The
Patrol Services Division is the largest division and is the backbone
of the Middlesex Police Department. The Patrol Division is responsible
for the delivery of police services to the citizens of Middlesex, 24
hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This division accounts
for approximately 70% of the department’s measurable workload and
handles approximately 1600 calls for service each month. The primary
responsibility of the Patrol Services Division is to enforce state and
local laws, to provide for the public safety and to address quality of
life issues within the borough through a proactive community oriented
policing philosophy.
The
borough is divided into three geographic patrol sectors. Each officer
is responsible for answering calls, conducting preventive patrol
within the neighborhoods and business districts, enforcing traffic
laws and addressing both safety and quality of life issues in their
assigned sector. Aside from responding to calls for service, which can
range from very minor assistance calls to critical incidents, many
officers are assigned to one or more specialized units or programs.
These include Traffic Safety Unit, Firearms Training Unit, Bicycle
Patrol Unit, Motorcycle Unit, Serious Accident Investigation Unit,
Field Training Officer Program and Community Policing Unit. Many also
serve as in-service training instructors within the department.
Other responsibilities that are performed by the members of this
division include assisting the borough and its various civic groups
and organizations with planning and executing their events such as;
carnivals, parades, picnics, dances, Hometown Day, Middlesex Challenge
Run and high school athletic events and graduations, to ensure that
all who participate in or attend these events have a safe and
enjoyable experience. The men and women of the Patrol Services
Division are dedicated, highly trained, multi-talented individuals who
are capable of handling any emergency or call for service in a prompt,
efficient and professional manner.
The
Patrol Services Division is staffed by a Captain, a Staff Sergeant, 4
Sergeants, 4 Corporals and 14 uniformed Patrol Officers. Officers work
steady shifts of 12-hours and bid for new shifts annually. The
division also includes a Traffic Safety Unit Officer and 13 School
Crossing Guards.