The Field Operations Division is responsible for providing front-line police services to the community.  Its primary function is to make all contacts respectful and effective while focusing on constantly reducing crime, responding to calls in a timely manner, taking all cases to an appropriate conclusion, and ensuring a sense of safety on the roadways and in the community.  Within this division resides Patrol, Traffic, Canine, Bicycle Patrol, SWAT, and Crisis Negotiations. In addition, this division is responsible for coordinating the Field Training Officer Program and training all newly hired Police Officers and Reserve Officers in the field. This division is also comprised of Public Safety Systems and Management and Fiscal Services.  The division also administers the City's contract for Animal Control with Palo Alto Animal Services.

Field Operations Division Mission:  Work cooperatively with the community, City, and other criminal justice agencies to provide services that protect and enhance community safety through timely response to calls for service and proactive prevention and enforcement activities.

Patrol Teams
Eight teams, each staffed with a Police Sergeant and up to seven Police Officers, provide front-line police services 24 hours per day, seven days per week.  Officers patrol one of four assigned beats (geographic areas) within the City in black and white police vehicles, on bicycles, or in unmarked cars.  They respond to calls for assistance, act as a deterrent to crime, investigate criminal acts and unusual incidents, enforce state and local laws, and assist community members.   Community Services Officers and Reserve Police Officers also provide patrol-related services.

Traffic Team
The Traffic Team promotes safety on our roadways and in our community by enforcing traffic related laws, collaborating with the City’s traffic engineer, and educating the public about traffic safety.  The team deploys on marked motorcycles and concentrates on proactive efforts to prevent and reduce collisions and promote the smooth flow of traffic.  Traffic Officers investigate traffic collisions, and specialize in advanced techniques for incidents involving serious injury or death.  The team provides support to Patrol Teams and the Department’s overall mission to reduce and prevent crime.  A Community Services Officer and Police Assistant handle parking enforcement and abandoned vehicle abatement.

Public Safety Systems
Public Safety Systems administers the Police Department’s mobile computing systems, emergency communications infrastructure, and public safety software.  This section provides Information Technology expertise for network connectivity and regional interoperability to ensure operational reliability and compliance with state and federal standards.

Management and Fiscal Services
Management and Fiscal Services provide professional and technical administrative support to the Police and Fire Departments for budgeting, grants administration, contract management, facility planning, program management, and special projects.