Bureaus and Divisions

The Patrol Division is comprised of officers responsible for Patrol and Traffic Enforcement related functions. Addison is divided into six districts or “beats”, with an officer generally assigned to each beat.  The beat officer is responsible for all calls-for-service in their assigned area, and actively patrols their area when not engaged in calls. The Traffic and K-9 units work within the Patrol Division and are primarily deployed to address specific concerns or call types, but can assist in any Patrol functions as needed. The Patrol Division consists of four shifts, each made up of 6-8 officers and a Sergeant, while two Lieutenants oversee the respective day and night shifts.

The Criminal Investigations Division is comprised of detectives and professional staff whose primary mission is the investigation of all manner of criminal offenses.  Detectives specialize in crimes against persons, property crimes, financial crimes, narcotic offenses and many others.  The eleven Detectives are led by a Lieutenant and two Sergeants, with support from our Crime Analyst, Property/Evidence Technician, and a Department Assistant.

The Training Division is responsible for on-boarding new hires and coordinating their training through a rigorous 20-week field training course. In addition, the division coordinates the department’s quarterly in-service training, consisting of a variety of topics such as firearms, reality-based training, legal updates, de-escalation/mental health, active shooter response, defensive tactics, and more. Under supervision of the Support Bureau Lieutenant, the division is managed by a Sergeant and a network of specially trained officers/instructors to deliver exceptional training to the organization. 

Hiring & Recruiting is comprised of the Department’s Background Investigator and other supporting staff. The Hiring and Recruiting team attend multiple events each year ranging from college job fairs to military career fairs to recruit the highest quality applicants on the market. The Background Investigator coordinates all applicant’s written exams, physical fitness tests, polygraph screenings, oral interviews boards, extensive background checks, psychological screenings, and medical screenings.

The Records Division is responsible for maintaining official police files, releasing records, and providing administrative support to the officers and other professional staff members.  They also serve as the primary point of contact for the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Attorney General’s Office for items such as Open Records Requests, crime statistics (NIBRS), compliance audits, and collecting/reporting a variety of other information.   The Records Division consists of 3 clerks and a supervisor, all of whom are either Certified Records Analysts/Managers or are in the process of becoming certified. 

Addison is a member of the North Texas Metro SWAT team, a multi-agency unit composed of officers from the Addison, Carrollton, Coppell, and Farmers Branch Police Departments. This elite, fully equipped team conducts numerous operations each year. While their primary mission involves executing high-risk search warrants, they are also adept at handling barricaded suspects, hostage situations, dignitary protection, major event security,

The Deployment Unit focuses on investigating and combating illegal drug activities and vice crimes. This specialized team conducts plainclothes operations, gathers intelligence, and collaborates with other agencies to dismantle drug trafficking networks and address crimes related to prostitution, illegal gambling, and human trafficking. Their work involves surveillance, arrests, and evidence collection to disrupt and dismantle criminal enterprises, ultimately aiming to reduce drug abuse and related criminal activities in the community.

Our Crime Scene Unit specializes in the investigation and documentation of crime scenes. This team meticulously collects and preserves physical evidence, such as fingerprints, DNA, and trace materials, to aid in solving crimes. They work to reconstruct events, photograph and diagram crime scenes, and process evidence for forensic analysis. Their goal is to ensure that all evidence is handled with care and accuracy, providing crucial support for ongoing investigations and legal proceedings.

An extension of the North Texas Metro SWAT Team, the Crisis Negotiations Team is trained to manage and resolve high-stakes situations involving potential conflicts or crises, such as hostage situations or armed standoffs. Their role involves engaging with suspects or individuals in distress to de-escalate tensions and facilitate peaceful resolutions. Using advanced communication techniques and psychological strategies, they aim to achieve a safe outcome while minimizing risk to all parties involved. This unit operates as a critical component in ensuring that volatile scenarios are handled with expertise and care.

Provides emotional and psychological support to officers and staff within our department. Comprised of trained peers who have firsthand experience in law enforcement, this team offers confidential counseling, guidance, and resources to help colleagues manage stress, trauma, and personal challenges. Their goal is to foster a supportive environment, enhance overall well-being, and improve resilience among officers, ensuring they have the mental and emotional tools needed to perform their duties effectively.

APD’s Community Engagement Team focuses on building and maintaining positive relationships between law enforcement and our community. They organize and participate in outreach programs, educational events, and collaborative initiatives to foster trust, address public concerns, and enhance community safety. By actively engaging with residents, businesses, and local organizations, this team aims to promote transparency, encourage dialogue, and create a strong partnership between the police and the community we serve.

The Field Training Program is designed to integrate newly graduated officers into real-world law enforcement environments. During this program, recruits work alongside experienced officers to apply their training in practical situations, learning key skills such as patrolling, responding to incidents, and handling various scenarios. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, mentorship, and performance evaluation, ensuring that new officers are well-prepared to meet the demands of the job and uphold departmental standards.

The APD Range Staff is a group of officers trained as Firearms Instructors, Patrol Rifle Instructors, Armorers, and Range Safety Officers who specialize in training officers on the safe and effective use of firearms. This unit is responsible for conducting regular shooting range sessions, offering instruction on marksmanship, weapon handling, and tactical shooting techniques. They ensure that officers are proficient with their firearms and up-to-date on the latest practices, tactics, and qualifications.  Additionally, the unit provides evaluations and ongoing education to maintain high standards of competency and readiness in the use of firearms.

Instructor positions within the police department are responsible for delivering specialized training and professional development to officers and staff. These positions encompass a range of subjects, including law enforcement techniques, legal updates, defensive tactics, and emergency response protocols. Instructors develop and conduct training programs, workshops, and simulations to ensure that personnel are skilled, knowledgeable, and prepared for various aspects of their duties. Their role is crucial in maintaining high standards of performance, safety, and effectiveness within the department.