The City of Cincinnati is divided into five police districts, each commanded by a captain who is responsible for operations and personnel deployment. Police officers assigned to the districts for uniform patrol activity are generally divided into three fixed shifts. Each shift is commanded by a lieutenant. The first shift has starting times of 0600 and 0700 hours. The second shift has starting times of 1300, 1400, or 1500 hours, depending on service demands of that district. The third shift has starting times of 2200 or 2300 hours.

The second shift is supplemented by an early power shift and has a starting time between 1000 and 1300 hours. Third shift is supplemented by a late power shift and has a starting time between 1900 and 2100 hours. This increases field strength during early afternoon and evening hours when the service demand is higher.

The districts provide uniformed patrols in a variety of ways. In addition to marked vehicle and foot patrols, each district contains a Mountain Bike Squad. These officers provide a full range of police services. The district efforts are supplemented by mounted and canine patrols.

Each district has an investigative unit commanded by a lieutenant. This unit investigates crimes occurring within the district. When necessary, the unit coordinates these investigations with the Criminal Investigation Section (CIS) of the Investigations Bureau.

Each district has identified a Community Problem Oriented Policing (CPOP) liaison supervisor and an officer on each relief as a contact for the community to address reoccurring problems.   Citizens can contact these officers via e-mail or the 24-hour CPOP cell phone.  The goal is for all officers to adopt and apply the components of problem solving and community policing to address community concerns.

Each district fields a Violent Crimes Squad (VCS) commanded by a sergeant. VCS officers concentrate on responding to and investigating reports of violent crimes. They also serve outstanding warrants to arrest and incarcerate the subjects committing these violent crimes.

Each district assigns officers to perform specialized law enforcement tasks that include crime prevention, community relations, vice enforcement activities, traffic control, crime analysis and warrant service.

• Special Events Unit is commanded by a lieutenant.  In addition to handling permits, the Special Events Unit plans for police presence and coordinates the response of all City Departments for special events.  As the vast majority of these major events occur in the downtown and riverfront area, the Special Events Unit is organizationally placed in District One.  Should a major event occur in another district, the Special Events Unit assists that district’s personnel in ensuring a proper police presence is maintained.
  
• Downtown Services Unit is commanded by a lieutenant and staffed with personnel who are responsible for the policing the Central Business District.  Uniformed patrol officers and the Mounted Squad are assigned to this unit to provide a police presence to downtown neighborhoods.  Through the use of foot, bicycle, motorcycle, and horse patrols, officers are able to interact with downtown merchants, residents and customers.
  
  • Mounted Patrol Squad , supervised by a sergeant, directs all equestrian activities including scheduling, training, stable management, veterinary and farrier services. The Mounted Patrol Squad provides an added dimension to policing: visibility, mobility and travel into areas not accessible by any other vehicles. Mounted Patrol Squad officers patrol all areas of the City, including the downtown business district, with emphasis on Fountain Square and the Central Riverfront. The squad is also available to provide special services to the districts upon request.