The patrol division is made up of three sergeants, three corporals, thirteen patrol officers. We have three platoons that are supervised by the sergeants and the corporals, under the supervision of a Captain. The patrol division works a five day on and four day off rotation while working ten hour shifts.
It is the function of the patrol division to provide pro-active patrol and efficient response to reported incidents, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, within the City of Festus. Often thought of as the "backbone" of the department, the patrol division is charged with the safeguarding of life and property through alert and constant patrol coverage.
Capt. Don Lassing is the Field Operations Commander for the department. He is the Commander over both the Patrol Division and the Criminal Investigations Division. He is also a supervisor with the Greater St. Louis Area Major Case Squad. He has been with the Festus Police Department since October of 1985.
Sgt. Doug Wendel is in charge of the computer systems and support staff for the department. He is responsible for several different areas including the dispatch center and clerical staff. One of the main responsibilities is being the system network administrator which includes working on the computer network.