The Field Services Division of the Oakdale Police Department is the largest division within the Police Department.  The Field Services Division consists of 1 Lieutenant, 4 Sergeants, 4 Master Officers, 8 Patrol Officers, 2 Community Service Officers and 4 Reserve Officers.  Specialized units within the division include:

-         K-9 Unit supervised by Sergeant Mike Eggener

-         Reserves supervised by Sergeant Mike Nixon

-         Bike Patrol supervised by Lieutenant Lester Jenkins

-         Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) supervised by Sergeant Vern Gladney

While some of the specialized units are supervised by a Sergeant, the overall responsibility for the supervision of the entire division rests with Lieutenant Lester Jenkins.  The main function of the Field Services Division is to patrol the City of Oakdale with sworn and reserve officers.  The Field Services Division would also be involved in special events such as the annual Oakdale Rodeo and Chocolate Festival.  The Field Services Division would assist these special events with traffic control and security to insure a safe and enjoyable event for all.  The employment of the listed special units would also be the responsibility of the Field Services Division, for special events and situations that would affect the health and safety of the citizens of Oakdale.

PATROL

The patrol section of Field Services is staffed with 1 Lieutenant, 4 Sergeants, 4 Master Officers, 8 Patrol Officers, 2 Motor Officers, and 2 Community Service Officers.  Patrolling the City of Oakdale is a continual process with officers patrolling 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  Patrol Officers work 4 twelve hour shifts which are divided into 2 day shifts, 6am to 6pm, and 2 night shifts, 6pm to 6am, followed by four days off.  To allow for the work schedule and days off, patrol is divided into 4 patrol teams, with each team supervised by a Sergeant.

During the shift officers are constantly patrolling the city streets with high visibility to deter crime.  Patrol officers respond to calls for service by the public and respond to emergency situations.  Patrol officers responding to calls will take the initial report from citizens who have been victims of crimes, and occasionally perform follow-up investigation.  Patrol officers may forward reports to the Detective Division for further investigation in some major crimes.  While on patrol, officers are constantly vigilant to their surroundings, seeking potential problems, contacting citizens with complaints, attempting to solve problems rather than reacting to their aftermath.  Patrol is the backbone of the organization as they are the first officers seen by the public, and many times the only officer.