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Lieutenant David M. Stamatis - Day Patrol Division Commander
Telephone: (781) 942-6763
Lieutenant Peter C. Garchinsky - Night Patrol Division Commander
The Reading Police Patrol Division is the core of policing services in the Town of Reading. The Patrol Divison falls under the command of Lieutenant Stamatis during days, Lieutenant Peter Garchinsky during nights and seven Patrol Sergeants. The Patrol Division is comprised of two Sergeants and 10 Patrol Officers during the day; and four Sergeants and 11 Patrol Officers on nights.
The Patrol Division is the most visible section of the police department, providing around the clock service to the citizens and visitors to Reading. They are the uniformed Officers who provide the first line of defense for the public's safety. Each law enforcement patrol officer works to protect life & property, uphold the civil rights of individuals, preserve public peace, provide citizen assistance, enforce criminal and motor vehicle laws, and respond to emergency situations. These are dedicated and committed professionals who place their lives and well being in jeopardy for the citizens of Reading on a daily basis. Almost daily these proud professionals face danger and perform acts of heroism and kindness in our community. This is their job. This is what they do.
The Patrol Division operates a fleet of Ford Crown Victoria's as well as a Ford Explorer and Expedition during inclement weather. In addition to standard patrol the Reading Police Department also employs Motor Cycle and Pedal Bike Units. Please access these links to find out more about these units.
The men and women of the Patrol Division are responsible for enforcing state and municipal laws and regulations designed to protect life and property. Maintain order in an assigned district or beat. Patrol the city to preserve the peace and to prevent crime. Take criminal reports and interview witnesses and suspects. Apprehend fugitives and criminals. Collect evidence and give testimony in court. Conduct investigations for all misdemeanor and many felony cases. Direct traffic, issue traffic tickets, investigate accidents, and makes arrests. Participate in crime prevention, public information, and safety programs. Patrol officers maintain closer contact with the public than any other section of the police department.
Most likely, the first person you will see when you are in need of the police will be the patrol officer. The men and women of the Reading Police Department’s Patrol Division take great pride in serving the citizens of Reading. Patrol officers handle a mind-boggling mix of calls during their shift. Within a week's tour of duty a single officer might be dispatched to burglaries, robberies, assaults, deranged-disoriented or suicidal persons, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, sex assault, medical aid, crowd control, noise complaints, prowlers, traffic accidents, drunk drivers, drug dealing incidents, and intrusion alarms. This crazy quilt constitutes the fabric of patrol work. It is important to realize that in a split second, the most inconsequential and routine activity can develop into a
potentially hazardous situation. Patrol officers experience periods of boredom punctuated by moments of trepidation and danger. With out question, the Patrol Division is the backbone of the police department.
The Reading Police Department is committed to hiring the "Best and the Brightest" police officer candidates. To that end when hiring potential police officers the department employs an intense and thorough recruitment, screening and testing process. Police recruits are required to complete an intense multi-phased "Field Training Program" under the guidance of veteran field training officers. Recruits are required to pass each phase of the field training program. We believe this process has produced a police department the citizens of Reading can be proud of. If you are considering a career in law enforcement with the Reading Police Department we suggest you contact Massachusetts HRD for information concerning pay and benefits at (617) 727-3555 (HRD Contact Link). The Patrol Division can be reached at 781-944-1212. (Recruitment Link)
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