Department Divisions

The Franklin Police Department is organized into several divisions, each with specific responsibilities that support the department’s mission to provide high-quality service with integrity and honor.

Administration

The Administration consists of the Chief of Police, Assistant Chief, and three Captains. The Administration oversees the department’s strategic operations, policy development, and organizational management. They manage budgeting, personnel, training, and community relations to ensure efficient and effective delivery of public safety services. Administration provides leadership, supports departmental initiatives, and serves as a liaison between the Police Department, City officials, and the community.

Patrol

The Patrol Division is the most visible component of the Franklin Police Department, and the backbone of the department, providing 24/7 law enforcement services to the City of Franklin. The Patrol Division is staffed with 46 officers and 7 sergeants at full strength, and is divided into three shifts—Day, Early, and Late—to ensure continuous coverage.

Patrol officers are responsible for protecting life and property, maintaining public order, enforcing laws, and responding to emergencies. The Patrol Division's primary responsibilities include:

• Responding to emergency and non-emergency calls for service
• Conducting traffic enforcement and investigating motor vehicle accidents
• Perform routine patrols in vehicles, on bicycles, on motorcycles, and on foot
• Conduct investigations of criminal activity
• Provide visible police presence to deter crime and promote community safety

Investigations

The Franklin Police Department Investigative Bureau includes six detectives supervised by a sergeant. Detectives work standard shifts and follow a dedicated on-call schedule for night, weekend, and holiday coverage. The Investigations Bureau investigates criminal offenses occurring in Franklin and Milwaukee County. They are also active members of the Milwaukee Area Investigative Team, which investigates officer-involved shootings and officer-involved deaths throughout Milwaukee County and the City of Waukesha, and are active members of the Department of Justice’s Wisconsin Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

The Investigations Bureau’s primary responsibilities include:

• Investigate serious crimes, including burglary, theft, assault, sexual offenses, and major property crimes
• Conduct interviews and gather statements from victims, witnesses, and suspects
• Collect, process, and preserve physical and digital evidence
• Work closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies on multi-jurisdictional investigations
• Maintain detailed case files and prepare reports for prosecution

Communications

The Communications Division acts as the crucial link between the public and the Franklin Police Department. Operating 24/7, the division consists of 15 civilians, including a communications supervisor, a lead dispatcher, and 14 dispatchers/clerks. Together, they ensure efficient response and support services.

The Communications Division’s primary responsibilities include:

• Receive and prioritize 911 and non-emergency calls
• Dispatch Police, Fire, EMS, and specialized units, and support personnel efficiently
• Maintain accurate records of calls, incidents, and police and fire activity
• Monitor radio communications and coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions for multi-agency responses
• Provide critical support during emergencies, severe weather events, or large public gatherings