The Patrol Division, is the largest division and is responsible for performance of all primary police tasks. It provides complete coverage of the Town of Orange - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Patrol is divided into three primary squads. Each squad is commanded by a Lieutenant. The Lieutenant is responsible for the deployment of the officers and the immediate management of the squad. Each squad also has Sergeants assigned. The Sergeants are primarily the road supervisors. They supervise investigations and have collateral assignments such as firearms training and education, narcotics and drunk driving enforcement training, and maintaining and developing forms and other paperwork used by this department.

Each squad also has several uniformed officers assigned. Officers are assigned to specific patrol areas. The basic purposes of patrol are:

1. The elimination of the actual opportunity (or the belief that the opportunity exists) for successful misconduct.

2. To provide the resources for crime prevention activities, such as the discovery of potential criminal targets, promoting a safer environment and interacting with the public.

3. Respond to calls for service. These include the initial investigation of criminal complaints, investigation of motor vehicle accidents, enforcement of the motor vehicle laws, apprehension of criminals, recovery of stolen property and writing reports of activity. In addition the Orange Police are also the First Responders to calls for medical assistance. Our officers are trained to handle emergency medical situations.

4. Coverage of the town on a twenty four hour a day basis. Each officer is assigned a specific geographic area within the town to patrol. That officer is responsible for interacting with the citizens of that area, preventing crime, responding to calls for service, and providing the safety and welfare in that area.

The patrol vehicles are the officers' mobile offices. They are equipped with a two-way radio system and Mobile Data Computers (MDT's) to allow constant communication with Police Headquarters. Officers also are issued a portable two-way radio to allow for communication when they are away from their vehicles. In addition, the vehicles are outfitted with medical equipment (including Automated Electronic Defibrillators), and most have radar units. Selected vehicles have video camera systems and a system called Lo-Jack to track and recover stolen motor vehicles. The vehicles are also designed to transport arrested persons if necessary.

Anyone wishing to contact the Patrol Division of the Orange Police Department should call 203-891-2130 or General email to orange.pd@snet.net

Frequently Asked Questions