The Columbus Division of Police is organized into six subdivisions. The subdivisions include the Administrative, Investigative, Support Services, Homeland Security, and two Patrol subdivisions: North and South. Each subdivision is commanded by a Deputy Chief. The nature of each task to be performed determines which subdivision has responsibility and authority.

The individual subdivisions are further divided into bureaus or zones, each of which fulfills a more specific mission. Each zone or bureau is supervised by a police commander.

The zones or bureaus are subdivided into sections or watches and are commanded by a police lieutenant or civilian employee of equivalent position. The sections and watches are broken down into precincts, units, squads, or teams. Each is commanded by a police sergeant or civilian.

The Division of Police operates in a semi-military manner. Authority descends from superior to subordinate and responsibility ascends from subordinate to superior.