© 2010, 2007, 2004, 2000, 1995 pearson higher education, upper saddle river, nj 07458. all rights...

© 2010, 2007, 2004, 2000, 1995 Pearson Higher Education,Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved.The Police: An Introduction, Fourth Edition

By Michael D. Lyman© 2010, 2005, 2002, 1999 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: Patrol

Part 2: Police Work as a ProfessionPart 2: Police Work as a ProfessionChapter 5: Police Operations: PatrolChapter 5: Police Operations: Patrol




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolThis Chapter will enable you to…This Chapter will enable you to…

• Understand the role of the policeUnderstand the role of the policepatrol officer.patrol officer.

• Explain importance of identifyingExplain importance of identifying"hot spots" and the assignment"hot spots" and the assignmentof patrol units.of patrol units.

• Comprehend the principles behind theComprehend the principles behind theallocation of patrol units.allocation of patrol units.

• Distinguish between line and staff police functions.Distinguish between line and staff police functions.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolThis Chapter will enable you to…This Chapter will enable you to…

• Understand contemporary studiesUnderstand contemporary studiesaddressing relevance of policeaddressing relevance of policeresponse time.response time.

• Understand the effectivenessUnderstand the effectivenessof nontraditional police patrolof nontraditional police patroloperations.operations.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: Patrol

• Police officers must always remember the context in Police officers must always remember the context in which they work: the citizens in the community and which they work: the citizens in the community and criminal justice colleagues with whom they work. criminal justice colleagues with whom they work. – The officer is not a separate entity working in a vacuum.The officer is not a separate entity working in a vacuum.

• Police officers must use good communication skills, Police officers must use good communication skills, which include active listening, report writing, and which include active listening, report writing, and clear communication techniques. clear communication techniques.

• Officers' actions must be legal and ethical, andOfficers' actions must be legal and ethical, andthey must develop the ability to protect themselvesthey must develop the ability to protect themselvesin what could be life-threatening situations. in what could be life-threatening situations.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: Patrol

• Of the many functions performed by contemporary Of the many functions performed by contemporary police departments, field operations are the most police departments, field operations are the most prominent, and include two basic functions: prominent, and include two basic functions: – Patrol operations and criminal investigations. Patrol operations and criminal investigations.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolTHE PATROL FUNCTIONTHE PATROL FUNCTION

• After graduation from the police academy, a new After graduation from the police academy, a new recruit's first assignment is generally the uniformed recruit's first assignment is generally the uniformed patrol division.patrol division.– An extremely high-visibility department component.An extremely high-visibility department component.

• The patrol component is generally associated with The patrol component is generally associated with state & local law enforcement and represents the state & local law enforcement and represents the largest organizational unit within those departments. largest organizational unit within those departments. – In theory, the most valuable people in the department. In theory, the most valuable people in the department.

• Ironically, this concept is not supported by such Ironically, this concept is not supported by such measures as salary, working conditions & degreemeasures as salary, working conditions & degreeof authority. of authority.





• As a rule, the most burdensome, dangerous aspects As a rule, the most burdensome, dangerous aspects of police work are performed by uniformed officer. of police work are performed by uniformed officer. – Often in an emotionally charged atmosphere of hostility. Often in an emotionally charged atmosphere of hostility.

• Patrol officers must wear many "hats," like clergy, Patrol officers must wear many "hats," like clergy, psychologist, therapist, lawyer, even street fighter. psychologist, therapist, lawyer, even street fighter. – Patrol officers are expected to be all things to all people.Patrol officers are expected to be all things to all people.

• Because of high visibility, the public image of police Because of high visibility, the public image of police officers in general is derived from activities and officers in general is derived from activities and impressions propagated by officers on patrol. impressions propagated by officers on patrol. – Many citizens view the police Many citizens view the police asas the government, the government,

rather people working on behalf of the community. rather people working on behalf of the community.





• Many players are involved in the criminal justice Many players are involved in the criminal justice process, including the police officer, prosecutor, process, including the police officer, prosecutor, defense attorney, and judge. defense attorney, and judge. – The patrol officer is simply one of many persons inThe patrol officer is simply one of many persons in

the criminal justice system.the criminal justice system.• The marked patrol vehicle with its distinctive lights, The marked patrol vehicle with its distinctive lights,

paint, & ambience clearly announces the presence paint, & ambience clearly announces the presence of the "peacekeeper" in any neighborhood. of the "peacekeeper" in any neighborhood.





• It is ironic that while many administrators espouse It is ironic that while many administrators espouse the patrol function as the backbone of enforcement, the patrol function as the backbone of enforcement, the same administrators typically transfer the best the same administrators typically transfer the best and brightest from patrol to other assignments. and brightest from patrol to other assignments.

• The degree of discretion enjoyed by the patrol officer The degree of discretion enjoyed by the patrol officer characterizes his/her role in the community. characterizes his/her role in the community. – Use of this discretion results in the majority of arrests.Use of this discretion results in the majority of arrests.

• Police departments are unique in that discretion Police departments are unique in that discretion increasesincreases as one moves as one moves downdown the hierarchy. the hierarchy. – The newest members begin in positions demanding the The newest members begin in positions demanding the

greatest discretion, maturity, knowledge & self-control. greatest discretion, maturity, knowledge & self-control.





• The patrol officer is generally the first to respond to The patrol officer is generally the first to respond to calls and is a likely candidate for injury on duty. calls and is a likely candidate for injury on duty. – Patrol operations include considerable danger because Patrol operations include considerable danger because

uniformed officers are operating on the "front lines".uniformed officers are operating on the "front lines".• Time-on-task or officer "street smarts" are very Time-on-task or officer "street smarts" are very

important within the culture of the department and important within the culture of the department and contribute greatly to the development of the police contribute greatly to the development of the police social climate. social climate. – Some officers believe that only those who have worked Some officers believe that only those who have worked

uniformed patrol really understand law enforcement. uniformed patrol really understand law enforcement.





• Members of the patrol division are sometimes Members of the patrol division are sometimes viewed by the general public and other officers as viewed by the general public and other officers as occupying the lowest status of the police community. occupying the lowest status of the police community. – Because patrol is an entry-level assignment, and the Because patrol is an entry-level assignment, and the

lowest-paid sworn position. lowest-paid sworn position. – Those who aspire to move beyond patrol often seek Those who aspire to move beyond patrol often seek

promotion to detective, a more desirable position.promotion to detective, a more desirable position.





• Patrol officers spend much of their day dealing with Patrol officers spend much of their day dealing with the dregs of society, in situations that often include:the dregs of society, in situations that often include:– 1. Drunks who might have urinated on themselves but 1. Drunks who might have urinated on themselves but

who must be searched before being transported to jailwho must be searched before being transported to jail– 2. Prostitutes and their pimps2. Prostitutes and their pimps– 3. Street thugs who are ready to fight3. Street thugs who are ready to fight– 4. Gang members who daily threaten officers4. Gang members who daily threaten officers– 5. Murderers and sex offenders whose crimes might 5. Murderers and sex offenders whose crimes might

leave a lasting impression in the minds of the officers.leave a lasting impression in the minds of the officers.





• In general, patrol has three components: In general, patrol has three components: – Answering telephone calls for assistance. Answering telephone calls for assistance. – Providing a deterrent for crime through maintainingProviding a deterrent for crime through maintaining

a high-visibility presence in neighborhoods.a high-visibility presence in neighborhoods.– Investigating suspicious circumstances. Investigating suspicious circumstances.

• A distinction should be made between line and staff A distinction should be made between line and staff functions. functions. – Line functions directly involve operational activities of Line functions directly involve operational activities of

the agency, while staff functions support the line.the agency, while staff functions support the line.– Included in staff functions are administrative offices Included in staff functions are administrative offices

such as that of the chief or sheriff. such as that of the chief or sheriff.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolHISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS

IN PATROLIN PATROL

• The patrol function is generally characterized by a The patrol function is generally characterized by a uniformed officer in a marked police vehicle who is uniformed officer in a marked police vehicle who is designated to safeguard an assigned area. designated to safeguard an assigned area. – The role of the patrol officer has undergone extensive The role of the patrol officer has undergone extensive

changes over the last century. changes over the last century. • The evolution of policing has taken several The evolution of policing has taken several

significant turns over a period of time. significant turns over a period of time. – From night watch system, to the watchman system,From night watch system, to the watchman system,

to the professional, uniformed police officer. to the professional, uniformed police officer.





IN PATROLIN PATROL

• The political model was characterized by the "beat The political model was characterized by the "beat cop," well acquainted with his neighborhood.cop," well acquainted with his neighborhood.– The degree of closeness was based on the order-The degree of closeness was based on the order-

maintenance model of policing. maintenance model of policing. – The police officer was thought of highly by many The police officer was thought of highly by many

members of the community.members of the community.• This dark side of policing eventually produced a This dark side of policing eventually produced a

public image of the patrol officer as inefficient and public image of the patrol officer as inefficient and unresponsive to the needs of the public.unresponsive to the needs of the public.– The need for change prompted professionalization. The need for change prompted professionalization.





IN PATROLIN PATROL• The legalistic model replaced the political model and The legalistic model replaced the political model and

ultimately portrayed policing as more of a profession. ultimately portrayed policing as more of a profession. – Professionalization required police officers to conduct their Professionalization required police officers to conduct their

day-to-day operations more "by the book". day-to-day operations more "by the book". • Two developments in particular helped contribute to Two developments in particular helped contribute to

the de-personalization process:the de-personalization process:– The automobile & adoption of Uniform Crime Reports.The automobile & adoption of Uniform Crime Reports.

• Until automobiles, most officers would maintain a clear Until automobiles, most officers would maintain a clear physical presence while walking their beats. physical presence while walking their beats. – On motorized patrol officers no longer interacted with On motorized patrol officers no longer interacted with

citizens in the manner to which they were accustomed.citizens in the manner to which they were accustomed.





IN PATROLIN PATROL

• The advent of two-way radios enhanced the The advent of two-way radios enhanced the effectiveness of law enforcement response.effectiveness of law enforcement response.– It also contributed to further depersonalization between It also contributed to further depersonalization between

police officers and the citizens of the communities. police officers and the citizens of the communities. – Officers were forced to behave in a more reactiveOfficers were forced to behave in a more reactive

mode, rather than the proactive mode. mode, rather than the proactive mode. • The telephone & modern-day 911 capability helped The telephone & modern-day 911 capability helped

provide greater police service for communities. provide greater police service for communities. – Social contact & positive interactions between policeSocial contact & positive interactions between police

and the citizenry became even less frequent. and the citizenry became even less frequent.





IN PATROLIN PATROL

• Patrol officers also became less personally involved Patrol officers also became less personally involved with citizens after the development of the Uniform with citizens after the development of the Uniform Crime Reporting system in 1930. Crime Reporting system in 1930. – As many departments adopted the UCR, administrators As many departments adopted the UCR, administrators

stressed crime-fighting aspects of patrol work, stressed crime-fighting aspects of patrol work, abandoning the public relations component. abandoning the public relations component.

• Technology has served to enhance the efficiencyTechnology has served to enhance the efficiencyof patrol, but in some cases has done little to of patrol, but in some cases has done little to strengthen the effectiveness of police services.strengthen the effectiveness of police services.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolALLOCATION OF RESOURCESALLOCATION OF RESOURCES

• Police administrators still grapple with questions of Police administrators still grapple with questions of how best to deploy patrol units. how best to deploy patrol units. – Several methods have developed to determine the proper Several methods have developed to determine the proper

number of units assigned during a given shift. number of units assigned during a given shift. • Traditionally, it has been assumed that patrol units Traditionally, it has been assumed that patrol units

should be assigned to locations in the community should be assigned to locations in the community where it is most likely that trouble might occur. where it is most likely that trouble might occur.

• Pressure from certain segments of society canPressure from certain segments of society caninfluence the distribution of police resources. influence the distribution of police resources.

• The general philosophy of the police agency will most The general philosophy of the police agency will most often dictate the allocation of patrol units.often dictate the allocation of patrol units.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolALLOCATION OF RESOURCESALLOCATION OF RESOURCES

• Citizens victimized near their homes often feel crime Citizens victimized near their homes often feel crime is randomly distributed and there are no safe places. is randomly distributed and there are no safe places. – Research has indicated that pockets or "hot spots" of Research has indicated that pockets or "hot spots" of

crime can form in cities. crime can form in cities. • It is suggested that predator criminal acts may occur It is suggested that predator criminal acts may occur

when three elements converge: when three elements converge: – 1. Motivated offenders1. Motivated offenders– 2. Suitable targets.2. Suitable targets.– 3. Absence of capable guardians against the violation. 3. Absence of capable guardians against the violation.

