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Patrol Operations Division

The Patrol Operations Division is under the command of Lieutenant Matthew Zavatsky. 
 
Lieutenant Zavatsky joined the Bethel Police Department in December of 2003.  During his tenure with Bethel, Lieutenant Zavatsky has served in various positions including Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, and Detective for several years, during which time he successfully arrested numerous suspects, solved numerous residential and commercial burglaries, and completed several narcotics investigations.  Lieutenant Zavatsky has served as a member of the Emergency Service Unit (ESU) team for over ten years and served as Team Leader for two years. He also obtained his certification as Instructor in several subject areas including Use of Force, Gracie Survival Jiu-Jitsu Techniques, Arrest and Control / Defensive Tactics, Handcuffing, and Physical Fitness.
 
In 2016, Lieutenant Zavatsky was promoted to Patrol Sergeant and in 2019 was assigned to the Detective Bureau as the Detective Bureau Sergeant, overseeing major crimes and other serious felonies against persons/property.  In October of 2024, Lieutenant Zavatsky was promoted to Lieutenant and currently serves as the Patrol Operations Commander, overseeing all aspects of the Patrol Division and day to day police related services provided to the public.
 
Lieutenant Zavatsky holds an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice.


The Patrol Division is the backbone of the Bethel Police Department, and as such, it is the largest division within the Department. Of the Department's authorized strength of 37 sworn officers, 23 uniformed police officers and six Sergeants are assigned to the Patrol Division. Officers and Supervisors staff this division 24 hours a day / 7 days a week and perform a wide range of functions including:

  • Responding to calls for service: criminal complaints, motor vehicle crashes, recovery of stolen property, public assistance calls, calls for medical assistance and other incidents requiring a police response.
  • Preventive patrol: preventing crimes and other incidents before they occur.
  • Apprehending criminals and wanted persons.
  •  Enforcement of motor vehicle laws.
  • Working alongside the public.
  • Prisoner control: The patrol division is responsible for direct monitoring of all prisoners being held by the department until they are turned over to court.

The Patrol Division utilizes various tactics and technologies to accomplish its mission. Patrol equipment includes:

  • Thirteen marked patrol vehicles are currently in use, and all are equipped with mobile data terminals which provide links to local, state, and national resources.
  • Radar and laser speed measurement devices are available for officers to use when conducting motor vehicle enforcement.
  • All primary patrol vehicles have Automated External Defibrillators (AED) and first responder basic life support (BLS) supplies to assist with medical emergencies. All of our Officers are trained Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs).