The police department of Norfolk celebrated their 200th year of service in 1997. The department has 757 sworn and 128 civilian personnel with an annual budget of approximately $53 million. The department is headed by Bruce Preston Marquis, Ed.D. who has been in the department for 28 years. The services Norfolk Police Department offer is unlike any others – but their duties remain as impeccable as it was first started which contributes to the community’s lower crime rates.

Patrol operations for the City of Norfolk are divided between the First and Second Patrol Divisions. Each is divided into three sectors designated red, blue or gold. A sector lieutenant oversees the patrol and community-oriented policing functions in each sector and answers to the patrol division commanding officer. Each patrol division supplements its motorized patrol functions with bicycle and walking assignments.

Other specialized positions include truant enforcement officers, community policing (target) officers and various support personnel. Truant officers work closely with the schools and track truant students to facilitate school attendance. Target officers in each sector foster relationships and partnerships in Norfolk’s neighborhoods, businesses, schools and religious communities that contribute to a harmonious quality of life. These officers attend meetings and meet with individuals to perpetuate proactive problem solving.

There is also the Public Information Office, created to assist the public of Norfolk in anyway. It consists of one primary Public Information Officer (P.I.O.) and one back-up P.I.O. This office is responsible for providing vital information in a timely manner throughout the year to both the citizens of Norfolk as well as print, television, radio, and internet media representatives. Also, personnel assist in intradepartmental communications, communicating with other city departments as well as outside agencies, and facilitating communications for the Chief of Police.

PACE (Police Assisted Community Enforcement) is a dynamic program designed by the City of Norfolk, Virginia to encompass the entire community in a strategically planned executed series of on-going events and activities aimed at giving citizens control of their neighborhoods. Through innovative partnerships between and among governmental agencies, citizen groups, voluntary and religious organizations, the business community and others, PACE strives to reduce crime and violence by emphasizing cooperation, teamwork, and collaboration. Whether it is called community oriented policing, community oriented government or PACE, today's public safety initiatives must focus on the community and have the support and participation of all who are members of the community. Success depends upon working together in partnerships of all kinds to make our communities crime free and safe for all.