
The Uniformed Services Division is the largest division of the police department. It consists of three shifts of patrol officers and supervisors. Officers are assigned to one of three main shifts, day, evening or midnight shift. A Lieutenant and three sergeants supervise each one of the three main shifts, or “squads."
Officers in this division may be utilized in one of several special assignments. Some New London police officers patrol the city using specially equipped police mountain bikes, or one of three motorcycles. Other special assignments within the Uniformed Services Division include: K-9, Patrol Division Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), Marine Patrol, Field Training Officers (FTO), and NIP-IT, Code Enforcement Team.
One officer is assigned to the Traffic Section. Responsibilities include: fleet maintenance, traffic enforcement, safety education, coordination of crossing guards, and event planning. The New London Police Department also participates in the Regional Traffic Unit of Southeastern Connecticut. This program allows for the pooling of officers for roadblocks and spot checks in participating cities and towns.
Some police agencies designate certain officers as “Community Policing Officers”. The New London Police Department subscribes to the theory that all of its personnel will be involved in community policing. In New London, all officers are expected to engage in activities that improve the quality of life in the neighborhoods.
New London is fortunate to have strong neighborhood associations and alliances throughout the city. The police department was a driving force behind the creation of many of these groups, some of them going strong for over 10 years. Beat officers know and interact with neighborhood organizers on an almost daily basis. This type of relationship increases the flow of information, and sensitizes officers to neighborhood concerns.