• A Minneapolis study showed that a few "hot spots" A Minneapolis study showed that a few "hot spots" were responsible a majority of calls.were responsible a majority of calls.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolPOLICE SERVICESPOLICE SERVICES

• Research dealing directly with the service functions Research dealing directly with the service functions in the police is relatively scarce, and the lack of data in the police is relatively scarce, and the lack of data demonstrates the low priority given to such efforts. demonstrates the low priority given to such efforts.

• Consequently, the importance of police service- Consequently, the importance of police service- delivery has been measured in terms of how such delivery has been measured in terms of how such services interfere with law enforcement efforts. services interfere with law enforcement efforts.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolPOLICE SERVICES:POLICE SERVICES:

The Police Services StudyThe Police Services Study

• From 1976 - 1978, the Police Services Study (PSS) From 1976 - 1978, the Police Services Study (PSS) examined police patrol service in a sample of 60 examined police patrol service in a sample of 60 neighborhoods within 24 jurisdictions. neighborhoods within 24 jurisdictions. – Research involved observing patrol officers for 900Research involved observing patrol officers for 900

shifts of patrol work. shifts of patrol work. • Results of this research indicated the types of Results of this research indicated the types of

services police patrol officers provided.services police patrol officers provided.– 38% of encounters with citizens involved criminal 38% of encounters with citizens involved criminal

matters and another 22% were traffic-related. matters and another 22% were traffic-related. – The remaining 40% were concerned with service (18%) The remaining 40% were concerned with service (18%)

and disorder (22%) calls.and disorder (22%) calls.






• Service encountersService encounters included medical assistance, included medical assistance, provision of information, dealing with dependent provision of information, dealing with dependent persons, and other general assistance. persons, and other general assistance.

• Disorder encountersDisorder encounters included interpersonal violence included interpersonal violence and disturbance encounters such as noise, domestic and disturbance encounters such as noise, domestic arguments, and juvenile problems. arguments, and juvenile problems.

• Officers made arrests in only 14% of cases. Officers made arrests in only 14% of cases. – The most common officer encounters with citizensThe most common officer encounters with citizens

were to "lecture or threaten" the citizen, followedwere to "lecture or threaten" the citizen, followedby "giving information."by "giving information."






• PSS results indicated that officers intervene in as PSS results indicated that officers intervene in as many non-criminal situations as criminal ones. many non-criminal situations as criminal ones. – The most common mode of officer intervention is toThe most common mode of officer intervention is to

warn citizens or give them information. warn citizens or give them information. – Much of what officers do is designed to resolve a Much of what officers do is designed to resolve a

problem without legal recourse. problem without legal recourse. • As such, the PSS indicated that police officers render As such, the PSS indicated that police officers render

service to citizens a great deal of the time. service to citizens a great deal of the time.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolPOLICE SERVICES: Traditional POLICE SERVICES: Traditional

Deployment of Patrol UnitsDeployment of Patrol Units

• As a rule, patrol resources are allocated equallyAs a rule, patrol resources are allocated equallyover a 24-hour period of three eight-hour shifts. over a 24-hour period of three eight-hour shifts. – Officers patrol geographic areas of roughly equal Officers patrol geographic areas of roughly equal

workloads. workloads. • However, this method fails to take into account the However, this method fails to take into account the

fact that police calls vary based on time of day, day fact that police calls vary based on time of day, day of the week, area of the community & time of year. of the week, area of the community & time of year. – It is obvious that equal allocation of police patrol units It is obvious that equal allocation of police patrol units

would mean that some officers were overworked while would mean that some officers were overworked while others were underutilized. others were underutilized.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolPOLICE SERVICES: Traditional POLICE SERVICES: Traditional

Deployment of Patrol UnitsDeployment of Patrol Units• Professionalized departments have established Professionalized departments have established

allocation plans based on need rather than allocation plans based on need rather than equalization.equalization.– These plans address the two most important variablesThese plans address the two most important variables

in determining allocation: location and time. in determining allocation: location and time. • Being aware of the location of problems helps Being aware of the location of problems helps

departments divide up a community into geographic departments divide up a community into geographic beats or sectors of approximately equal workload. beats or sectors of approximately equal workload.

• Time of occurrences is critical because it determines Time of occurrences is critical because it determines how officers will be grouped into working time periods, how officers will be grouped into working time periods, or "shifts." or "shifts."




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolRESPONDING TO CRIMERESPONDING TO CRIME

• The reflex to call 911 is so deeply ingrained in our The reflex to call 911 is so deeply ingrained in our national consciousness that Americans have been national consciousness that Americans have been socialized to "call the cops" at the first sign of trouble. socialized to "call the cops" at the first sign of trouble. – Rapid response to 911 calls was a benchmark of police Rapid response to 911 calls was a benchmark of police

reform in the period of the 1960s to the 1980s. reform in the period of the 1960s to the 1980s. • 911 systems are being clogged by crank calls and 911 systems are being clogged by crank calls and

summonses from citizens who do not understand that summonses from citizens who do not understand that the services are for emergencies only.the services are for emergencies only.

• Some cities have implemented 311 systems toSome cities have implemented 311 systems todivert non-critical calls, others make misuse ofdivert non-critical calls, others make misuse of911 a misdemeanor, subject to a fine & jail time. 911 a misdemeanor, subject to a fine & jail time.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolSHORTCOMINGS OF 911SHORTCOMINGS OF 911

• The concept of 911, as an easy-to-remember The concept of 911, as an easy-to-remember emergency number, seemed like a good idea,emergency number, seemed like a good idea,and for the most part, still works as designed. and for the most part, still works as designed.

• In many cities the sheer volume of 911 calls is In many cities the sheer volume of 911 calls is overwhelming, with some desperate callersoverwhelming, with some desperate callersgetting recordings or being put on hold. getting recordings or being put on hold.

• The public has chosen to use 911 for tens of The public has chosen to use 911 for tens of thousands of non-emergency calls. thousands of non-emergency calls. – Because of frivolous 911 calls, many legitimate Because of frivolous 911 calls, many legitimate

emergencies fail to get the attention they need.emergencies fail to get the attention they need.





