Patrol operations are divided into five districts. The districts are managed by officers that work 12-hour day and night shifts. These patrol officers respond to the community’s calls for service, enforce traffic and criminal laws, address community needs and initiate actions based on their own observations.

Patrol is the backbone of the police organization. The police department uses foot patrol, one- and two-officer cars, undercover cars, and segways to patrol Benton.

The patrol division operates on the community-policing model in which input from the community is vital to determining policing strategies. Officers attend community events to interact with the residents and address their concerns regarding law enforcement. The patrol division provides the initial response to calls for service from the public. Patrol officers are responsible for the prevention of crime, enforcement of all laws, the arrest and prosecution of criminals and the protection of life and property.

The patrol division is also responsible for traffic and crowd control at all the major parades and events in the city of Benton.

In addition to daily patrol functions, officers must also frequently attend court for misdemeanor and felony cases.

City parks are heavily patrolled by the district officers to reduce the problems of disorderly youths, criminal mischief, fights, drug activities and bike thefts and make our parks safe for all citizens.