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Uniformed Patrol
 The Old Saybrook Police Department's Patrol Division is the backbone of the Old Saybrook Police Department. The officers work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and are currently on a rotating schedule incorporating all three eight hour shifts. The division is also supplemented by part time officers.
The Patrol Division enforces criminal laws, motor vehicle laws, and town ordinances. Patrol officers responsibilities include investigation of crimes, motor vehicle enforcement, investigation of traffic accidents, responding to assistance calls, and participating in community oriented programs to name a few. 
The Patrol division officers are Connecticut state certified medical First Responders. All officers are minimum Medical Response Technician certified and respond to all medical calls for assistance within town limits. Officers are also trained in the use of automatic defibrillators.
Many of our patrol officers also are specifically trained in and participate in special operations such as K-9 handling, accident reconstruction, bicycle patrol, & critical incident response.
Canine Patrol
 The Old Saybrook Department of Police Services Canine Unit consists of one police officer and one specially trained German shepherd. The canine unit originated in 1997 when Patrolman Jay Rankin researched and developed a comprehensive canine program and obtained the support from Chief Edmund Mosca and the Police Commission. Patrolman Rankin was selected to be the first
canine handler and he obtained a German shepherd from the Czech Republic. The first canine was purchased by Mr. Richard Palidore, who is a resident of Old Saybrook, for the price of $3,500.00. The first canine, Brian (Bree-on) was trained by the Connecticut State Police Canine Unit in both patrol work and narcotics detection. Canine Brian served with the department for five years. Canine Brian was infected with Lyme disease causing his liver to fail. With great sadness, Canine Brian was put down in March of 2003. As a result of Brian’s special training, his career resulted in the apprehension of numerous suspects and the seizure of an undetermined amount of narcotics. Canine Brian will be sadly missed. Please feel free to visit our department memorial garden located on the front lawn of the Police Department and see the memorial dedicated to those canines who served our department.
In the summer of 2003, Patrolman Rankin was approached by Chief Edmund Mosca and asked to continue the Old Saybrook Police Canine Program. Patrolman Rankin agreed to take on the task and a second canine was purchased. Again, Mr. Richard Palidore offered to donate the funds to purchase the second dog. Canine Beny was purchased for $3,500.00 from a canine vendor in Slovakia. Patrolman Rankin met with the vendor at JFK Airport and he brought  Beny home in July of 2003. Canine Beny was 14 months old at the time. Patrolman Rankin attended training with the Connecticut State Police Canine Unit and Canine Beny was certified as a patrol dog. Canine Beny has just recently been certified as a narcotics detection dog by the North American Police Work Dog Association.
The canine team plays an instrumental role in the patrol division. The canine team saves the department numerous hours each week performing duties that regular patrol officers would have to do otherwise. The canine team is especially helpful when searching buildings, large areas, and vehicles. Canines have a greater sense of smell than humans. The patrol officers will tell you it’s a great feeling having Beny out in front of them when clearing an area for any suspects.
Canine Beny performs countless demonstrations for local schools and civic organizations. When Beny is not working, he stays at home with Patrolman Rankin and plays with his family. For those who have not met Beny, please feel free to contact our department or just look for the Police car marked ‘K-9 Unit’. You will usually hear Beny barking in the back seat. Ptlm Rankin will be happy to let Beny out of the car to meet you.
Bicycle Patrol
Two specially equipped 21-speed bicycles are available for patrol officers to utilize. The trained officers ride the bicycles in their assigned areas as a means of patrol. This allows for better interaction between the officer and the public. The bicycle officers are responsible for the same duties as those officers assigned to a vehicle.
The bicycle becomes a conversation piece and many people approach the officer with curiosity which allows for citizen / officer interaction that may not have occurred without the bicycle. The bicycle also allows for stealthy movements by the officer and aids in the investigation of crimes in progress. The bike is equipped with oxygen and other medical supplies. The bicycle patrols both the residential and business districts of the town.
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