• In 1967, the President's Commission on Law In 1967, the President's Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice Enforcement and Administration of Justice recommended that "a single number should be recommended that "a single number should be established" nationwide for reporting emergencies. established" nationwide for reporting emergencies. – AT&T soon announced its choice of 911, and the first AT&T soon announced its choice of 911, and the first

call was made in Haleyville, Alabama, in February 1968. call was made in Haleyville, Alabama, in February 1968. • The number of 911 calls started to grow in the 1970s The number of 911 calls started to grow in the 1970s

and has mushroomed to about 268,000 a day. and has mushroomed to about 268,000 a day. – Also used by fire departments & ambulances, an Also used by fire departments & ambulances, an

estimated 80% to 85% of 911 calls summon police. estimated 80% to 85% of 911 calls summon police.





• Each year there are about 18 million additional calls Each year there are about 18 million additional calls from cell phones, which don't provide operators with from cell phones, which don't provide operators with the location of the call, like conventional telephones. the location of the call, like conventional telephones. – Panicked callers often fail to give their location, and Panicked callers often fail to give their location, and

hang-up calls can't be traced. hang-up calls can't be traced. • In 1997 a new agreement was drawn to phase in In 1997 a new agreement was drawn to phase in

technology allowing 911 operators to locate callers. technology allowing 911 operators to locate callers. – The system will provide a location within 125 meters.The system will provide a location within 125 meters.





• A Kansas City study attempted to measure impactA Kansas City study attempted to measure impactof police response time and ability of officers to of police response time and ability of officers to thwart crime in progress. thwart crime in progress. – Research shows police were successful in only 29 of Research shows police were successful in only 29 of

1,000 cases.1,000 cases.– It made little difference whether they arrived in two or It made little difference whether they arrived in two or

twenty minutes. twenty minutes. – The The crucial crucial factor was the speed with which the citizens factor was the speed with which the citizens

called the police. called the police. – Critics argue that if citizens delay in calling the police, Critics argue that if citizens delay in calling the police,

the value of the automobile's range and speed is lost.the value of the automobile's range and speed is lost.





• Three reasons can be cited for delays in citizens Three reasons can be cited for delays in citizens calling the police:calling the police:– 1. Some find the situation ambiguous.1. Some find the situation ambiguous.– 2. Others are involved in coping strategies. 2. Others are involved in coping strategies.

(e.g., helping the victim).(e.g., helping the victim).– 3. Some may avoid making the decision or may ask 3. Some may avoid making the decision or may ask

someone else's advice before making the call. someone else's advice before making the call. • Logistical problems may also arise: Logistical problems may also arise:

– A telephone might not be readily available.A telephone might not be readily available.– The person might not have a cellular phone.The person might not have a cellular phone.– He or she may not know the number for the police. He or she may not know the number for the police.





• In an effort to streamline efficiency & effectiveness of In an effort to streamline efficiency & effectiveness of police service, a number of differential response police service, a number of differential response strategies have been adopted to deal with various strategies have been adopted to deal with various types of calls for service. types of calls for service. – Selection of the alternative depends on factors suchSelection of the alternative depends on factors such

as whether the crime is still in progress, has recently as whether the crime is still in progress, has recently occurred, or whether anyone has been injured. occurred, or whether anyone has been injured.

• The outcome of differential response strategies is The outcome of differential response strategies is that valuable police resources are saved, as police that valuable police resources are saved, as police units are not tied up on non-emergency calls.units are not tied up on non-emergency calls.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolACTIVITIES OF THEACTIVITIES OF THE

PATROL DIVISIONPATROL DIVISION

• Roles include the specific duties of peacekeeping, Roles include the specific duties of peacekeeping, maintaining law & order, and detecting & arresting maintaining law & order, and detecting & arresting law violators. law violators. – The word patrol stems from the French word The word patrol stems from the French word patrouillerpatrouiller, ,

meaning "to tramp about in the mud." meaning "to tramp about in the mud." • The definition implies that patrol work may be The definition implies that patrol work may be

tiresome, difficult & performed under the worsttiresome, difficult & performed under the worstof circumstances. of circumstances.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolTYPES OF PATROLTYPES OF PATROL

• As the twentieth century developed, the scope and As the twentieth century developed, the scope and function of police became more narrowly defined. function of police became more narrowly defined. – Police became specialists in areas such as investigation, Police became specialists in areas such as investigation,

traffic, crime prevention, and patrol operations. traffic, crime prevention, and patrol operations. • Several innovative and effective types of police patrol Several innovative and effective types of police patrol

evolved: evolved: – Preventive; Saturation; Directed, Aggressive; Foot patrol.Preventive; Saturation; Directed, Aggressive; Foot patrol.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolTYPES OF PATROL:TYPES OF PATROL:

Preventive PatrolPreventive Patrol

• Such differences are characterized by areas that are Such differences are characterized by areas that are high-crime, recreational, residential, or commercial, high-crime, recreational, residential, or commercial, to name only a few. to name only a few.

• Intervention is typically accomplished by stopping Intervention is typically accomplished by stopping moving vehicles, approaching people who are on moving vehicles, approaching people who are on foot, or responding to businesses and residences foot, or responding to businesses and residences where personal contact results. where personal contact results.

• Experience has also shown that some patrol officers Experience has also shown that some patrol officers spend much of their idle time in an inactive status or spend much of their idle time in an inactive status or in tending to personal matters.in tending to personal matters.





Preventive PatrolPreventive Patrol

• One of the most widely adopted types of patrol is One of the most widely adopted types of patrol is preventivepreventive patrol, known as patrol, known as routineroutine or or randomrandom patrol. patrol. – It involves driving in a designated area or districtIt involves driving in a designated area or district

on a random basis so patterns cannot be predicted. on a random basis so patterns cannot be predicted. – This technique is regularly practiced by officers when This technique is regularly practiced by officers when

they are "in service" or not responding to radio calls. they are "in service" or not responding to radio calls. • Research shows that an estimated 50% of a patrol Research shows that an estimated 50% of a patrol

officer's time is available for patrol duties. officer's time is available for patrol duties. – What patrol officers do with their time while patrolling What patrol officers do with their time while patrolling

varies greatly from one department to the next. varies greatly from one department to the next. – The area patrolled often dictates how an officer operates. The area patrolled often dictates how an officer operates.





