The Methuen Police Department patrol officers perform a variety of functions to insure the public's safety. In doing so, the patrol officers carry out the department's community-oriented policing philosophy. The department's belief is that police officers and the community must work together to identify and solve problems that are unique to each neighborhood in the City.
The Field Operations Bureau (FOB) is divided into four platoons. The four platoons are patrol platoons and are the backbone of any Police Department. Patrol officers have been instrumental in the reduction of crime, drugs, gangs, and the community's fear of crime. During any given day, patrol officers may be called to handle routine calls for service, traffic incidents, or crime scenes. They are committed to helping people in need and to maintaining an immediate and effective response time. The patrol officers serve in various areas in Methuen and work to make our neighborhoods better, safer places to live and work. The Field Operations Bureau is the largest of the department's five Bureaus and is charged with providing community field services 24 hours a day, seven days per week. The Department and its personnel are highly committed to Community Policing, and response to quality-of-life issues.