the west patrol division is almost 13 square miles and includes the port of long beach, the area west of the 710 freeway and a large portion of central long beach. the 136 sworn and three civilian employees serve almost 100,000 people. officers respond to over 40,000 dispatches each year. the west patrol substation opened in late 1997. the substation's presence in the area has improved community access to police. each divisional station provides information and limited police reporting services.