Uniformed patrol officers are assigned to one of seven patrol teams working 12-1/2-hour shifts. The patrol shifts are designed to maintain coverage 24 hours a day, seven days a week – with overlap staffing during the late afternoon and evening hours.
Patrol Shifts | |
---|---|
Team 1 - Days | 6 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Wednesday - Friday |
Team 2 - Days | 6 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Saturday - Monday |
Team 3 - Overlap | 1:30 p.m. - 2 a.m. Sunday - Tuesday |
Team 4 - Overlap | 1:30 p.m. - 2 a.m. Thursday - Saturday |
Team 5 - Nights | 6 p.m. - 6:30 a.m. Monday - Wednesday |
Team 6 - Nights | 6 p.m. - 6:30 a.m. Friday - Sunday |
Team 7 - Relief | Tuesdays: Days | Wednesdays: Overlap | Thursdays: Nights |
During each shift, patrol officers are deployed into specific geographic areas called "beats." Patrol beats enable officers to respond to calls for service more quickly and effectively. Beats also help officers to manage neighborhood issues and crime problems better.
The nine patrol beats are structured to take advantage of natural boundaries such as major roadways, B.A.R.T., railroads, and to maintain the integrity of individual neighborhoods. Minimally, each shift will have one officer assigned to patrol each of the nine beats.
A watch commander, who is on duty 24 hours a day, oversees the entire patrol operation during the shifts.
Patrol officers typically respond to emergencies, enforce traffic laws, mediate domestic disputes, patrol high crime areas, work with residents to help solve neighborhood problems, and provide information through citizen contacts.
![]() | Patrol Division Captain Ken Forkus Hayward Police Department 300 W. Winton Ave. Hayward, CA 94544 (510) 293-7062 |
For more information, please call Watch Commander at 510.293.7051.