CED Annexation Policy Plan 1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

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F. POLICE DEPARTMENT 1. Services Provided The national motto of the law enforcement profession, "To Serve and Protect" states the essential purpose of the South Bend Police Department. Functional objectives of the Department are the prevention of crime, deterrence of crime, apprehension of offenders, recovery and return of property, movement of traffic and public service. These objectives are provided through three divisions. The Uniform Division consists of the patrol section and traffic section. The patrol section is divided into three (3) details constructed of geographic areas as well as call -demand proportion beats. Presently, the City has 15 beats with each beat further divided by reporting districts. The patrol details are the most visible division of the Police Department having primary responsibilities for preventing crime and maintaining order within the City. The patrol details are supported by the City's K-9 units. The NEST (Neighborhood Enforcement Strike Team) unit provides timely and visible response to complaints in neighborhoods throughout the City. The recent restructuring of the department has added many of the former traffic functions and responsibilities to the patrol section including the enforcement of laws related to the movement of vehicles and pedestrians, parking laws and accident investigations. The traffic section focuses upon services associated with the youth of the community and special patrol districts. Safetyville, SUDS (Stop Underage Drinking and Sales) and DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) provide for youth education. Special bike and foot patrols for the downtown area, East Race and West Washington Street area are provided through the traffic section along with other services including hit-and-run investigations, liaison with Civil Defense, Haz/Mat liaison with the Fire Department, coordinating the crossing guard services, arson investigations and assisting at special events. The Investigation Division consists of the Investigative. Section, Juvenile Aid Bureau (JAB) and Special Operations Section (SOS). The primary function of the Investigative Section is to coordinate the previous investigations of the Uniform Division in order to further determine the illegality of acts and to determine the identification of alleged suspects. JAB monitors, investigates and coordinates crimes involving juveniles. Each high school district is assigned a JAB officer. SOS is comprised of a drug unit and intelligence unit. This section has recently been expanded to a Metro SOS incorporating officers from the St. Joseph County and Mishawaka Police departments. 43