BEND POLICE DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS
A police department is much more than an officer, a vehicle and handcuffs. There are many facets to an effective department, the Bend Police Department is no exception. There are field operations, staff support, records and administration to name a few, as well as subsets within these.
Field Operations: These include the various units that are commonly seen on the streets. They are:
Patrol Officers in squad cars that routinely patrol the community and respond to calls from the public. They are usually the first units at any emergency.
Traffic These officers concentrate on traffic control and roadway safety. Except for inclement weather, they can be seen on motorcycles patrolling the Bend roadways.
K9 Units These highly trained dogs and their handlers are used in situations too dangerous for an officer or where the dogs superior senses are needed. The Bend K9's are primarily used for suspect locating and apprehension.
Specialized Units: These groups and individuals augment and enhance all facets of the Department.
Detectives After the initial case information is processed, it is up to the detectives to pursue and sort out data and leads in complex cases.
Community Service Officers This unit relieves field officers from lower priority calls resulting in a more efficient use of personnel. Animal complaints, cold calls and crime scene support are some of their duties.
Evidence Technicians A very demanding and detail oriented job. They assure that all evidence collected is sorted, labeled and secured to protect the chain of evidence.
Communications Technician This is a very demanding and time sensitive position. It assures that the radios, mobile computers, pagers and other communications equipment is in good working order. Furthermore, as the pace of technology increases, needs assessment and equipment compatibility must be assured.
Fleet Support Someone has to make sure the vehicles are in top shape, meet safety requirements and that all the lights, horns and other safety gear is in order. Fleet Support assures that is so.
Community Liaison There are two areas assigned to this department; Special Events making sure that events are safe and meet City Codes, and Community Policing, providing assistance with community safety and education.
SWAT The SWAT team is made up of regular officers that have specialized training for high risk incidents. Primarily used for drug and felony warrant service, they must be ready at all times for incidents that require unique tactics and equipment.
Administration: Without this staff, everything grinds to a halt. This unit is responsible for everything from procedures to paychecks.
Records A very busy group, they are responsible for processing reports, assisting the officers in record research, running the front counter and archiving all reports.
The Brass The Chief, Captains and their support staffs are accountable for all operations of the Bend Police Department. They must manage budgets, strategic courses for the Department, projected resource requirements and compliance with all procedures for continued accreditation.
Although there are many facets to the Department each must blend seamlessly to get the job done. Some staff have dual responsibilities such as Traffic responding to calls. There is no "me" in "team". The philosophy and esprit de corp of the Bend Police Department will not allow that. The sum is truly greater than its parts.
