The Patrol Division is responsible for the preliminary investigation of calls for Police Service, Traffic Enforcement, Accident Investigation, and General Community Service.  The division is divided into four patrol squads, each supervised by a sergeant. Each squad consists of three patrolmen and a dispatcher. The four squads are responsible for covering two twelve hour work shifts on a rotating basis, seven days a week.

 

The effectiveness of the Police Department is determined by the public cooperation and the support it receives.  If the department cannot gain and maintain the confidence of the citizens of Chatham Township, its effectiveness will be curtailed and ability brought into question.  The Public trust and support is obtained when the individual members of the department demonstrate that they are interested in and actively engaged in promoting the public peace and welfare.

 

Patrol Division Commander

The Patrol Lieutenant is accountable for the administration and management of daily patrol operations. He prepares and monitors the patrol work schedule, assigns personnel and ensures adequate manpower coverage. He ensures the availability and functionality of resources and equipment for use by those assigned to his command. The Patrol Lieutenant oversees the Communications Center and dispatch operations, is responsible for implementing, reviewing and amending the Police Department Policies and Procedures. He also serves as the Public Information Officer.

 

Patrol Supervisors

Sergeants have immediate supervision of all officers and dispatchers on duty. They are responsible to encourage the enthusiasm of their subordinates and promote the goals and objectives of the police department. Sergeants set an example to all subordinates in dignity, courtesy, discretion, diligence and observance of proper discipline. Sergeants review all reports of their subordinates to assure police duties are properly and efficiently performed.

 

Patrol Officers

Patrol officers are charged with the enforcement of the law, the prevention of crime and arrest of offenders. They constantly and faithfully patrol Chatham Township, visiting each street as often as practicable. Officers are responsible to have a current knowledge and understanding of the United States and New Jersey Constitutions, Federal and State Statutory and Case law, Local Ordinances, investigative procedures and scene security, traffic and crowd control; and the department's rules and regulations, and policy and procedures.

 

Police Dispatchers

The Chatham Township Communications Center is staffed twenty-four-hours a day by civilian dispatchers. It is the hub of any police department. The ability to perform, quality of service and image of the department are dependent on the courtesy and professional-ism of our dispatchers. They are the first to be contacted by the public in any situation needing the services of the police department. Their responsibility is to relay information from the public to the patrol officers, coordinate all emergency responses to a given scene, and refer callers within the department, to other municipal offices, or to outside agencies when appropriate.  They have knowledge of all procedures and equipment pertaining to the communications operations and keep themselves abreast of Chatham Township activities and events.

 

Crossing Guards

The crossing guards are responsible for the safety of the children they cross going to and from school. They free police officers from fixed posts so they may patrol the town and respond to calls for service. All crossing guards receive classroom instruction and field training supervised by a police officer. They work whenever school is in session regardless of weather or traffic conditions and are a valuable and respected addition to the Police Department.