Police patrol serves several important purposes: crime control by responding to calls and conducting proactive enforcement; crime prevention through public education and community programs; and traffic control by enforcing laws and assisting motorists. An important aspect of patrol is problem-solving by identifying neighborhood crime and safety issues and developing long-term solutions in partnership with the community. Patrol officers conduct both proactive and reactive policing through directed patrols, coordinating resources, and developing strategies to suppress crime. Staffing levels are determined by call volume, response times, and time available for proactive policing. A typical patrol shift involves responding to calls, writing reports, court appearances, and traffic enforcement, with the potential for dangerous situations at any time.

1. Police
Patrol

2. The Purpose of Police Patrol
Crime Control- Patrol is the
frontline of crime control by
responding to calls for service &
self –initiated law enforcement
activities.
Crime Prevention- Patrol helps
to prevent crime by educating the
public to prevent victimization and
by supporting citizen crime
prevention programs like
Neighborhood Watch.
Traffic Control- Patrol ensures the
safe flow of traffic and roadway safety by
traffic codes, reducing traffic hazards and
providing roadside assistance.
Problem Solving- An important
aspect of community policing is identifying
neighborhood criminal and safety
problems and creating long term solutions.

3. Proactive/Coactive Policing
Police Patrol Officers…..
• Act on own initiative to develop information and develop strategies to suppress
crime.
• Partner with the community to identify, diagnose and resolve criminal activity.
• Identify specific areas or problems for additional attention through directed
patrols.
• Coordinate the use of police and other public & private resources to resolve
crime and disorder problems.

4. Types of
Police
Patrol
Foot Patrol- This is the traditional “walking the beat” but is
limited to smaller, more populated areas or special events.
Foot patrol tends to lower a neighborhood’s fear of crime
while officers gain a better understanding of their patrol
area.
Motor Patrol- Patrolling in a car has become the typical
method by allowing for more efficient coverage of an area
with fewer officers and faster response times.
Bicycle Patrol- Bike patrol has become a popular method
that provides a visible force while maintaining advantages of
foot and motor patrol.
Motorcycle Patrol- Motorcycles are traditionally used in a
traffic enforcement role because the cycles can easily
maneuver through traffic congestion.
Aircraft Patrol- Using either fixed wing or
helicopters, aircraft provide an excellent observation
platform for assisting ground units.
Water/Marine Patrol- These units enforce
water, recreational and wildlife codes and provide emergency
services. They can also be used in drug interdiction programs.
Horse Patrol- Horse patrols are an excellent community
relations tool but they are also helpful in crowd control
situations and operating in rural areas and parks.

5. How is Police Staffing on Patrol
Allocated?
Typically department’s maintain patrol staffing 24/7, 365 days a year working 8, 10 or 12
hour shifts.
The number of officers per shift is frequently determined by:
• The number of calls for service.
• The average time to handle a call.
• The amount of time a patrol officer should be doing proactive police work.
• Officer time lost due to court, leave, training or other reasons.

6. A typical patrol day may look like this…..
Day Shift
0630 Briefing & Roll Call
0700 Burglary report
0830 Directed traffic enforcement in school zone
0900 Respond to a shoplifter & arrest
0930 Booking paperwork and reports
1030 Court appearance
1130 Lunch break
1140 Called away to assist on a robbery call
1300 Burglary report
1400 Go to the station to phone the first burglary
victim and amend the report.
1430 Traffic stop & citation
1500 Traffic stop & citation
1530 Welfare check of children in a park
1600 Debrief & turn in paper and equipment
The shift starts with an update of
criminal activity, issuing of
equipment and making sure
everyone is present for duty
Report writing is a routine task as well as
completing forms.
Officers have to testify in court – even on days off
Even after the call is cleared, the officer
is still responsible for it until the
investigator is assigned
The day may not be over yet.
Incomplete reports must be finished, a
call will carry over into overtime or
forced overtime to fill the next shift

7. Police patrol has been described as hours of boredom
followed by moments of terror. Patrol work is usually
not like it is portrayed on TV dramas. It can be routine
and at times tedious but always there is the chance
that human lives and safety may be in jeopardy.