The Patrol Division is made up of these units:
Patrol
The Patrol Division is the "heartbeat" of the Beaumont Police Department. It is comprised of several units, including the Traffic Unit, Special Weapons and Tactical Team (SWAT), Aviation Unit, Housing Unit and Resource Officer. The City of Beaumont is divided into three geographical area or zones. There is one lieutenant and one sergeant assigned for problem solving purposes. These two officers work primarily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Patrol shifts moved to 10-hour shifts on Jan. 17, 2005. There are four Patrol shifts -- First (9 p.m.-7:30 a.m.), Second (6 a.m.-4:30 p.m.), Third (11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.) and Fourth (4 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Each watch is overseen by a lieutenant.
Aviation
The Beaumont Police Department has operated its part-time Aviation Unit since 1987. In 1995 the Beaumont Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department put into service two OH-58C Bell Helicopters received from the military. These aircraft are operated and maintained according to the Federal Aviation Regulations. The helicopter is used for such activities as surveillance, interdiction, SWAT operations, missing person searches, escaped prisoner searches, patrol and public relations support.
Housing
Officers work closely with the management and residents of the various housing complexes in Beaumont. The officers assist the managers in identifying problems in the complexes and work on solutions to make the complexes safer for all those that live there. The officers conduct proactive police activities such as knock-n-talks, complex sweeps and identification programs to help rid the area of trespassers. The officers also are involved in many programs with the residents such as residents' associations, parenting classes, programs for senior citizens, a truancy program to help keep kids in school, ticket/warrant work program, 'Time for Crime' where at risk youth are taken on a tour of the area prisons, and many other programs. The officers also sponsor movie days for the youth where they can gather in a safe environment and have a good time.
K-9
The K-9 Unit is a part of the Patrol Division with officers assigned to individual shifts. The K-9 Unit continues to be an asset to the safety of the officers, to the seizure of and to the apprehension of suspects. They are greatly involved in community education by doing public strations, visitations to day cares and DARE graduations. They have hosted a certification school and all K-9s are certified by two national organizations.
Resource Officer
In October 1995, the Beaumont Police Department instituted a Resource Officer position. This officer is responsible for working with the local state prison in using prison labor to demolish condemned buildings throughout the city. These buildings, which are often houses, would otherwise not be torn down due to city budget constraints. These prisoners also are being used to clean up city parks and conduct litter clean-ups. Several condemned buildings have already been torn down and there is no shortage of assignments. The department has patterned its program after one instituted by the Pt. Arthur Police Department.
Special Weapons and Tactical Team (SWAT)
The SWAT team is made up of officers who work primary jobs throughout all three divisions within the department. This unit, which is highly trained and extremely skilled, has the primary job of responding to those stand-off situations like barricaded subjects, hostage situations and attempted suicides. When called to these situations, they take complete command.
Traffic
This unit investigates traffic accidents, hit and run accidents, all traffic-related fatalities, as well as enforce traffic laws, process DWI and other traffic-related cases with the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office. The Traffic Unit oversees the enforcement of the Federal Motor Carrier laws. It has twelve officers DOT certified to inspect commercial motor vehicles and enforce the federal motor vehicle laws and state DOT laws. All officers in the Traffic Unit are D.O.T. certified for license and weight inspections under the Federal Program, North American Standards. There are five motorcycle officers in the unit. The unit is responsible for processing all parade, block party and street closure permits from organizations and individuals. The municipal ordinance requires the application be submitted 21 days in advance to the actual date of the event. The unit also processes solicitation permits for charitable organizations. A 30-day advance notice is required for these permits. The unit is also responsible for the oversight of wrecker and towing services and taxi cab companies. All permits are issued through the Traffic Office which is located at the back of the Beaumont Municipal Court Building, 700 Orleans. Officers frequently provide escorts for parades and military convoys heading for the Port of Beaumont. There are two officers currently assigned as bailiffs with the Beaumont Municipal Court who work out of this office. Sgt. Plunkett may be contacted at the above e-mail address, phone number 409-833-3271 or fax 409-833-2525.
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