The Patrol Operation is the backbone of any police department. All the other sections of the Police Department operate in support of the Patrol Operation. The administrative, communications, and investigative positions operate to support the basic function of patrol. The basic functions of a police agency are performed by the patrol personnel. They are charged with the duty to protect lives and property, enforce criminal and traffic laws, suppress crime and respond to a wide assortment of calls for police service. Many of these calls are determined to be outside the jurisdiction of the police service and referrals to other agencies or government entities are made.

Police powers in our country are limited and were intended to be that way by our founding fathers. Police agencies function under limitations imposed by the various Courts of the judicial system and their interpretation of the Constitution and enacted laws. Law enforcement cannot be and was never intended to be the answer to all problems in society.