The Patrol Division responds to all calls for police service placed to the Department, either through the 911 system, or through non-emergency phones. The patrol deputies handle the initial investigations of thefts, burglaries, robberies, assaults, and all other felony, misdemeanor, and public service calls. Upon completion of the initial investigation, the case is either suspended, continued to the Investigations Division, closed by arrest and referred to the District Attorney for prosecution, or unfounded.

The Palm Desert Police Department supports and promotes the concept of Community Oriented Policing. This is accomplished by the assignment of officers to regular beat assignments, providing state-of-the-art equipment and training, and adequate staffing to handle over 130 calls for service received daily. The Palm Desert Police Department also operates two off-site Police Sub-Stations. One sub-station is located at 42-305 Washington St., Suite E to provide easier access to police services to the residents and business patrons for the east side of the city and our second substation is located at 72-990 Hwy 111.

The City of Palm Desert is approximately twenty-six square miles, and has an estimated population of 51,509 permanent residents. The Palm Desert Police Department handles over 47,600 calls for service each year.

The Palm Desert Police Contract consists of 80 sworn deputy sheriff's positions. The current sworn officer per 1,000 residents ratio is 1.56. 36 of the 80 positions are dedicated to the patrol division with the remaining deputies dedicated to special assignments such as the Traffic Division, Special Enforcement Team, the Motorcycle Enforcement Unit, K-9 Officer, Business District Team, School Resource Officers, the Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force and Narcotics Enforcement. The deputy sheriff's positions are further supported by sworn supervision and administration. The police contract also contains several non-sworn support positions to assist with the daily operation of the station and to support field services. Together, they are able to provide professional service to the citizens of Palm Desert