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The Uniformed Patrol Division is the backbone of the Somerville Police Department. Deputy Chief James Donovan oversees all uniformed branches, including the Patrol Division and the Traffic Bureau.

For patrol purposes, the City is divided into two districts: East and West. Each district has its own substation:

  • East District: 77 Broadway (Lower Broadway)
  • West District: 114 Broadway (Teele Square)

Both substations have a daytime civilian clerk to help with citizen inquiries. Patrol officers in each district can write reports and assist residents with various issues.

 

A Captain oversees both districts as the District Commander. Under the Captain are:

  • 2 Lieutenants
  • 3 Sergeants
  • Up to 28 patrol officers

When fully staffed, each district has 4–5 officers patrolling 24 hours a day. Officers use a variety of patrol methods, including marked and unmarked cars, bicycles, and motorcycles.

The mission of the Patrol Division is to address the issues that lead citizens to call for help. Each year, the Somerville Police respond to approximately 45,000 calls for service. This includes:

  • Reactive activities like responding to crimes and complaints
  • Proactive actions like patrols, surveillance, and walking assignments
 Profile of a Somerville Patrol Division cruiser parked on a grassy hill with autumn trees and the city skyline in the background.

 

   Although most of an officer’s time is spent responding to calls, Chief of Police Shumeane Benford emphasizes that officers should also be active in the community. That’s why the department embraces a community policing philosophy, where officers work to become part of the neighborhoods they serve.     Help Fight Crime graphic: Text 617SPD Tip to TIP411 (847411).Help Fight Crime: Text 617SPD Tip to TIP411 (847411)