General Responsibilities
The Patrol Division of the Bath Police Department is made up of 13 officers. This includes a supervisory contingent of one Lieutenant, three Sergeants, and two Corporals. The Patrol Division is split into three shifts, providing 24-hour coverage to the City. Patrol Officers work a 10-hour shift, consisting of: days (7 am to 5 pm), evenings (3:30 pm to 1:30 am), and midnights (9 pm to 7 am).
The Patrol Division performs various police functions, including but not limited to; traffic control and direction, traffic enforcement, motor vehicle accident investigations, and arrest of persons involved in crimes and misconduct. Patrol officers also respond to civil disturbances, domestic disputes, missing children, prowlers, and other calls for service.
The Patrol Division uses conventional fully marked black and white police cruisers in performing its function. Members of the Patrol Division can also be seen riding police mountain bikes or walking footbeats. The Patrol Division currently has four marked police cruisers as well as a fully marked and equipped Chevrolet Tahoe received through a Homeland Security Grant. The Division also has two fully equipped police mountain bikes. In addition, the department has a K-9 unit assigned to the Patrol Division.
How Many and What Types Of Calls
The Bath Police Department handled nearly 8000 calls of service in 2005. We are responsible for all types of calls, not just those related to crime and disorder. One of the most common calls is to investigate automobile accidents. The officers themselves initiate many calls handled by the Patrol Division. This includes but is not limited to such things as OUI investigations and arrests on warrants. Patrol officers respond to both commercial and residential alarms. Officers are often requested to do welfare checks on citizens as well as handle truancy calls. One of the important functions of Patrol is to serve Protective Orders. Patrol officers provide escorts, respond to parking complaints, and conduct building checks as well as unlock vehicle doors.
Most Common/Frequent Calls
One of the most common calls answered by Patrol officers is that of disorderly conduct. This can be anything from a disturbance to a loud party. Often these calls are during the nighttime hours. Another common call is that of complaints concerning motor vehicle operation. This would include speeding vehicles as well as other reckless operation. Officers are often called upon to assist other agencies, whether it is another police agency or a social service agency.
In regards to criminal calls, theft complaints are by in large the single most common criminal complaint. However, officers do investigate burglaries, assaults, motor vehicle thefts as well as harassment, trespass and liquor law violations. Increasingly, there are more calls for patrol officers to investigate probation and bail violations. Officers are trained to conduct preliminary investigations for serious crimes such as rape, aggravated assault and child abuse.
Most Dangerous Calls
Some of the most dangerous calls that patrol officers encounter might be considered routine. These include motor vehicle stops and family fights or domestic violence calls. Domestic violence calls always have the potential of becoming dangerous due to the nature of the call. Often times those involved are emotionally upset and do not always think before acting. The situation is made worse when one or more of those involved are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Patrol officers receive regular training on how to respond and handle family violence calls.
Motor vehicle stops, regardless of the time of day, are potentially dangerous due to the fact that often time the officer doesn't know who is in the vehicle. There may be another reason why a person is speeding or swerving all over the roadway. In conducting traffic stops, police officers have to employ all of their senses, ever alert to what is happening around them. Some of the most serious life threatening encounters police have had occurred while conducting traffic stops. Again, officers are trained on how to approach and handle these situations.
Bath City Government
General Responsibilities