Patrol officers account for the vast majority of citizen contacts in their role as first responders. All of the officers assigned to the Operations Division fulfill traditional policing functions.  They are uniformed officers who serve as first responders and are the backbone of the police department.  The main objectives of the patrol officers are to protect and defend lives and property and to prevent criminal behavior.  Other various tasks they perform during their shifts include routine calls for service, traffic enforcement, property checks, and community policing services.

Officers assigned to the Patrol Bureau work rotating shift work requiring them to work overnight and late evening hours regularly. The majority of officers from each platoon are assigned to a geographical area within the township known as a “Zone”.  

The Patrol Bureau is comprised of four platoons.  Each platoon has two sergeants, each responsible for their respective squad. The platoons are managed by two Operations Division Lieutenants that oversee the daily operations of the patrol bureau.  The Patrol Bureau falls under the Command of the Deputy Chief of Police.