The largest of the divisions, The responsibility of the Patrol Division is that of primary emergency responder. The members of the Patrol Division operate marked police patrol vehicles and are on duty seven days a week, twenty four hours a day. When you call the Hempstead Police Department with an emergency, it is a member of the Patrol Division who responds, takes action or recommends follow-up by another unit.
Personnel
Supervising the Patrol Division on every shift is a Patrol Supervisor, a member holding the rank of Sergeant. The Watch Commander, a member of the department generally holding the rank of Lieutenant, supervises the daily Headquarters operations and is in command of the Department in the absence of the Chief of Police or one of his Executive Officers.