Our Community

The City of Novato covers approximately 28 square miles with a population of 51,000 residents. 

The Police Department has divided the city into four beats.  Although the City is broken into four separate geographical sections, the patrol officers regularly cross the boundaries from one area to the other.  This system not only allows more overlap and coverage for routine type patrol, but can also concentrate more personnel for area specific problems.  When not bound to a specific part of the City, officers can combine their efforts and work closely with the residents to solve community issues.

The Department practices a generalist model of community policing,  Patrol officers and supervisors have a dual responsibility to handle calls for service, and to apply community policing principles when assigned to work on projects that have been identified in their geographical area.  Officers are empowered to meet with citizens for the purpose of determining the specific problems within their individual neighborhoods.  Officers are expected to maintain close relationships with their residents and/or businesses, seek input and share information to better understand the issues that are important to the community.