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Patrol Division

The City of West Haven is divided into 10 patrol areas, or beats.  These beats are staffed on all shifts by patrol units.  There are additional walking beats and "floater" units (patrol cars not assigned to a specific area) throughout the city.  In addition, patrols with special assignments (i.e. Quality of Life, CAPPS, DUI, and other directed patrols) are deployed as well.  Officers in the Patrol Division respond to calls for reports of criminal activity, apprehending criminals and wanted persons, motor vehicle accidents, as well as enforcing motor vehicle violations and performing preventative deterrent patrols.

The Patrol Division, which responds to more than 40,000 calls for service each year, is the largest division in the police department.  In 2004, the Patrol Division responded to 41,395 calls for service.  In 2005, the Patrol Division responded to 45,515 calls for service. In 2006, the Patrol Division responded to 51,582 calls for service.  In 2007, the Patrol Division responded to 51,944 calls for service.

During the summer of 2005, the Emergency Reporting System (ERS) integrated with the West Haven Police Department.  ERS personnel, who previously answered 911 emergency calls, now answer both 911 emergency and non-emergency calls.  These dispatchers are cross trained in call taking and dispatching of police, fire, and medical calls for service.

ERS dispatchers staff one of four identical dispatch stations (pictured left), each capable of dispatching police, fire, or medical calls.  Television monitors which are networked to security cameras positioned along the boardwalk and police headquarters, are viewed within this dispatch center.  Through these real-time images, dispatchers can monitor activity and dispatch appropriate services when needed.  In addition, equipment used to trace the location of emergency 911 calls made from cellular phones is now available.