Patrol, Traffic and Special Services
The Uniform Division is the largest single division of the Department with 163 sworn officers. This division provides all uniformed police services to the community. This division is commanded by Major David Hudgens. Then Captain Mike Bowen, managed Patrol Services up until Oct. 1 when he was promoted to Deputy Chief. His replacement at Patrol Services will be announced after a successful candidate is named. Captain Carl Watkins manages Traffic and Special Services within the division.
The Uniform Division is responsible for patrolling 55.29 square miles divided into seven districts and serves the City’s 100,575 residents. Uniformed Police Officers are responsible for crime prevention, apprehension and response to calls. Officers provide many police services through the Community Oriented Policing Strategy (COPS) grant program. This allows officers to identify problems within the community and work with residents and businesses to address those concerns. The COPS philosophy has helped strengthen relationships with the community and contributes to making Murfreesboro one of the most desirable places to live in the nation.
The Uniform Division maintains a fleet of marked units with many of these being assigned as a take-home vehicle. Each vehicle is equipped with state-of-the-art technology such as mobile data terminals to assist offices with driver’s license information, vehicle registration and wanted-persons information.
Patrol
Patrol officers are assigned to three regular shifts and one flex shift. The flex shift is designed to provide more officers during times of day when call volume is heaviest. Each shift is commanded by a Lieutenant along with several Sergeants to assist.
Traffic
MPD’s traffic officers are dedicated to making Murfreesboro roads safe for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Officers are assigned to each shift with different objectives. Three unmarked, street package cars are assigned to enforce all traffic laws but concentrate on speeding, aggressive driving and noise violations. Eight motorcycle officers are assigned as well to enforce all traffic laws, however their emphasis is on speeding and are frequently assigned to areas with higher crash occurrences and citizen complaints about speeding. Three officers are assigned to the Murfreesboro Police Alcohol Countermeasure Team (MPACT) and typically enforce DUI and alcohol laws. Other officers are assigned to traffic as needed. All traffic officers are specially trained in crash investigation, speed detection, DUI detection and other traffic related issues.
C.O.P.S.
Five uniformed officers and two detectives are assigned to our Community Resource Centers (precincts) located at Franklin Heights and Highland Heights public housing. These officers work on foot and bicycle spending one on one time with area residents. They partner with agencies such as the Murfreesboro Housing Authority, YMCA, Probation and Patrol, Murfreesboro City Schools and numerous other agencies to provide services to area residents.
Crime Suppression Unit
This unit consists of plain-clothes officers and detectives who focus on disrupting crime throughout the city and addressing neighborhood problems. This team is also responsible for gathering intelligence on gang and drug operations. The CSU is a flexible unit that frequently alters its working hours to more effectively address identified problems within the city.
Canine Unit
The K-9 unit consists of a narcotic detection canine and handler and three patrol tracking canines and handlers. Each handler is issued a specially equipped vehicle to accommodate the canine partner.
Special Operations Unit and Immediate Response Team
The Special Operations Unit is a team of highly trained SWAT officers who are called when dangerous situations arise and require the specialized team. The Immediate Response Team consists of members of the Special Operations Unit that are assigned to various shifts to handle certain tactical calls and can provide information to the SOU commander from the scene until the team arrives.
Parks Officers
Parks police officers are assigned to patrol 8.5 miles of Greenway as well as the recreation facilities throughout the city. These officers utilize bicycles, foot patrol and Segways to provide safety for citizens and visitors who frequent city parks.