Often called the "backbone" of the Batesville Police Department, the Patrol Division is comprised of uniformed patrol officers who are responsible for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week patrol of the city. In addition to being a first responder to all criminal calls and traffic accidents, the members of the Patrol Division also face a variety of calls that include enforcing all city, state, and federal laws and crime prevention. The Patrol Division is dedicated to the protection of the safety and security of the City’s citizens and visitors.

The Detective Division of the Batesville Police Department is responsible for conducting all criminal investigations within the city limits of Batesville, the processing of crime scenes, and the collection and preservation of evidence for criminal prosecution. The detectives are required to testify in court and give accurate, detailed testimony relative to the results of criminal investigations. They must interview witnesses and interrogate suspects, prepare formal statements and arrest persons suspected of committing crimes based on probable cause or by warrant.

The Communications Division, often referred to as Dispatch, not only handles all radio traffic and all phone calls for the Batesville Police Department, but also dispatches for 1 full time fire department and several local volunteer fire departments. Each dispatcher is a certified E-911 operator and NCIC operator.

The Batesville Police Department K-9 Division works with patrol shifts and assists in the normal day-to-day patrol operations. K-9’s assist in tracking suspects, evidence recovery, building searches, lost persons, vehicle sniffs for the presence of narcotics, and handler/officer protection.

The Animal Control Division of the Batesville Police Department is responsible for working with our citizens to help control dangerous, homeless, or abandoned animals. This includes the containment and care of any captured animals. Animal Control Officers also work closely with other organizations that are concerned with the welfare of these animals.

The Batesville Police Department is proud to work closely with the Panola County Humane Society to try to find good homes for homeless or abandoned animals. The Panola County Humane Society is a group of volunteers and they are always looking for foster homes to temporarily house animals waiting to be adopted. Anyone interested in adopting a pet from the Panola County Humane Society can do this by going to www.petfinder.com

The Crime Prevention Division of the Batesville Police Department is comprised of several nationally recognized programs including D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) and Panola County Triad. Also included in this division are School Resource Officers who serve the
students and teachers inside the schools of the Batesville area.

The primary function of the Special Operations Division of the Batesville Police Department is to vigorously investigate and prosecute drug traffickers within the City. The officers assigned to this division are also available to provide extra manpower when needed and to serve warrants.