Captain Jeffrey Cotton commands the Uniformed Services Division. Captain Cotton has served in Law Enforcement since 1996, joining the Bellaire Police Department in 1998. He holds a Master Peace Officer License and is certified as a Mental Health Officer, Special Investigator, SRT operator, Crime Prevention Inspector, and Intoxilyzer Operator. Captain Cotton holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Charleston.
The Uniformed Services Division consists of the Patrol Operations and Jail Operations
Patrol Operations operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The officers in this division are generally the first to respond to calls for service. Duties performed by this division include:
- Enforcement of state and municipal laws
- Traffic enforcement
- Preliminary criminal investigations
- Accident investigations
- Assisting lost or stranded motorists
The Patrol Division operates on 12-hour shifts and is organized into four squads, designated “A” through “D.” Personnel work a rotating two-week schedule consisting of two days on, two days off, three days on, two days off, two days on, and three days off. This rotation ensures that each officer receives every other 3-day weekend off, promoting operational coverage while supporting work-life balance.
Jail Operations
The department has one authorized civilian position and is responsible for the care, custody, equipping, and upkeep of the Bellaire Municipal Jail.
Specialized Units
The Specialized Units are largely staffed by members of the Uniformed Services Division and operate in direct support of the Bellaire Police Department’s mission and operational objectives.
