Burlington Police Department
VISION STATEMENT
The Burlington Police Department in a leadership role is committed to excellence in service through positive interaction with the community to ensure equality of services, citizen satisfaction, and the highest quality of life in our community.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Burlington Police Department is to guarantee a peaceful community through the enforcement of state and local laws, impartially and without prejudice, and to uphold the Constitution of the United States. We are committed to the protection of human life, individual rights and personal property through continuous care and professional service.
PATROL DIVISION
The goal of the Patrol Division is to address community problems and assure a safe community environment through directed and routine patrol. As the largest and most visible division of the Police Department, the Patrol Division provides the first response to emergency and non-emergency incidents.
Bike Patrol
Since 1996 the Bicycle Patrol Unit continues to interact with the community while providing security at several of Burlington's special events. During these events the Bicycle Patrol Officers are able to meet with citizens of the community. Not only does the Bicycle Patrol interact with the public, but they also are effective in patrolling the streets of Burlington. The Bicycle Patrol is able to answer calls for service in a more silent mode. Because of this, Bicycle Officers are able to see and hear incidents differently than Officers driving squad cars. This enables the Bicycle Officers to catch criminals in the act instead of the perpetrator hearing the squad car engine and fleeing prior to Officers arriving on scene.
Water Patrol
The water patrol unit was established in 2001. The water patrol unit is comprised of specially trained officers for water patrol duties. Duties include patrolling waters within the city limits, watercraft safety checks, conduct cabin checks on Otter Island, as well as assisting other agencies with emergency situations.
Animal Control
The Animal Control Unit consists of one part-time Animal Control Officer (ACO). The ACO supports the Patrol Division with enforcing the City Code of Burlington. Some of the duties and responsibilities of the ACO include picking up dogs and cats that are running at large and setting live traps for cats. Additionally, the ACO investigates and completes animal bite reports, verifies rabies vaccination on animals involved in bites and oversees the proper quarantine of the animals involved in the bites. The ACO also investigates complaints of animal abuse and neglect as well as notices the owner of animals impounded and assists the Des Moines County Humane Society and local veterinarians with euthanasia of unwanted animals.
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION
The Criminal Investigations Division is responsible for the investigation of misdemeanor and felony incidents that occur within the city limits of Burlington, Iowa. There are four (4) full time detectives assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division and one (1) full time evidence technician. This Division prides itself in providing the citizens of Burlington with the highest level of service and protection for the community. The Criminal Investigations Division is responsible for following up on criminal investigations including but not limited to crimes against persons, crimes against property, financial crimes, and cyber-crimes. The Criminal Investigations Division maximizes investigation efforts by using community outreach and coordinating with other local, state, and federal agencies.
K 9 UNIT
The K9 program is utilized for patrol operations, narcotics detection/drug interdiction, tracking lost/missing children or adults, officer protection, and building and article searches for Burlington and the surrounding area.
PARKING ENFORCEMENT
The parking enforcement officer is a part-time civilian position. This position reports to the on duty day shift patrol commander. Parking enforcement in the downtown area is the primary activity for this officer. Other duties include working complaints of abandoned vehicles throughout the city.
Major of Operations: Adam T. Schaefer
schaefera@burlingtoniowa.org (Point of Contact for Recruitment)
319 753-8354
