Patrol Division

The men and women of the Alton Police Department Patrol Division are committed to preventing and combating crime in the City of Alton. All efforts are aimed at providing the highest quality service to citizens. All members are highly trained and adept in responding to emergency and other calls for service and are committed to a mission of preserving the peace and protecting the public.

The Patrol Division is supervised by Captain John Franke.  The uniformed officers assigned to this important function are divided into four shifts and patrol five geographical sectors. Command officers provide oversight on each shift and participate in daily operational decisions.

Officers are typically assigned to the same patrol area for extended periods of time. With strong neighborhood association committee participation and the support of the community at large, this district assignment philosophy allows officers to assume an integral role in solving problems and addressing livability issues within the city.

Aside from responding to dispatched calls for service, officers are encouraged and held accountable for true problem-solving efforts – initiatives that make a significant impact upon the community. These efforts are monitored by supervising Lieutenants and Sergeants.

DISPATCHERS

The Alton Police Department dispatchers are an integral part of the Patrol Division. Each patrol shift has at least one full-time dispatcher who answers all 911 calls for police, fire, and medical emergencies. They also answer emergency and non-emergency calls placed to the police department in addition to sending all the police, fire, and medical professionals to the necessary scenes. They are truly the glue that often holds it all together.