Richmond Police Department

The Richmond Police Department currently serves a population of approximately 36,670.

The Patrol Division consists of 49 full time police officers. These officers are divided into three 8 hour shifts. They are responsible for responding to all emergency calls, calls for assistance and other non-emergency situations requiring police assistance. In addition, these men and women work in specialized areas such as K-9 Patrol, Water Rescue, Bicycle Patrol, and Neighborhood Policing.

The RPD SWAT Team has 15 members; 12 officers for the entry team, one of which is our K-9 Rex. We are accompanied by two Snipers and one TEMS officer (Tactical Emergency Medic). Our TEMS Officer volunteers his time on the SWAT Team. All officers on the SWAT Team serve dual roles within the Police Department as Patrol Officers, Investigators, and Supervisor.

The RPD Crisis Negotiation Team consists of six officers trained in human psychology, active listening techniques, mental illnesses and dealing with those who are mentally ill, as well as a host of other areas dealing with human behavior. Like the SWAT Team, the Crisis Negotiation Team is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is activated by either the Administration or by an RPD Supervisor.

Investigative Services Division consists of ten detectives and two supervisors with a total cumulative police experience of over 200 years.

The Division of Traffic Safety is staffed by 3 full time uniformed officers, a Captain and 1 part-time parking enforcement officer along with an administrative assistant.

In May of 1991 the Richmond Police Department formed its first Public Safety Scuba Team with 3 officers. In August of 1992 the Richmond Police Department joined forces with the Richmond Fire Department in an effort to strengthen the number of participants and further our training efforts. As a result, the Richmond Water Rescue unit was formed. Currently there are 16 police and fire members who work with the Water Rescue Unit.

The Richmond Police Department K-9 Unit is currently made up of three canine teams. Each team consists of a handler and a dog.