Patrol Division
Police OperationsPatrol officers answer the township's calls for service around the clock, organized in shifts under three lieutenants and ten sergeants.
About the Patrol Division
The Patrol Division is the largest part of the Chesterfield Township Police Department and the one residents see most. Patrol officers answer emergency and non-emergency calls, enforce traffic laws, take reports, check on businesses and parks, and respond first to nearly everything that happens in the township. In 2025 the department handled 35,202 calls for service and had contact with 38,362 individuals.
Patrol is organized into shifts that cover the township 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Three Lieutenants command the shifts and are responsible for the daily operations of the police department. Ten sergeants supervise the road, and 24 patrol officers are assigned to answer calls. Detectives, traffic officers, the K-9 team and the School Resource Officer work alongside patrol.
Officers arrive with training that continues throughout their careers. Newly hired officers complete the Field Training Officer program before working alone, and the department sent four officers through that program in 2025. Patrol officers also serve as evidence technicians, drone pilots, Marine One crew and members of the Honor Guard and specialty task forces.
Supervisors document employee performance through Guardian Tracking, a system that records observations, events, conversations, training, recognition and awards. In 2025 supervisors made 4,057 Guardian Tracking entries. The record follows an employee through their career and gives supervisors a complete picture at evaluation time, rather than relying on memory or scattered notes.
Responsibilities
- Respond to 911 and non-emergency calls for service across the township
- Enforce traffic laws and investigate traffic crashes
- Take police reports in the field and at the station lobby
- Conduct property checks of parks, businesses and locations of interest
- Make arrests and process suspects at the station
- Process crime scenes as trained evidence technicians
- Deploy the K-9 team, drone and Marine One when a call requires them
- Train newly hired officers through the Field Training Officer program
- Support community events, school visits and station tours
How Patrol Is Organized
Each patrol shift is commanded by an Lieutenant, who ensures operational objectives, safety standards and department policies are met and who serves as the link between administration and frontline officers. Patrol sergeants supervise officers on the road, review reports and respond to significant incidents.
The department's organizational chart authorizes three lieutenants, ten sergeants and 24 patrol officers, plus four detectives, two traffic officers, one School Resource Officer, two K-9 handlers and one training officer.
Field Training Officer Program
The Field Training Officer (FTO) program is responsible for the training, guidance and development of newly hired police officers through a structured, methodical program. New officers ride with experienced FTOs and are evaluated on every phase of the job before they are cleared for solo patrol. In 2025 the department sent four officers through the FTO program.
Cadet Support
Police cadets support patrol by taking lobby reports and conducting property checks on parks and other locations of interest in the township. Cadets are college students who complete a 40-hour training program covering report writing, private property accident reports, first aid, self defense and radio procedures, and ride along with veteran officers. Since 2022 the department has hired 27 cadets, seven of whom have become Chesterfield police officers.
Guardian Tracking
Guardian Tracking is the department's employee performance documentation system. Supervisors use it to record observations, events, conversations, good and bad incidents, training, recognition, awards and other work-related activity. In 2025 there were 4,057 entries, which give supervisors a complete picture at evaluation time and help identify employees who deserve recognition or need additional training.
Patrol Division Activity
| Measure | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Police Calls for Service | 31,043 | 35,202 |
| Individuals Contacted | 36,219 | 38,362 |
| Arrests | 1,049 | 1,106 |
| Use of Force Reports | 74 | 75 |
| Pursuits (vehicle and foot) | 27 | 20 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reach a patrol officer for a non-emergency?
Call the main line at (586) 949-2322 any time. A dispatcher will take your information and send an officer, or take a report by phone if that fits the situation. Call 911 for emergencies.
How many officers are on patrol?
The department's organizational chart authorizes 24 patrol officers supervised by ten sergeants and three Lieutenants, with detectives, traffic officers, K-9 handlers and the School Resource Officer working alongside them.
Can I ride along with an officer?
Yes. The Ride-Along Program lets adults spend part of a shift with a patrol officer after signing a release and receiving department approval. See the Ride-Along Program page under Community.
How is officer performance tracked?
Supervisors document performance in Guardian Tracking. In 2025 there were 4,057 entries covering observations, training, recognition and other work-related activity.