Uniform Patrol

The Uniform Patrol Division is commanded by Captain Thomas Harris.  Captain Harris is a 13 year veteran with the department.  The Uniform Patrol Division consists of eight (8) full-time officer positions and five (5) Part-time officer positions.  The Uniform Patrol Division is broken down as follows:  two (2) full-time Patrol Sergeants, one (1) part-time Patrol Sergeant, one (1) part-time Detective Sergeant, two (2) full-time Corporals, one (1) part-time Corporal, four (4) full-time uniform Patrol Officers, and two (2) part-time uniform Patrol Officers.  The Uniformed Patrol Division represents over 100 years of Law Enforcement experience.  The Uniformed Patrol Division responded to and answered over 5,700 calls for service thus far this year (Nov 2006).

The officers assigned to the Uniform Patrol Division are tasked with providing 24 hour a day coverage to protect the life and property of the citizens and visitors of the City of Wauchula.  The Uniform Patrol Division officers are the first responders to calls for immediate police service providing a timely response to reported crimes in progress. 

Additionally, officers assigned to the division conduct the preliminary investigations into crimes that have already occurred and identify and apprehend person(s) suspected of committing crimes.  This preliminary investigation includes neighborhood canvasses and
processing crime scenes (dusting for fingerprints, photographing footprints, and documenting and seizing evidence).  Officers assigned to the patrol division conduct directed vehicular and foot patrols to discourage and prevent the opportunity for crimes to occur and to enhance the public’s awareness of criminal activity within their community.

The Uniform Patrol Division enforces traffic laws and investigates traffic related crashes in addition to assisting in traffic and pedestrian control.  Additionally, within the Uniform Patrol Division there are two (2) specially trained Traffic Homicide Investigators who investigate all crashes which involve a fatality.  Officers within the division are equipped with Radar speed measuring devices that allow them to “clock” speeders from both a stationary position or while driving.  Additionally, several of the vehicles are equipped with both front and rear radar antennas thereby by allowing officers to observe and “clock” violators from both directions.  The division is also equipped with LIDAR (laser) speed measuring equipment.  The officers of the division strive to be highly visible within the community and accessible to the public at all times. 

Recently, the Uniform Patrol Division has taken the “leap” into the 21st Century of Law Enforcement technology.  All vehicles within the Uniform Patrol Division are equipped with Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) which allow the officers to access vehicle registration, driver’s license, and arrest warrant databases from within their patrol vehicle.  Additionally, officers are able to write and transmit any reports from their patrol vehicle, thereby increasing visibility within the community.  Patrol vehicles assigned within the Uniform Patrol Division are equipped with on-board dash mounted video recording systems.  This tool is used extensively in aiding in the apprehension and subsequent conviction of offenders.