The Iowa City Police Department has an authorized strength of 82 sworn and 30 non-sworn personnel. The department has two divisions, Field Operations and Administrative Services, with each division being commanded by a Captain.

Field Operations

Field Operations is that part of the police department normally associated with the provision of police services. Field Operations consists of the Patrol and Investigations Sections.

The patrol section is the largest section in the department and is responsible for handling calls for service from the public in addition to handling special assignments and self initiated activities. Officers are responsible for the protection of life and property, and help maintain peace, order, and safety for all. The patrol section is divided in to three watches (shifts) providing 24-hour service. Each watch is under the supervision of a Lieutenant and two Sergeants. Activities range from unlocking a vehicle, to traffic enforcement and accident investigation, to the initial investigation of high level felonies. In addition to the traditional patrol units, the patrol section also has a canine unit, bicycle officers, Community Service Officers, Street Crimes Unit, Special Response Team (SRT) and provides Crime Scene Technicians (CST) for the processing of crime scenes.

The Investigations Section is responsible for the investigation of criminal activity beyond that which is conducted by the patrol section. The Investigations Section is headed by a Lieutenant and a Sergeant and investigates crimes ranging from theft by check, to domestic abuse, to homicides. The Investigations section has investigators assigned to the Johnson County Drug Task Force, Domestic Abuse, in addition to general investigators.

Administrative Services

Administrative Services is the part of the department that supports or provides services to Field Operations. In addition Administrative Services provides support activities to groups and organizations throughout the City. Administrative Services consists of Emergency Communications, Records, Property and Evidence, Training / Accreditation, Crime Prevention, Planning and Research, and Animal Control.

The Records Section is responsible for the recording of information, the housing and maintenance of departmental records, reproduction and forwarding of records or data and providing copies of records to the public. The Records Section also compiles statistics for the National Crime Reporting System.

The Property and Evidence Section maintains all property turned into the department. This includes found property as well of property held for evidentiary purposes. The property section maintains up to date records of property held by the department as well as the disposition of property when it is removed from the department. Additionally, the property section prepares evidentiary items for transport applicable lab facilities.

Training and Accreditation is responsible for maintaining the mandated level of training for members of the department as well as ensuring that personnel are trained in those areas that are necessary for the efficient functioning of the department. In addition, this position is responsible for developing and maintaining those records necessary to maintain compliance with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) standards.

Planning and Research is responsible for the analyzing of statistical information compiled by the Records Section in order to identify trends affecting the public so departmental resources may best be deployed. This position is also responsible for ensuring the integrity of departmental documentation.

Animal Control is under the Commander of Administrative Services. Animal control is responsible for the enforcement of animal regulations and promotes adoption and the proper care of animals.

The Community Relations function is responsible for involving the community in the operations of the police department. This may be in participating in educational programs in the schools or participating in educational programs such as the Citizen Police Academy or neighborhood watch activities. This function serves to inform community groups of the functions and activities of the department.