Panama City Police Department
Dedicated to Excellence .. People Serving People
Field Services
The Field Services Section is a 24/7 operation that serves as the backbone of uniformed response within our community, consistently providing a prompt and professional reaction to a diverse range of calls for service. From managing minor traffic accidents to handling critical incidents that involve in-depth criminal investigations, this team embodies the first line of defense in maintaining public safety. Staffed by a dedicated force of approximately 65 officers, the Patrol Division is equipped to handle the unpredictable nature of law enforcement with expertise and resilience.
The Field Services Section includes specialized teams that enhance the department's capabilities. The Field Officer Training team prepares new recruits, promoting continuous learning and professionalism. The SWAT team handles high-risk situations requiring tactical precision, while the Crisis Negotiations Team focuses on conflict resolution in volatile scenarios.
The Honor Guard upholds the ceremonial traditions and represents the department with distinction at public events and memorials. The Marine Unit extends the department's reach to waterways, ensuring safety and enforcement on the water. The Traffic Unit specializes in road safety, focusing on accident investigation, traffic flow, and enforcement to protect our community's drivers and pedestrians.
Further strengthening our capabilities, the K-9 Unit provides support in tracking, narcotics detection, and search operations. The Bike Unit adds agility and flexibility to our patrols, particularly in crowded or pedestrian-heavy areas, fostering close community engagement. Finally, the Unmanned Aircraft Operations Team, equipped with drone technology, enhances our capacity for aerial reconnaissance and surveillance, proving invaluable in search-and-rescue missions, crowd monitoring, and crime scene documentation.
Each of these specialty teams plays a crucial role in ensuring that the Field Services Section can meet the evolving challenges of law enforcement and maintain the highest standards of service to our community.
Meet The Captain
Captain Dusty Patterson is a Panama City native who began his law enforcement career with the Panama City Police Department in 2009, bringing with him an unwavering commitment to public safety and team leadership. Over the years, he has progressed through the ranks—serving in Patrol, Special Operations, Street Crimes, and Criminal Investigations—before being promoted to the rank of Captain in 2025.
Captain Patterson holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia Southern University and an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice Technology from Gulf Coast State College, graduating Summa Cum Laude from both institutions. He is a graduate of the FBI-LEEDA Supervisor Leadership Institute and Command Leadership Institute and is a certified FDLE General Instructor.
Throughout his career, Captain Patterson has served in a wide range of assignments, including Patrol Officer, Special Operations Investigator, and Street Crimes Investigator. He has held leadership roles as Sergeant and Lieutenant in the Field Services Section, as well as Corporal, Sergeant, and Lieutenant in the Investigative Services Section. From 2013 to 2022, he also served as a Task Force Officer with the U.S. Marshals Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force, gaining extensive experience in high-risk fugitive apprehension and inter-agency collaboration.
Captain Patterson is a seasoned member of the PCPD SWAT Team, where he has served continuously since 2013. He has held roles as a SWAT Operator, SWAT Team Leader, and now serves as the SWAT Commander. His extensive tactical training underscores his operational versatility and commitment to team safety. His numerous awards include the Life Saving Ribbon, Exceptional Service Award, and multiple recognitions for investigative excellence.
Now serving as a Captain, he brings over 15 years of diverse and decorated experience to the department’s leadership team. He remains dedicated to mentoring future leaders within the agency and fostering a positive, proactive work culture built on service, accountability, and trust.