Police Operations Division, City of Port Richey

The Police Operations Division in the City of Port Richey plays a major role in protecting the people and maintaining peace in the community. This division is responsible for all core police activities such as patrolling, investigating crimes, assisting victims, managing special operations, and handling part-time officer programs. Leadership, coordination, and quick response are the key strengths of this unit. Under the guidance of Lieutenant Chris Mellecker, the division manages both routine duties and high-risk situations effectively.

Key Leadership

• Lieutenant Chris Mellecker serves as the Operations Division Commander.
• Main Responsibilities:
  • Supervises daily activities of patrol and investigation units.
  • Coordinates support for special events held in Port Richey.
  • Manages officer assignments and team coordination.
  • Oversees officers serving in tactical and negotiation roles on the county-wide Unified SWAT Team.

Main Units Under Operations Division

The Operations Division includes several important units that work together to ensure public safety.

Division/Unit	Function and Duties
Patrol Division	Patrols streets, responds to emergency calls, and assists the public.
Criminal Investigation Division	Investigates crimes, gathers evidence, and works to solve serious cases.
Victim Advocate Unit	Supports crime victims with counseling, legal help, and emergency assistance.
Special Operations Unit	Handles high-risk tasks, including traffic enforcement and strategic policing.
Auxiliary/Part-time Officer Program	Uses trained part-time officers to support full-time staff during busy or special times.

Patrol Division

• Officers patrol neighborhoods to stop crime before it happens.
• Quick response teams are sent to emergency calls like theft, domestic violence, or suspicious activity.
• Traffic safety enforcement includes checking for drunk drivers, speeding, and reckless driving.
• Public interaction is part of their daily routine, building trust and offering help when needed.

Criminal Investigation Division (CID)

• CID detectives follow up on crimes reported to the police.
• Major investigations involve burglaries, assaults, drug cases, and financial crimes.
• Evidence collection and interviews are used to solve cases and bring justice.
• Close cooperation with other departments ensures thorough investigations.

Victim Advocate Services

• Victim advocates help victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, robbery, and other traumatic events.
• Emotional and legal support is provided to help victims recover and stay safe.
• Advocates guide victims through police and court procedures.
• Coordination with shelters and medical professionals ensures proper care.

Special Operations Unit

• Focused on special problems, such as drug activity, organized crime, or high-traffic areas.
• Planned enforcement operations target dangerous areas or individuals.
• Assistance in large city events like parades or festivals is a major task.
• Advanced training helps officers manage complex or risky situations.

Auxiliary/Part-time Police Officer Program

• Part-time officers assist during emergencies, events, or short-staffed shifts.
• Support roles include crowd control, scene security, and administrative duties.
• Flexible work hours allow these officers to be available when most needed.
• The program provides real-life experience to recruits or retired officers.

Unified SWAT Team Participation

Some members of the Operations Division are trained and serve as part of the county-wide Unified SWAT Team.

SWAT Role	Responsibilities
Tactical Officers	Handle high-risk arrests, hostage rescues, and dangerous situations.
Hostage Negotiators	Talk to suspects in crisis to prevent violence and resolve conflicts.
Support for Local Incidents	Help during dangerous cases that local police cannot handle alone.
Training with Other Agencies	Work with officers from other cities and counties to stay prepared and share skills.

Special Events Support

• The Operations Division plans security for city events such as parades, festivals, and public gatherings.
• Officers control traffic flow, manage crowds, and respond to any emergency at the event.
• Strong police presence helps residents feel safe and enjoy their time.
• Planning involves coordination with city staff, event organizers, and emergency services.

Community Connection

• Police officers engage with the public during patrols and events.
• Community meetings and education allow residents to learn about safety and ask questions.
• Officers build trust by being visible, respectful, and ready to help.
• Efforts to involve youth in awareness programs show a commitment to long-term safety.

Training and Professional Growth

• Continuous training is provided for all officers in areas like self-defense, legal updates, and technology.
• Special units receive extra instruction in tactics, negotiations, and emergency response.
• Cross-training among units improves cooperation and quick decision-making.
• Regular drills and simulations prepare teams for real-life critical incidents.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Operations Area	Key Duties and Focus
Patrol Services	Community safety, law enforcement, emergency response
Crime Investigations	Evidence collection, interviews, and case resolutions
Victim Support	Emotional aid, legal help, and safety planning
Special Enforcement	Targeted crime suppression, event coverage, and operations planning
Part-Time Police Program	Emergency support, staffing aid, and cost-effective service
SWAT & Negotiations	Critical incident response and high-risk situation handling

Wrapping Up

The Police Operations Division in the City of Port Richey stands as the backbone of public safety. With strong leadership from Lieutenant Chris Mellecker and well-trained officers in each unit, the division works every day to protect lives, solve crimes, support victims, and manage citywide events. A balanced mix of patrol, investigation, special skills, and community engagement makes this division a trusted part of city life.