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Patrol Division
The Patrol Division is commanded by a Patrol Lieutenant, who oversees the day-to-day activities of Patrol Officers in the department. Patrol operations are what most people think of when they think of a police department. The patrol unit is the cornerstone of policing. These are the officers that respond to calls, ranging from assisting the public to responding to crimes in progress. Patrol officers also are also involved in community policing, liaison officers, evidence technicians and field training officers. Patrol officers may be seen driving squad cars, walking and even riding bikes while performing their duties. The Patrol Officer is our first responding presence to any situation. It is the Patrol Officer that forms the public’s image of our police department. We are extremely proud of the work of our Patrol Officers and all that they do to make our community a safer place to be.
Field Training
New NEIU Police Officers must complete a certified Police Academy Program and pass the State of Illinois Certificate Examination before being allowed to perform their duties within the department. The Field Training Unit is responsible for providing one-on-one training to these new officers entering the department. The Field Training Unit consists of a Field Training Supervisor and Field Training officers. The NEIU Police Department’s field training program consists of specific “Field Training” concepts used to train these new police officers. This program, which is approximately twelve (12) weeks long, provides the new officer with training in the tasks required to certify “solo-patrol”. The FTO (Field Training Officer) evaluates and documents the new officer’s daily progress. It is the duty of the FTO to provide continuous feedback to the new officer during the field training process. At the completion of training, the Field Training Supervisor and the Field Training Officer will recommend whether the new officers are able to function in a solo capacity. Thus the job of the FTO is crucial in the development of new officers and is an integral part in the growth of the NEIU Police Dept. |
Bicycle Patrol Unit
The Northeastern Illinois University Police Department has integrated the use of bicycles into its Patrol Operations. Our Bicycle Patrol Unit consists of specially trained officers using Trek mountain bikes specifically designed for police usage. NEIU Police Officers assigned to the Bicycle Patrol Unit must complete a specialized 32-hour training course and complete an annual 8-hour refresher training course to maintain bicyclist-officer certification.
The Bike Patrol Unit is an additional facet of the department’s proactive approach to law enforcement and service to the community. It has helped further community relations. Because the bike is smaller, quieter, more “approachable”, and more agile than a patrol car, Bike Patrol Units are often seen interacting closely with the public. This unit’s inherent mobility allows for a quick response time and increased efficiency in patrolling areas that due to pedestrian or vehicle congestion are normally inaccessible to patrol cars. Furthermore, due to the agility, speed and stealth-like characteristics of the bicycles, officers assigned to the Bike Patrol Unit are able to quietly and quickly surprise suspects engaged in the act of committing crimes. Since its inception the Bike Patrol Unit has become and invaluable asset and will continue to be well into the future. |
