Patrol Bureau
The Patrol Bureau is the department's largest bureau and includes four divisions, divided geographically - North Division, South Division, East Division and West Division.
Patrol officers respond to calls for service and emergencies. Call types range from Priority 1 calls such as shootings and violent crime to Priority 3 such as blocked driveways or report calls. They play an essential role in taking enforcement action of criminal activity, including traffic stops, issuing citations, and making arrests. Officers conduct field investigations, such as locating witnesses and evidence related to crimes, DUI investigations, and field interviews.
Patrol officers work closely with the community members of the divisions they work in, often attending events, meetings, and forums to discuss opportunities for increased public safety.
Community Oriented Public Safety Programs
Community policing is a philosophy and management style that promotes partnerships within the community and promotes community involvement. Elements of community policing include focusing attention on the causes of problems rather than only the response to incidents and involving a commitment and team effort by all departments of the city.
The department's community policing efforts are multifaceted. For example, members of the department attend neighborhood meetings to learn of the concerns of area residents and business owners. Beat officers conduct "walk and talks" on a regular basis by periodically stopping their patrols to get out within the community and discuss issues of importance to the public.
All Long Beach police officers are trained in the community policing philosophy. Additionally, each geographical division has proactive teams consisting of sworn employees and civilian support staff who promote personal safety and crime prevention. Along with beat officers, the teams represent the department at many community events, business meetings, and nonprofit group functions.