All Precincts
Richard "Mike" Barton
Major
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The Field Operations Division commander is tasked with the oversight of all the patrol work in the five precincts and the police jurisdiction. The patrol officers, in turn, are responsible for hundreds of thousands of calls for service each year from the citizens who depend upon them for their safety and well-being.
The precincts are divided into smaller units known as beats. There are 42 beats patrolled by members of the Field Operations Division around the clock each and every day of the year. The Mobile Police Department attempts to build relationships between the police and citizens by limiting changes in beat assignments. Familiarity with their beat territory allows the officers to get to know their residents and the safety issues specific to their beats.
A police officer at the rank of major commands the Field Operations Division. The major over Field Operations reports to the deputy chief of the Field Operations Bureau.
Each precinct is commanded by a captain who works under the major of the Field Operations Division. Each of the precincts has a General Patrol Unit composed of our men and women who patrol the streets 24 hours a day.
General Patrol Unit
In 2003, the Field Operations Division changed from 8-hour to 12-hour shifts. By operating two rather than three shifts in a 24-hour day, officers end up working a total of seven out of 14 days and are guaranteed a three-day weekend every 14 days. At the same time, the city is cutting overtime costs incurred during shift changes.
 Central Events Unit
Downtown Mobile has its own mini-precinct known at the Central Events Unit, which is dedicated to patrol and services in the city's central business district. The district includes the Arthur L. Outlaw Convention Center area and the Mobile Civic Center.
Located at the corner of Dauphin and Claiborne Streets, the mini-precinct has responsibility for the control and coordination of security at all special events in the downtown area. The Central Events Unit also is home to the Mobile Police Department Museum that was officially opened in November of 2000. The museum is open to visitors around the clock.
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