Hot SpotsHot Spots• In the past, patrols were organized by "beats” and it In the past, patrols were organized by "beats” and it

was assumed crime can happen anywhere. was assumed crime can happen anywhere. – Research shows crime is Research shows crime is notnot spread evenly. spread evenly.

• Rather, resources should be focused on hot spots, Rather, resources should be focused on hot spots, places where crimes are likely to occur. places where crimes are likely to occur. – Officers can be assigned to Officers can be assigned to directed patroldirected patrol, a proactive , a proactive

strategy to direct resources to high-crime areas. strategy to direct resources to high-crime areas. • While this resulted in less crime, many officers disliked While this resulted in less crime, many officers disliked

the new tactics, and grew bored. the new tactics, and grew bored. – Preventing crime is not as glamorous as catching Preventing crime is not as glamorous as catching

criminals. criminals.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolTHE KANSAS CITY PREVENTIVE THE KANSAS CITY PREVENTIVE

PATROL EXPERIMENTPATROL EXPERIMENT

• The Kansas City Preventive Patrol Experiment The Kansas City Preventive Patrol Experiment looked at 15 districts: looked at 15 districts: – Five with normal levels of preventive patrol.Five with normal levels of preventive patrol.– Five with proactive patrol assignments including two- Five with proactive patrol assignments including two-

to three-times normal levels of preventive patrol, to three-times normal levels of preventive patrol, – Five districts with no preventive patrol activity.Five districts with no preventive patrol activity.

• Patrol units would enter reactive districts if their Patrol units would enter reactive districts if their assistance was requested & exit when not needed. assistance was requested & exit when not needed.

• A number of effectiveness indicators were studied: A number of effectiveness indicators were studied: – Arrests, traffic accidents, victimizations, fear of crime, Arrests, traffic accidents, victimizations, fear of crime,

and citizen satisfaction.and citizen satisfaction.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolTHE KANSAS CITY PREVENTIVE THE KANSAS CITY PREVENTIVE

PATROL EXPERIMENTPATROL EXPERIMENT

• Answers to two basic questions were sought in the Answers to two basic questions were sought in the experiment:experiment:– What are the effects of preventive patrol comparedWhat are the effects of preventive patrol compared

to that of no patrol?to that of no patrol?– Is it more effective to increase the levels of patrol?Is it more effective to increase the levels of patrol?




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolFINDINGS OF THEFINDINGS OF THE

KANSAS CITY STUDYKANSAS CITY STUDY

• Researchers made instructive observations, finding…Researchers made instructive observations, finding…– “…“…decreasing or increasing routine preventive patrol …decreasing or increasing routine preventive patrol …

had no impact on crime, citizen fear of crime, community had no impact on crime, citizen fear of crime, community attitudes toward the police, on the deliveryattitudes toward the police, on the deliveryof police services, police response time, or traffic of police services, police response time, or traffic accidents.“accidents.“

• The study demonstrated adding or taking away police The study demonstrated adding or taking away police patrols made no difference within the community. patrols made no difference within the community. – Upon the conclusion, no one in the community hadUpon the conclusion, no one in the community had

any idea a policing experiment had been underway.any idea a policing experiment had been underway.– The findings shed new light on stereotypes regarding The findings shed new light on stereotypes regarding

police patrol. police patrol.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolCRITIQUING THECRITIQUING THE


• James Q. Wilson, in his evaluation of the Kansas James Q. Wilson, in his evaluation of the Kansas City study, cautioned that the result should not be City study, cautioned that the result should not be misinterpreted or over-generalized. misinterpreted or over-generalized. – "The experiment does not show that the police make no "The experiment does not show that the police make no

difference …it shows is that change in the amount of difference …it shows is that change in the amount of random preventive patrol in marked cars does not … random preventive patrol in marked cars does not … seem to affect …how much crime occurs or how safe seem to affect …how much crime occurs or how safe citizens feel."citizens feel."




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolCRITIQUING THECRITIQUING THE


• The director of the Kansas City study, George The director of the Kansas City study, George Kelling, defended the study by arguing…Kelling, defended the study by arguing…– “…“…the experiment has demonstrated that the time and the experiment has demonstrated that the time and

staff resources exist within police departments to test staff resources exist within police departments to test solutions to the many complex and interrelatedsolutions to the many complex and interrelatedproblems of police service." problems of police service."

• In other words, the police can actually experiment In other words, the police can actually experiment with ways to do more effective police work. with ways to do more effective police work.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolLESSONS FROM THELESSONS FROM THE


• As a direct result of the study, police executives As a direct result of the study, police executives realized that they could try alternative patrol tactics.realized that they could try alternative patrol tactics.– The study indicated that traditional methods of policing The study indicated that traditional methods of policing

might not be the most effective way to do police work. might not be the most effective way to do police work. • Experts agree that the Kansas City study setExperts agree that the Kansas City study set

the stage for the academic study of policing.the stage for the academic study of policing.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolSTYLES OF PATROLSTYLES OF PATROL

• The actual amount of police work undertaken The actual amount of police work undertaken depends on the work style of the officer. depends on the work style of the officer. – Some officers initiate more activity than others.Some officers initiate more activity than others.– Only 14% of all citizen contacts are officer-initiated. Only 14% of all citizen contacts are officer-initiated.

• Officer-initiated sanctions include…Officer-initiated sanctions include…– Stopping, questioning & frisking suspicious subjects.Stopping, questioning & frisking suspicious subjects.– Making informal contacts with law-abiding citizens.Making informal contacts with law-abiding citizens.– Stopping vehicles for possible violations & writing tickets.Stopping vehicles for possible violations & writing tickets.– Checking suspicious events & making arrests.Checking suspicious events & making arrests.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolSTYLES OF PATROLSTYLES OF PATROL

• In citizen-initiated calls for service, some officers take In citizen-initiated calls for service, some officers take a more active role in the situation than others. a more active role in the situation than others. – Some were likely to observe the situation, and leave.Some were likely to observe the situation, and leave.– Others took control, asked probing questions, and had Others took control, asked probing questions, and had

citizens explain themselves. citizens explain themselves.





