Field Operations

The Field Operations Division encompasses all of the duties that take place out in the field and is directed by an Assistant Chief. There are commanders at each of the three stations to oversee sergeants, patrol officers and administrative personnel. The following descriptions give insight into daily operations in the field.

Patrol Officers

Patrol officers are responsible for carrying out the basic functions of the Police Department which include protection of life and property, maintenance of public order, prevention of crime, response to emergency situations and proper enforcement of all laws and ordinances. Patrol officers respond to a variety of calls for service. Officers are assigned to a specific geographic location called a beat, which allows a timely dispatch to decrease the response time to an emergency.

Motorcycle Unit

The Motorcycle Unit is a group of patrol officers that respond primarily to traffic-related incidents including accidents, traffic control and DUI (driving under the influence) violations.

Bicycle Unit

The Bicycle Unit is a group of patrol officers that targets street-level crimes including narcotics violations, liquor and curfew enforcement and patrols areas identified as having a recurring crime problem. The Bicycle Unit takes an active role in city-sponsored events, festivals, civic gatherings, public education opportunities and general public safety.

Media Relations Unit

The sergeant of this unit is the primary department spokesperson who works closely with the public information officers in the dissemination of public records and the release of information to the media. The nature of police service requires public accountability and a response to any legitimate inquiry regarding operations. Information consists of a vast array of recorded documentation of all police activities and the Public Information Office assures that the flow of information is enhanced through the release of accurate data in an expedient fashion.

Field Training Unit

Field Training Officers (FTOs) are uniformed officers who, in addition to their regular patrol duties, train and evaluate new recruits who have been certified by the Arizona Police Officer Standards and Training Board. The FTOs train these officers in day-to-day skills and carefully critique the recruit’s progress. The FTOs meet regularly to discuss training issues pertinent to the recruits.

Canine Unit

The Canine Unit is composed of canine and handler teams. The canines provide assistance to officers by conducting building searches, performing field/area searches for suspects and missing persons, detecting narcotics, assisting with crowd control, apprehending suspects and deterring criminal activity. The Canine Unit has been a vital part of the Chandler Police Department since 1974, and has been critical in preventing officers from resorting to the use of deadly force by incapacitating a person where the use of deadly force was imminent.

Park Ranger Unit

The Park Ranger Unit supports park and recreation activities through the enforcement of park rules and. Park Rangers also provide park visitors with information that will support a pleasant and safe park experience. In addition to park facilities, Park Rangers assist with patrolling and providing security to the downtown area.

Detention Unit

Detention Officers take custody of prisoners from arresting officers, book prisoners into the city detention facility by completing required documentation and forms. They fingerprint prisoners and verify the identification of persons in custody. Detention Officers assist with the transportation of prisoners to and from the county jail and other law enforcement agencies, escort prisoners to and from court and process necessary paperwork. Detention Officers are also responsible for the security and welfare of prisoners while maintaining the detention facility.

Community Resources & Training Section

The Community Resources & Training Services Section includes Reserve Officers, Department Training, Explorers, Outreach/Volunteer Coordinator and Victim Assistance. These community resources and training opportunities are initiated through this section and provide opportunities for both employee and community growth.

School Resource Officers

School Resource Officers take an active role in Chandler schools by providing a police presence on campus and teaching corresponding curriculum to students.

Firearms Training Unit

The Firearms Training Unit ensures compliance with state standards and trains employees in the safe and effective utilization of all department approved weapons and ammunition. In addition, the Firearms Training Unit maintains and certifies these weapons. The unit is responsible for research and implementation of firearms training techniques, evolving science of ballistics, and lethal and non-lethal force options.