The Patrol Bureau is the largest Bureau within the Newton Police Department providing the City of Newton with 24-hour, seven days per week, police protection. The Bureau provides a full range of law enforcement services to the community.

The major components of the bureau are as follows:

Day and Night Patrol Operations: Four separate Platoons are responsible for the most visible police service. Officers respond to emergencies, such as crimes in progress, traffic accident direction and control, and medical emergencies. Patrol Officers also handle initial crime investigations including arresting offenders, resolving disputes and disturbances; they are the first responders to the majority of domestic disputes.

• First Platoon works primarily during the daylight hours. They are veteran officers who collectively average twenty years of service working in public safety.
• Second and Third Platoon are night officers, generally younger in appearance and time on “the job”. All officers undergo a minimum of twenty –two to twenty-four weeks of police academy training before being sworn in as full time officers. Officers have a one-year probationary period during which they undergo an immediate ten-week intensive training period by on duty Newton Police Field Training Officers.
• Fourth Platoon are also night officers who work during the evening hours only. Members of the Fourth Platoon are primarily responsible for the service of all court orders, warrants, summonses, subpoenas and domestic restraining orders. They also perform regular patrol duties.

Holding Facility: The Newton Police Department maintains a temporary holding facility where detainees are processed and held in accordance with all Mass General Laws and Department Policies and Procedures.

Crime Prevention: The Patrol Bureau promotes prevention, resistance and suppression of crime through community involvement and the implementation of crime prevention programs.

Field Operations: The Patrol Bureau is the primary responder for control and enforcement during all special operations and hazardous incidents occurring in the city limits.

In the majority of instances where a police presence is requested a patrol officer will be the first responder. It is required of all members of the Newton Police Department that employees shall do all that they can within their jurisdiction and authority to assist any citizen with any problem that impacts safety and /or security of life or property.

What can a Newton citizen do to assist the police department?

LOOK for strangers loitering in your neighborhood, entering your property, or your neighbors’property.

LISTEN for the sound of car alarms, breaking glass, or unusual noises.

REPORT all suspicious persons, noises, or activities to the police.

DON’T be a victim.

CALL the police. In an emergency dial 911 or the main # 617 796 2100.