In any police department, the patrol officers are the backbone of that agency and the same holds true for the Cape Coral Police Department.  In our agency of over 220 sworn officers, Patrol is the single largest Bureau.  The Patrol Bureau officer is who most citizens come into contact with from day to day.  Our Patrol Bureau officers protect persons and property 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

While all of our Patrol Bureau Officers wear the same uniform, and drive the same car, the Cape Coral Police Department operates the separate and distinct Patrol Districts.  The North District encompasses all of the area of incorporated Cape Coral north of Pine Island Road.  The Central District encompasses the area of the city between Pine Island Road and Veterans Memorial Parkway.  Our South District covers the area south of Veterans Memorial Parkway down to the water.  Each district is divided into separate zones, or "beats."  Those beats are patrolled by an officer assigned to it on each of our 4 shifts. This gives our officers the opportunity to really get to know their area, meet the people who live there, and learn what the concerns of the citizens are in their respective beats.

The Patrol Bureau is responsible for front-line service to the public, including:

• Pro-active patrol aimed at recognizing problem areas and preventing criminal activity by progressive patrol techniques, identifying potential victims, and educating the public in crime prevention methods. 

• Enforcement of traffic laws with the specific goal of reducing traffic collisions and injuries. 

• Response to calls-for-service from the public and other agencies, including both criminal situations and public service functions. 

• Detection and investigation of crimes through alert patrol procedures, including directed patrol of problem areas. 

• Maintenance of social order by suppression of activities detrimental to public safety and order. This is accomplished through the detection of these activities and enforcement of federal, state, and local laws. 

• Promotion of the safe and efficient flow of traffic and making proper notifications when hazardous traffic conditions are detected. In cases of extreme hazard, officers will protect the public from such hazards until corrective action is taken. 

• Regulation of businesses that fall under the control of law enforcement agencies including, but not limited to, liquor establishments, vehicle towing operations, etc.

• Development of a positive relationship with citizens based on cooperation and understanding, with the goal of fostering an open, trusting relationship. 

• Meeting with Neighborhood Watch Chairpersons to discuss issues pertaining to their neighborhoods. 

• Response to emergencies by police personnel shall be available on a 24 hour per day basis within the jurisdiction of the City of Cape Coral.