Saturation PatrolSaturation Patrol

• Studies termed Studies termed saturation patrolsaturation patrol, conducted under , conducted under numerous situations and circumstances offer useful numerous situations and circumstances offer useful information regarding the effectiveness of patrol. information regarding the effectiveness of patrol. – A study in New York in which foot patrol was doubled A study in New York in which foot patrol was doubled

seemed to have a seemed to have a positive effectpositive effect in reducing crime. in reducing crime. – A study in England where foot patrol was increased A study in England where foot patrol was increased

showed that there was virtually showed that there was virtually no effectno effect on crime. on crime. – Night-time patrols in the subways of New York Night-time patrols in the subways of New York

decreased crime substantially.decreased crime substantially.• While incidence of crime increased dramatically during the day. While incidence of crime increased dramatically during the day.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolTYPES OF PATROL: TYPES OF PATROL:

Directed PatrolDirected Patrol

• The concept of The concept of directed patroldirected patrol requires officers to requires officers to spend an allotted amount of their time in a specific spend an allotted amount of their time in a specific area, usually one considered a high-crime area. area, usually one considered a high-crime area. – These officers watch for certain types of activity/offenses. These officers watch for certain types of activity/offenses.

• Decisions to implement this technique are typically Decisions to implement this technique are typically based on crime-analysis information. based on crime-analysis information.

• It is not known whether directed patrol is more It is not known whether directed patrol is more effective than other types of patrol.effective than other types of patrol.– Or whether it reduces crime or merely displacesOr whether it reduces crime or merely displaces

it to another area of the community.it to another area of the community.





Aggressive PatrolAggressive Patrol

• The The aggressive patrolaggressive patrol technique, often dubbed as a technique, often dubbed as a crackdown,crackdown, consists of a high degree of patrol within consists of a high degree of patrol within a given area, including traffic stops & field interviewsa given area, including traffic stops & field interviews..– A San Diego study eliminating use of field interviews (FI) A San Diego study eliminating use of field interviews (FI)

in certain areas showed in certain areas showed increasedincreased incidence of crime. incidence of crime. • A residual negative effect of aggressive patrol isA residual negative effect of aggressive patrol is

that it can severely inhibit citizen satisfaction. that it can severely inhibit citizen satisfaction. – Arbitrary interventions by police are often looked upon Arbitrary interventions by police are often looked upon

with disdain by citizens who are stopped or delayed. with disdain by citizens who are stopped or delayed. – Successfully pinpointing law breakers Successfully pinpointing law breakers can can sway public sway public

opinion to the view that the technique is effective.opinion to the view that the technique is effective.





Foot PatrolFoot Patrol

• Some researchers have concluded that Some researchers have concluded that foot patrolfoot patrol(a form of community policing) can reduce crime,(a form of community policing) can reduce crime,the fear of crime, and increase citizen satisfaction.the fear of crime, and increase citizen satisfaction.– Effectiveness of foot patrol continues to be scrutinized. Effectiveness of foot patrol continues to be scrutinized.

• In a Newark, NJ study, three beats were examined:In a Newark, NJ study, three beats were examined:– 1. Those that already had foot patrol and maintained it.1. Those that already had foot patrol and maintained it.– 2. Those from which foot patrol was eliminated.2. Those from which foot patrol was eliminated.– 3. Those that had no foot patrol, but added it for the 3. Those that had no foot patrol, but added it for the

purposes of the study.purposes of the study.• Consistent with the Kansas City results, foot patrol Consistent with the Kansas City results, foot patrol

was found not to have significant effect on crime. was found not to have significant effect on crime.





Foot PatrolFoot Patrol• A study in Flint, Michigan, at about the same time, A study in Flint, Michigan, at about the same time,

found that compared with motorized officers, foot found that compared with motorized officers, foot officers reported many more self-initiated activities.officers reported many more self-initiated activities.– Including home/business visits, and security checks. Including home/business visits, and security checks.

• Higher levels of productivity were reported…Higher levels of productivity were reported…– Arrests; Investigation; Stopping suspicious persons.Arrests; Investigation; Stopping suspicious persons.– Writing parking citations; Increased recovered property. Writing parking citations; Increased recovered property.

• In general, foot officers had a much lower rate of In general, foot officers had a much lower rate of adversarial public contacts than their motorized adversarial public contacts than their motorized counterparts.counterparts.– Who were frequently required to Who were frequently required to respondrespond to complaints. to complaints.





Staffing Patrol BeatsStaffing Patrol Beats

• Adequately staffing a single patrol beat takes almost Adequately staffing a single patrol beat takes almost five (4.8) police officers staffed around the clock, five (4.8) police officers staffed around the clock, seven days a week. seven days a week. – Regularly assigned officers must be supplemented due Regularly assigned officers must be supplemented due

to normal days off, vacations, illnesses, and injuries.to normal days off, vacations, illnesses, and injuries.• In practice, police departments have a difficult time In practice, police departments have a difficult time

maintaining full patrol staffing. maintaining full patrol staffing. – Retirements, resignations, vacations, and illnesses Retirements, resignations, vacations, and illnesses

create frequent shortages. create frequent shortages. – The Newark experiment found an average coverage The Newark experiment found an average coverage

range from a low of 64% to a high of 91%. range from a low of 64% to a high of 91%.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolTHE EDMONTON, ALBERTA THE EDMONTON, ALBERTA

FOOT PATROL STUDYFOOT PATROL STUDY

• Observations derived from this study offer an Observations derived from this study offer an interesting counterpoint to the Flint study. interesting counterpoint to the Flint study. – Foot constables handled considerablyFoot constables handled considerably fewer fewer calls than calls than

motorized officers & spent motorized officers & spent much lessmuch less time on the street. time on the street. – A majority of their time was spent in citizens' homes, A majority of their time was spent in citizens' homes,

schools, with other police officers, business merchants, schools, with other police officers, business merchants, and professionals within the community. and professionals within the community.

• Unlike findings in the Flint study, foot officers were Unlike findings in the Flint study, foot officers were more likely than motorized officers to have contacts more likely than motorized officers to have contacts with white-collar workers.with white-collar workers.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolSUMMATIONSUMMATION

• Important aspects of problem-oriented policing are Important aspects of problem-oriented policing are yet to be determined.yet to be determined.

