Units and Sections

PATROL OVERVIEW

The Seattle Police Department operates within a framework that divides the city into five geographical areas called "precincts." Under this model, neighborhood-based enforcement personnel in each precinct assume responsibility for public safety management within their geographic area, and these officers serve as crime-prevention and law enforcement resources in the communities they serve.

INVESTIGATIONS OVERVIEW

Property crimes and crime involving juveniles are investigated by precinct based investigators. Detectives in centralized units conduct follow-up investigations in other types of crimes.

SPECIALTY UNITS OVERVIEW

The Department has many units that fall under the category of Specialty Units or Field Support Units. They include:

• Metropolitan Unit
  • SWAT
  • Harbor Patrol
  • Canine (K-9) Unit
  • Mounted (Horse) Patrol
• Traffic Unit
• 9-1-1 Center (Communications)
• Advanced Training Unit

In addition the Department also has an Homeland Security Bureau, which also oversees the bomb squad.

ADMINISTRATIVE OVERVIEW

The Seattle Police Department also has numerous sections that perform the daily administrative duties of the department, which includes:

• Human Resources

• Information Technology

• Records Files

• Audit, Accreditation and Policy

• Budget Planning

• Research and Grants

The Department also has The Office of Professional Accountability, which provides civilian oversight to the Internal Investigations section, which reports directly to the Office of the Chief of Police.

RELATED

Office of Professional Accountability

Bureau Commanders

Chief of Police