The Uniformed Patrol Section is the most highly visible component of the CNMI Department of Public Safety, and it is the primary responding unit to
all calls for police assistance. Working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the Patrol Section represents the bulk of the Department's staffing.  

The Objectives of the Patrol Section are to:

1.  Reduce crime and the fear of crime
2.  Deliver prompt, courteous, and professional service to the community
3.  Effectively patrol villages and neighborhoods
4.  Enhance community partnerships to reduce crime and increase the quality of life
5.  Execute the law enforcement responsibilities of the Department through preventive patrol and active enforcement of criminal and traffic laws

The Officers under the Patrol Section work in partnership with other specialized units and programs within the department, such as the Traffic Section, Boating Safety Section, Community Oriented Policing System and the Criminal Investigation Division, and with various law enforcement and social service agencies to deliver high quality service to the community. These partnerships and networking are vital because patrol officers are the first responders to all emergency calls; if an incident that requires other sections or agencies’ help and expertise, patrol officers would make the proper call for assistance.

The Patrol Section is commanded by the Patrol Commander who holds the rank of Police Captain. The Patrol Commander reports to the Commander of Police Operations and is responsible for all uniformed functions of the department.

The Patrol Section is broken down into four shifts. The Officer in Charge (OIC) of each shift is supervised by a Police Lieutenant and a Field Supervisor who is a Police Sergeant.

Shift OICs assigned to each of the department's primary patrol shifts are responsible for the general supervision and command of all department personnel assigned to their shift. OICs report to the Patrol Commander, consulting with and informing the Commander of activities, problems or issues pertinent to their shift.

Sergeants are assigned to each primary patrol shift as Patrol Supervisors. They are responsible for the general supervision, accountability, instructions, and control of personnel assigned under them. They are also charged with coordinating with law enforcement and other agencies when their assistance is needed. They additionally respond to incidents to supervise and guide the police officers under their command.

Patrol officers in each shift conduct initial investigations, protect life, aid injured persons, secure and protect crime scenes. They identify suspects and make arrests, identify witnesses and document their observations, accurately complete and document all pertinent information regarding their investigations in a case incident report.