The Field Operations Division is the largest division of the Police Department.  The Field Operations Division provides first response to all emergencies, performs preliminary investigations, and provides basic patrol services to the City of Riverside.

Field Operations has the responsibility to: 

• Provide the first police response to emergencies
• Perform preliminary investigations and provide basic police patrol services
• Inform and educate civic neighborhood groups on safety and crime prevention
• Provide on-duty availability of Canine Units for searches and assistance in detecting the location of suspects, missing persons, evidence or contraband
• Deploy Bicycle Patrol Units to perform routine patrol duties in an aggressive/pro-active manner
• Administer the Police Cadet Program, the Police Reserve Team, the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, Traffic Enforcement (Motorcycle Patrol), Accident Investigation, Parking Control, Explosive Ordinance Detail, Problem Oriented Policing (POP), School Crossing Guards
• Provide limited police services at Store Front Service Centers throughout the city, the Galleria
• Provide cooperative law enforcement service for the University neighborhood Enhancement Team (UNET).

The Division has undergone a number of changes in the past year from upgrades in facilities and technology to increased equipment and training for its personnel. All of these changes are directed at increasing the knowledge, skill and productivity of our uniformed personnel so they can perform their duties with the highest level of enthusiasm and professionalism.

The following accomplishments in Field Operations during 2000 were the result of a cooperative effort between all City departments, Federal, State, and County agencies:

• Implemented Phase I of Laptop computer deployment for field officers. The purchase of Rocky II laptop computers replaced the older Mobile Data Terminals (MDC's) in the patrol cars and allows officers to write police reports, access valuable resources such as mapping, Legal Source Book, Penal Codes and e-mail.

• Implementation of a 24 hour Watch Commander system to ensure availability on all shifts.

• Commitment to a proper ratio of officers to supervisors to ensure public safety.

• Continuation of the Neighborhood Beat Officer Program (NBO) program. This program involves officers who are voluntarily assigned to a specific neighborhood and act as a liaison. The officers help citizens with problem solving in their neighborhood.

• Purchase and deployment of Less Lethal Munitions. The entire division has undergone training and approximately 20 less lethal shotguns have been issued to designated officers. Further deployment and training is planned.

• Purchase and deployment of digital cameras for field officers. The Evidence Unit provided training and issued digital cameras to designated officers. The cameras will be used in the field to document evidence. The officers will download the pictures into a database located at the Lincoln Street Station.

• Installation of upgraded technology in the Roll Call Room. Installation of a ceiling projector, TV monitors, VCR, DVD, Document Camera, Cassette player, electronic whiteboard, and Video Conferencing capabilities.

• Implemented a Mobile Field Force that consists of 40 officers, 4 sergeants, and 1 lieutenant. The Mobile Field Force is equipped and trained to respond to crowd control or riot situations.

• Revised the Field Training Officer Program by implementing a training block on Community Oriented Policing.

• Implemented the Safe Parks Program. This program provides problem solving and enforcement to ensure a safe environment in our city parks.

 

SWAT Frequently Asked Questions