The Patrol Division of the Bristol, Virginia Police Department consists of thirty-five police officers. There are three shifts with eleven officers each. This includes a lieutenant as the shift commander and two sergeants.

Officers work five 8 hour days per week with staggered days off Patrol rotates shifts on the 1st and 16th of each month. The City of Bristol is approximately 13 square miles and has

a population of about 18,000 people. The city is divided into four patrol zones. A patrol officer is assigned to each zone with senior officers and supervisors normally roving.

There are two captains assigned as watch commanders over patrol; one on day shift and one on evening shift. They handle the administrative duties associated with patrol such as schools, complaints, upcoming events, off duty employment, and special events. These positions fall under the heading of Field Operations.

The Patrol Division is charged with the duties of traffic enforcement, accident investigation, answering calls for service, night time security checks of businesses, working school zones, and many others. Officers are expected to spend time out of each shift doing community policing activities. This is so that the BVPD can maintain a good relationship with the community and be more responsive to its needs.

The officers of the Patrol Division are dedicated to providing the best police services possible to the citizens of Bristol, Virginia and in keeping it a good place to live.