Operations Division

Captain Raelee VanWinkle - Division Commander

The Operations Division of the Hastings Police Department serves as the backbone of the agency’s day-to-day public safety mission, bringing together a range of specialized units and frontline services to protect and serve the community effectively. At its core is Patrol Operations, which provides 24/7 response to calls for service, proactive crime prevention, traffic enforcement, and immediate emergency assistance. Working alongside patrol, the Detective Bureau conducts in-depth investigations into criminal activity, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and building cases for prosecution.

The division also oversees a variety of Special Assignments that enhance the department’s capabilities. These include the K-9 program, which supports tracking, narcotics detection, and suspect apprehension; Drug Investigations, focused on disrupting illegal drug activity and related crimes; and the Tactical Response Team, trained to handle high-risk incidents such as armed standoffs, search warrants, and critical emergencies.

Community Service Officers play a vital supporting role by assisting with non-emergency calls, administrative tasks, and community outreach. They are also responsible for addressing quality-of-life issues within the community, including animal control, enforcement related to junk and debris, overgrown grass, parking violations, and other ordinance-related concerns, helping to maintain a safe and orderly environment while allowing sworn officers to focus on higher-priority incidents.

In addition to operational responsibilities, the division is instrumental in the recruitment and hiring of new sworn personnel, ensuring that the department attracts, selects, and trains qualified individuals committed to professional policing and community engagement. The Operations Division also oversees agency training for sworn staff, coordinating ongoing professional development, certification requirements, and specialized instruction to ensure officers remain well-prepared, highly skilled, and aligned with best practices in modern law enforcement.

Through coordination, specialization, and a commitment to service, the Operations Division ensures a comprehensive and responsive approach to public safety in Hastings.