• Foot patrol is one of many ways police departments Foot patrol is one of many ways police departments can strengthen ties with the community, and other can strengthen ties with the community, and other community-oriented initiatives may include:community-oriented initiatives may include:– Door-to-door surveys of residents and businesses.Door-to-door surveys of residents and businesses.– Permanent beat assignments, park-and-walk patrol.Permanent beat assignments, park-and-walk patrol.– Neighborhood police substations.Neighborhood police substations.– Police involvement with citizen groups. Police involvement with citizen groups.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolNON-TRADITIONALNON-TRADITIONAL

PATROL OPERATIONSPATROL OPERATIONS

• Many departments have implemented different Many departments have implemented different methods of enhancing the patrol function, each of methods of enhancing the patrol function, each of which should be considered for use under special which should be considered for use under special circumstances and with different needs in mind:circumstances and with different needs in mind:– Horse Patrol. Horse Patrol. – Park-and-Walk. Park-and-Walk. – Bicycle Patrol. Bicycle Patrol. – Storefront Police Offices. Storefront Police Offices.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolRESPONSE TIMERESPONSE TIME

AND EFFICIENCYAND EFFICIENCY

• All departments practice incident-driven policing, in All departments practice incident-driven policing, in which calls are the primary instigators of action. which calls are the primary instigators of action. – The speed at which the police respond is traditionally The speed at which the police respond is traditionally

seen as a crucial aspect of crime fighting & prevention. seen as a crucial aspect of crime fighting & prevention. • Ideal scenarios in incident-driven policing: Ideal scenarios in incident-driven policing:

– A citizen sees a person committing a crime & calls 911.A citizen sees a person committing a crime & calls 911.• Police arrive quickly & catch the perpetrator in the act. Police arrive quickly & catch the perpetrator in the act.

– A victim of a crime, such as a mugging, calls 911 as A victim of a crime, such as a mugging, calls 911 as soon as possiblesoon as possible

• Police arrive to catch the mugger before he/she can flee. Police arrive to catch the mugger before he/she can flee.

• Such ideal scenarios are quite rare in real life. Such ideal scenarios are quite rare in real life.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolRESPONSE TIMERESPONSE TIME

AND EFFICIENCYAND EFFICIENCY

• The time elapsed, or The time elapsed, or response timeresponse time, between the , between the instant a call is received & the instant police arrive,instant a call is received & the instant police arrive,has become a benchmark for police efficiency.has become a benchmark for police efficiency.– A 1973 recommendation of response time was three A 1973 recommendation of response time was three

minutes for emergencies, twenty for non-emergencies. minutes for emergencies, twenty for non-emergencies. • The same year, a national commission stated that The same year, a national commission stated that

rapid police response would..rapid police response would..– 1. Serve as a deterrent to criminal activity, as potential 1. Serve as a deterrent to criminal activity, as potential

offenders would know police would arrive quickly.offenders would know police would arrive quickly.– 2. Increase the apprehension rate, another deterrent.2. Increase the apprehension rate, another deterrent.– 3. Increase citizen confidence in law enforcement.3. Increase citizen confidence in law enforcement.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolTOTAL RESPONSE TIME TOTAL RESPONSE TIME

• Recent research has shown that early assumptions Recent research has shown that early assumptions did not fully appreciate did not fully appreciate total responsetotal response time, which time, which involves three components:involves three components:– 1. Time between the commission of the crime and the 1. Time between the commission of the crime and the

moment the victim or witness called the policemoment the victim or witness called the police– 2. Time required for the police to answer the call, gather 2. Time required for the police to answer the call, gather

information from the caller, and dispatch a patrol carinformation from the caller, and dispatch a patrol car– 3. Time between the moment the patrol car receives a 3. Time between the moment the patrol car receives a

call from the dispatcher and the moment the car arrives call from the dispatcher and the moment the car arrives on the scene on the scene




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolDIFFERENTIAL RESPONSE DIFFERENTIAL RESPONSE

• Many departments realize response time for the Many departments realize response time for the most most importantimportant calls is more critical then calls is more critical then overall overall response response time. time.

• Under a Under a differential responsedifferential response strategy… strategy… – A burglary in progress, a "hot" crime, will receive A burglary in progress, a "hot" crime, will receive

immediate attention. immediate attention. – A missing automobile, a "cold" crime, will receive A missing automobile, a "cold" crime, will receive

attention "as time permits."attention "as time permits."• Differential response is a balancing act between Differential response is a balancing act between

improving workload management and satisfying improving workload management and satisfying citizen expectations of timely police response.citizen expectations of timely police response.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolARREST RATESARREST RATES

AND EFFICIENCY AND EFFICIENCY

• Another measure of police efficiency, arrest rates, Another measure of police efficiency, arrest rates, also seems logical. also seems logical. – The more arrests a police department makes, the fewer The more arrests a police department makes, the fewer

criminals there should be on the streets of a community.criminals there should be on the streets of a community.• Once again, practice does not necessarily follow Once again, practice does not necessarily follow

theory, as police will never be able to make an arrest theory, as police will never be able to make an arrest for for everyevery crime committed. crime committed.

• Perhaps a more meaningful indicator of the job a Perhaps a more meaningful indicator of the job a police officer is doing is the clearance rate, or the police officer is doing is the clearance rate, or the percentage of crimes solved over any given time. percentage of crimes solved over any given time.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolProcessing Calls for ServiceProcessing Calls for Service

• Telephone operators, 911 dispatchers, and patrol Telephone operators, 911 dispatchers, and patrol officers serve as "information brokers," processing officers serve as "information brokers," processing citizen calls, translating them into police responses. citizen calls, translating them into police responses. – The operator obtains information from the caller and The operator obtains information from the caller and

makes a decision about the appropriate response. makes a decision about the appropriate response. – Not all incoming calls result in the dispatch of an officer. Not all incoming calls result in the dispatch of an officer.

• Obtaining information from callers is often difficult,Obtaining information from callers is often difficult,as it is frequently vague, incomplete, or inaccurate. as it is frequently vague, incomplete, or inaccurate. – Many callers are confused or frightened, and someMany callers are confused or frightened, and some

are intoxicated or even mentally disturbed.are intoxicated or even mentally disturbed.





• Operators interact with callers in a problem-solving Operators interact with callers in a problem-solving process, asking for more details, to reach the final process, asking for more details, to reach the final determination of what to dodetermination of what to do

• The dispatcher must also make important decisions, The dispatcher must also make important decisions, most importantly deciding whether the situation is an most importantly deciding whether the situation is an emergency and requires an emergency response. emergency and requires an emergency response.

• The dispatcher must decide which unit to dispatch. The dispatcher must decide which unit to dispatch. – A unit assigned to a particular beat may be out of service, A unit assigned to a particular beat may be out of service,

handling another call, or not on duty that day. handling another call, or not on duty that day. – Consequently, officers are routinely assigned to calls Consequently, officers are routinely assigned to calls

outside their beat.outside their beat.





