens. As officers become familiar with issues affecting their district, they are able to take a more proactive approach toward community policing. This is part of the Department’s commitment to community policing.

Deployment of Personnel: Having four patrol teams allows the Department the ability to deploy patrol officers more efficiently and helps reduce response times to calls for service.

Supervision: Each patrol team is supervised by a sergeant and one Corporal. This arrangement ensures that supervisors are in the field throughout the shift and keeps the Lieutenant available for administrative tasks.