Uniform Patrol Division

The Uniform Patrol Division is the backbone of the Ruston Police Department and has the largest number of sworn personnel within the department. Our patrol division consists of 28 officers; this includes 5 lieutenants, 4 sergeants, 6 corporals and 13 patrol officers. The patrol division operates on four 12-hour permanent shifts under the direction of the patrol captain. The patrol division has a wide range of duties and responsibilities. These officers regularly handle calls which vary from assisting stranded motorists to preliminary investigations of serious criminal offenses. They are responsible for basic accident investigation and enforcement of traffic laws and regulations. They answer both business and residential burglar alarms, settle disputes and perform a variety of public assistance acts. They are out there at night while the majority of the community sleeps, trying to keep a watchful eye for anything that might be wrong or out of place. They perform a wide range of duties on a regular basis that includes everything from being marriage counselors to dog catchers. In most cases, public contact with the Police Department is conducted through the Patrol Division. It's often a thankless job, but when they are needed, they are never more than just a phone call away.

All of the Ruston Police Department's patrol vehicles are equipped with in-car video and audio recording equipment that gives the officer the capability to video record all routine police activities. These recordings have proven to be extremely beneficial both in evidence collection as well as providing training material and protecting the officer from false and unjust accusations. Our vehicles are also equipped with in-car computers that give the officer access to the Louisiana Motor Vehicle and Drivers License database, as well as criminal information and history through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Most motor vehicle collision information is also recorded using the computers on the accident scene. This eliminates much of the paperwork that officers previously were faced with.

Almost all Ruston Police Department vehicles are equipped with GPS tracking equipment that allows the police dispatcher to track the movement of any police vehicle at any time. This can be extremely valuable to the safety of a police officer should that officer become incapacitated and unable to call for help.

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Here are the different divisions of the Ruston Police Department.	Here are some of the different projects and programs that are currently in operation.
Communications Division... Criminal Investigations Division... SWAT... K-9's... Juvenile Division... Narcotics Division... Forgery... Bicycle Patrol...	Neighborhood Watch... DWI Enforcement Program... Reserve Police Officer Program... Crimestoppers... Personal Safety Tips from McGruff... Employment Opportunities... Law Enforcement Technology...

The Ruston Police Department Web Pages were created and maintained by Captain Jim Hilton.
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