Police

318-255-4141
Police@ruston.org

Uniform Patrol Division

The Uniform Patrol Division is the “backbone” of the Ruston Police Department and has assigned the largest number of sworn personnel within the department. Our patrol division consists of 28 officers. The patrol division operates on four 12-hour shifts under the direction of the patrol captain. The patrol division has a wide range of duties and responsibilities. These officers regularly handle calls which vary from assisting stranded motorists to preliminary investigations of serious criminal offenses. They are responsible for basic accident investigation and enforcement of traffic laws and regulations. They answer both business and residential burglar alarms, settle disputes and perform a variety of public assistance acts. They are out there at night while the majority of the community sleeps, trying to keep a watchful eye for anything that might be wrong or out of place. They perform a wide range of duties on a regular basis that includes everything from being marriage counselors to dog catchers. In most cases, citizen contact with the Police Department is conducted through the Patrol Division. It's often a thankless job, but when they are needed, they are never more than just a phone call away.

All of the Ruston Police Department's patrol vehicles are equipped with “in-car video and audio” recording equipment that gives the officer the capability to video record most routine police activities. These recordings have proven to be extremely beneficial both in evidence collection as well as settling complaints against officers and providing useful training material. Our vehicles are also equipped with lap-top computers that give the officer access to the Louisiana Motor Vehicle and Drivers License database, as well as criminal information and history through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Most of the information collected during a motor vehicle accident investigation is recorded using these computers eliminating much of the time consuming paperwork that officers were required to complete.

Almost all Ruston Police Department vehicles are equipped with GPS tracking equipment that allows the police dispatcher to track the movement of any police vehicle at any time. This can be extremely valuable to the safety of a police officer should that officer become incapacitated and unable to call for help.