The Patrol Division is the primary functional unit of the Amherst Police Department. This has been highly successful, allowing the recruit's skills to mature in an environment designed to be positive as well as pro-active. Following completion of the FTO program, the recruit is then deemed qualified to work alone. The probationary period, however, lasts until the completion of the Officer's first year, and may be extended to ensure that competency is achieved in all areas.
Patrol officers are usually the first officers the public comes into contact with.
Only after first serving in the patrol division may an officer qualify for promotion to other units within the department. This initial period of service is the most gratifying, and the same time the most dangerous of police tasks. Within the patrol division are several special purpose details and specialty units. These assignments permit a change of pace for the officers and also serve vital functions. Both of these began by the suggestion of patrol officers, implemented by an administration willing to use innovative methods to improve effectiveness.