The Patrol Division of the North Plainfield Police Department is staffed by two platoons each consisting of 3 sergeants and 12 patrol officers, 4 civilian dispatchers and 1 Sergeant and 1 Patrolman assigned to the Traffic Safety Division.

Officers begin their careers in the Patrol Division after receiving initial training from a police academy recognized by the New Jersey Police Training Commission. Upon graduation from the police academy, new officers are assigned to a Field Training Officer for 2 months. The new officers expand the basic knowledge gained from the academy and are eligible for lone patrol duty after successfully completing the Field Training Program.

Uniformed officers assigned to the Patrol Division have the primary responsibility of answering calls for service from the public, as well as engaging in preventive patrol within all districts in the borough. The patrol officers are alert for criminal activity and traffic violations that require immediate enforcement action. Patrol officers are also responsible for preliminary criminal investigations including completing various reports, identifying victims and violators, making arrests at the scene, identification and collection of evidence, and testifying in judicial proceedings. The North Plainfield Police Department engages in an extensive ongoing training program so officers are better trained to respond to the needs of the public.

The Traffic Safety Division, which is under the command of the Patrol Division, has the primary responsibility of enforcing traffic violations, conducting traffic surveys, utilizing specialized equipment such as the mobile radar trailer and traffic counters, and investigating serious and fatal motor vehicle accidents. The Sergeant and Patrolman assigned to this division is highly trained in the investigation of motor vehicle crashes, and is constantly updating this training.