RPD Career Path
RPD Career Path RPD Career Path RPD Career Path RPD Career Path RPD Career Path RPD Career Path

Police Officer

The majority of officers are assigned to one of our six police districts and are responsible for the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances.

Work involves patrolling assigned areas; responding to calls for police service; conducting preliminary and follow-up criminal and traffic investigations; identification, apprehension, and conviction of criminal offenders; and enforcing laws and ordinances.

The department also has many specialized units available to officers:

  • Selective Enforcement
  • K-9
  • Gang Suppression
  • Bomb Squad
  • Traffic Enforcement
  • Mounted
  • Crash Reconstruction
  • School Resource Officer
  • Training Center and Reality-Based Training
  • Community Police
  • Youth and Family
  • Recruiting
  • Hostage Negotiating

Detective

Work involves conducting preliminary and supplementary investigations of crimes including interviewing victims, complaints, witnesses, and suspects; identifying, collecting, and preserving physical evidence; and preparing reports and testifying in court.

The department has several assignments within the Detective Division:

  • Homicide
  • Assault
  • Special Victims
  • Robbery
  • Family Violence
  • Juvenile
  • Technical Assistance Response Unit
  • Federal Task Force Officers (TFO)
  • Career Criminal
  • Burglary
  • Fraud
  • Drugs & Vice
  • Fugitive

Sergeant

Sergeants are the first-level supervisors of the department; sergeants are generally assigned to supervise a squad of six to ten officers or detectives. They also brief police officers on special tasks and assignments, respond to major calls for service and assist subordinates in unusual or difficult situations. Sergeants are responsible for reviewing written reports prepared by subordinates.


Lieutenant

Lieutenants are mid-level managers who supervise multiple sergeants / squads. Patrol lieutenants also serve as Watch Commanders for the entire city.


Captain

Captains are high level supervisors responsible for the command of police patrol districts. Captains are also located in other police divisions, managing resources and supervising operations at a high level. Their work requires the exercise of sound judgment and independent initiative in specific situations.


Major

Majors serve as Division Commanders and are responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating operations of the police department. Their work involves extensive contact with departmental personnel, other city departments, outside agencies, and the general public.


Deputy Chief

The Deputy Chief reports directly to the Chief, assumes command of the Department in the Chief's absence and carries out other duties as assigned by the Chief.


Chief

The Chief of Police oversees and directs all activities of the Police Department and is the official representative of the Department.