Watch Command

The Patrol Bureau is responsible for handling all calls for service from community members and visitors in Salt Lake City. In addition, Patrol Officers work proactively to prevent crime and form partnerships with the community to improve the quality of life throughout the city. Patrol is a 24/7 operation that typically handles 150,000 calls for service per year. Because Patrol officers are the first-responders to calls-for-service and emergencies, they need to be highly trained in resolving and restoring order in any type of emergency.

Each day brings a myriad of new problems for officers to resolve. Officers are often tasked with responding to tragedies which requires a considerable amount of emotional self-control and restraint. Officers choose to work patrol for the constant challenge of running into the dangerous unknown to help strangers in their time of need. Patrol Officers also are the front line guardians of the community and constantly work to prevent crime.

Watch Command represents the Office of the Chief and operates within the Operations Bureau. Watch Commanders bear the rank of lieutenant and are responsible for overseeing day-to-day field operations, ensuring that employees provide and maintain a professional standard of service. During major incidents, Watch Commanders will be the onsite incident commander directing all available police resources to ensure public safety. In the absence of a Public Information Officer, Watch Commanders will handle media relations and public safety messaging.