The Field Services Bureau (FSB) of the La Crosse Police Department is comprised of uniformed Police Officers and supervisors who are dedicated to providing a safe and vibrant community. Our primary purpose is the protection of life and liberty, order maintenance, and the personal security of our citizens and their property. We are committed to consistent enforcement, community policing, problem solving, restorative justice and continuing to build partnerships with our community.
Officers within the Field Services Bureau conduct day-to-day, street-level operations in uniform and respond to emergencies, alarms, reports of criminal activity, calls for service, traffic crashes, and conduct traffic enforcement. The services can range from preliminary investigations and documentation of crimes, to problem solving complex quality of life issues. The Bureau also provides command and control for emergency response situations, dignitary escort and protection, community-oriented problem solving, and event coverage.
The Bureau operates with a day shift (6AM-6PM) and a night shift (6PM-6AM). Within those hours, Officers’ work days start at 5AM or 6AM for day shift, and 5PM or 6PM for night shift. In addition, a power shift (3PM to 3AM) is in place to provide the maximum number of Officers working during the peak calls for service time. Officers work a 12-hour shift which provides ongoing patrol coverage for the community, more opportunities for training, decreases overtime, and allows patrol Officers to have every other weekend off. Each shift is commanded by a Shift Lieutenant supported by Sergeants (four on each shift) who directly supervise all activities while Officers are on patrol. Officers are assigned to one of six patrol beat sectors in the City of La Crosse.
Members of the Field Services Bureau can be seen patrolling in squad cars, boat, bicycles, Segways, or on foot. These alternative patrol formats allow for increased engagement with the public which improves our effectiveness as a police agency. Further, the Field Services Bureau is comprised of specialty groups such as ERT (Emergency Response Team), Water Patrol, Bike Patrol, and the K-9 Unit. Officers also work within their assigned sector to form relationships with community organizations and formalized neighborhood groups. Internally, these specialty groups provide ample opportunities for continued career growth and a diverse work life for all LCPD Officers.