The Patrol Division is comprised of eight (8) sworn Officers, four (4) Corporals, and two (2) Sergeants. It is headed by Sergeant James Alderete and Sergeant David Ruiz. Both Sergeants oversee patrol operations; to include daily operations and special event coordination.
The officers of the Patrol Division are this community’s first line of defense. Their primary mission is to respond to calls for service, both emergency and non-emergency. Additionally, they are charged with conducting patrol level criminal investigations in an effort deter and dismantle criminal activity within the city. Patrol Officers are also tasked with accident investigations and traffic enforcement.
The patrol division accomplishes its mission with the use of dynamic and innovative patrol tactics, proactive policing and utilizing the Community-Oriented Policing philosophy. The Port Lavaca Police Officers seek to develop partnerships with the public to promote crime prevention, solve problems, and respond to incidents of crime more effectively.
Reserve Officers
Reserve Officers are a huge asset to our Department. They volunteer their time, away from their families & full time jobs, to assist our full time Officers. Reserve Officers serve as auxiliary manpower in situations as needed and also provide an additional link between the community and the Police Department. Reserve Officers must hold a valid Peace Officer license and must serve a minimum of 8 hours of duty per month.
Bike Patrol
The Port Lavaca Bike Patrol Unit is beginning late summer of 2014. The startup costs have been funded through a Federal Grant. The unit is part of the Directed Patrol Function and will be deployed throughout the city on a year-round basis. The bike unit also performs patrol duties for community events such as the Flip Flop Fest and parades.
Honor Guard
The Port Lavaca Police Honor Guard has been established to represent the Port Lavaca Police Department, its officers and families at police funerals, parades and other ceremonial occasions.
The Honor Guard consist of members of the Port Lavaca Police who are highly motivated, maintain exceptionally high standards of appearance and conduct, and show aptitude for ceremonial duty. The Port Lavaca Police Honor Guard also serve as the “guardians of the colors” by displaying and escorting the national flag on ceremonial occasions at official local/state functions.
