City of Fort Dodge, Iowa

The Patrol Division is comprise of the Division Commander Captain Don McLaren and four patrol Teams.  When fully staffed each Team includes a Shift Commander (Lt.), a Shift Supervisor (Sgt.) and four Patrol Officers. Each Team/Shift works a 12 hour day - either from 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M or from 6:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M. The Patrol Division patrols the corporate limits of Fort Dodge, and City property outside of the limits such as the Fort Dodge Airport, Lakeside Golf Course, and Harlan Rogers ballpark.

The primary duties of the Patrol Division include: 

1) Calls for Service - Patrol Officer respond to nearly 45,000 calls for service annually.  Those calls include the initial investigation of virtually all emergency calls in Fort Dodge. Calls can also include everything from parking complaints to critical emergencies like traffic collisions, assaults, disturbances and much more.  They also handle traffic accidents within the corporate limits of Fort Dodge. Iowa law requires that drivers involved in a traffic accidents causing over $1000.00 damage or involving injuries complete an accident report.

2) Proactive Patrol - When not responding to calls Patrol Division staff are proactively looking for indications of traffic violations, criminal behavior and other social issues. 

3) Criminal Case Follow Up - Patrol Division staff follow up on criminal cases that fall within their capabilities, time and experience level.  They will handle the vast majority of the cases assigned in Fort Dodge. 

4) Crime Prevention - Patrol Division staff also looks for opportunities to address community and neighborhood issues before they rise to a criminal level.

To request extra patrol of your property while you are away, click here.