GENERAL DUTIES -

At the core of any police department is the patrol division. This section provides the citizen of Jacksonville with around-the-clock protection and service. The patrol officers and supervisors work hard to keep the lines of communication open between the department and the community. The patrol division of the Jacksonville police has the responsibility of preserving the peace, protecting life and property, and maintaining the balance between law and order and individual liberty. The officers of the uniform patrol division, true to its name, accomplish this by constant patrols of the city's streets by marked and unmarked cars, and on foot.

The uniform patrol division acts as a first responder to calls for immediate police service providing a timely response to reported criminal offenses in progress. The uniform patrol division also conducts patrol activities in an effort to discourage and prevent criminal offenses from occurring, and enhances the public's awareness of criminal activity in their community. The uniform patrol division is designed to be highly visible in the community, and are accessible to the public at all times, working together to enhance the quality of life for our citizens.

The officers’ primary duties include answering calls for service / assistance from our citizens, engaging in crime prevention through proactive patrolling, reducing traffic problems by both preventative and enforcement efforts, conducting initial investigations, taking crime reports, and maintaining a commitment to our city’s community policing efforts.

If you think that you need to call the police department, do not hesitate. We had rather you call us and not need us than need us and not call us.

The patrol division is broken down into three basic shifts, and a split shift. The shifts are broken down as follows;