• Patrol officers also interpret information they receive, Patrol officers also interpret information they receive, and frequently "unfound" citizen-reported crimes. and frequently "unfound" citizen-reported crimes. – In most departments, patrol officers are not required to In most departments, patrol officers are not required to

provide detailed records of how they handle calls. provide detailed records of how they handle calls. • Reports are often limited to "service rendered" or "no police Reports are often limited to "service rendered" or "no police

action required." action required."

• Patrol officers respond to calls with considerable Patrol officers respond to calls with considerable uncertainty, because they depend on information...uncertainty, because they depend on information...– Given by the caller, interpreted by the operator and Given by the caller, interpreted by the operator and

indicated to the dispatcher.indicated to the dispatcher.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolPOLICE-COMMUNITY POLICE-COMMUNITY

RELATIONSRELATIONS

• In the 1960s, the legalistic policing style began to In the 1960s, the legalistic policing style began to fade and a service-oriented style was adopted. fade and a service-oriented style was adopted.

• An outgrowth of the riots & marches of the 60s were An outgrowth of the riots & marches of the 60s were new police practices & techniques for crowd control. new police practices & techniques for crowd control.

• Officers, most of whom inexperienced at crowd Officers, most of whom inexperienced at crowd containment procedures, were placed in violent containment procedures, were placed in violent situations where their lives were endangered. situations where their lives were endangered. – In the eyes of many, police officers epitomized "the In the eyes of many, police officers epitomized "the

establishment," and were targets of violence.establishment," and were targets of violence.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolTHE POLICE-COMMUNTY THE POLICE-COMMUNTY

RELATIONS PROGRAMRELATIONS PROGRAM

• As social unrest flourished, many police departments As social unrest flourished, many police departments sought ways to deal with the problem. sought ways to deal with the problem. – Typical was creation of a police-community relations Typical was creation of a police-community relations

(PCR) program, characterized by a public-relations (PCR) program, characterized by a public-relations officer, providing an array of community services. officer, providing an array of community services.

• PCR programs today seem to fail in bridging the PCR programs today seem to fail in bridging the communication gap between police & community. communication gap between police & community. – Most groups who take advantage of PCR programsMost groups who take advantage of PCR programs

are already satisfied with local police services. are already satisfied with local police services. – Efforts to reach dissatisfied groups are often met by Efforts to reach dissatisfied groups are often met by

criticism & disdain and frequently alienate officers.criticism & disdain and frequently alienate officers.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolTEAM POLICINGTEAM POLICING

• The program of The program of team policingteam policing assigned officers to assigned officers to specific neighborhoods, to become acquainted with specific neighborhoods, to become acquainted with the citizens and their unique problems. the citizens and their unique problems.

• Most crimes were investigated from beginning to Most crimes were investigated from beginning to conclusion by the officers.conclusion by the officers.– Specialists were called only if their own resourcesSpecialists were called only if their own resources

were considered insufficient.were considered insufficient.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolCRIME PREVENTIONCRIME PREVENTION

• Crime prevention has emerged as an alternativeCrime prevention has emerged as an alternativeto responding to crime after the fact. to responding to crime after the fact. – Designed to foster public relations, in an effortDesigned to foster public relations, in an effort

to preserve law and order in the community. to preserve law and order in the community. • The philosophy is that crime is both a social and a The philosophy is that crime is both a social and a

police problem, and members of the communitypolice problem, and members of the communitymust be involved in the detection of crime. must be involved in the detection of crime. – The concept can be traced to the establishment ofThe concept can be traced to the establishment of

the 1971 National Crime Prevention Institute at the the 1971 National Crime Prevention Institute at the University of Louisville.University of Louisville.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolROUTINE ASSIGNMENTSROUTINE ASSIGNMENTS

• Ideally, a patrol officer should have an operational Ideally, a patrol officer should have an operational plan for all situations that he/she may encounter. plan for all situations that he/she may encounter. – In reality, not always practical, as every situationIn reality, not always practical, as every situation

may offer different aspects. may offer different aspects. • An officer is given considerable informal information An officer is given considerable informal information

from fellow officers, but each officer must rely on from fellow officers, but each officer must rely on his/her decision-making ability training, education, his/her decision-making ability training, education, experience & personal judgment.experience & personal judgment.

• In some assignments the patrol officer may employIn some assignments the patrol officer may employa "routine" response & becoming a "routine" response & becoming routinizedroutinized is one of is one of the the most dangerousmost dangerous habits for an officer to develop habits for an officer to develop




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolSPECIAL POPULATIONSSPECIAL POPULATIONS

• Social and economic changes in America have Social and economic changes in America have increased the workload of police agencies in dealing increased the workload of police agencies in dealing with the homeless, mentally ill, and juveniles. with the homeless, mentally ill, and juveniles. – Deinstitutionalized treatment has resulted in larger Deinstitutionalized treatment has resulted in larger

numbers of mentally ill persons present in communities. numbers of mentally ill persons present in communities. – Economic changes have created more homeless people.Economic changes have created more homeless people.

• Simultaneously, options open to officers for handling Simultaneously, options open to officers for handling troubled/troublesome persons have been limited.troubled/troublesome persons have been limited.– Faced with limited options, police might resolve Faced with limited options, police might resolve

problems involving the mentally ill by definingproblems involving the mentally ill by definingtheir behavior as criminal and making arrests. their behavior as criminal and making arrests.





• From the early days of American policing, when From the early days of American policing, when departments provided lodging to the socially departments provided lodging to the socially disenfranchised, until the present, the homeless disenfranchised, until the present, the homeless person has been a police target. person has been a police target.

• An estimated 3 million Americans are homeless, a An estimated 3 million Americans are homeless, a police concern for reasons, including:police concern for reasons, including:– They might commit crimes & are potential crime victims.They might commit crimes & are potential crime victims.

• Today’s homeless population is different from those of Today’s homeless population is different from those of earlier years. earlier years. – More women, children, and even intact families find More women, children, and even intact families find

themselves within the homeless population. themselves within the homeless population.





• Taken together, the mentally ill, public drunks, and Taken together, the mentally ill, public drunks, and homeless constitute what are called homeless constitute what are called street people.street people.– Such people are in need of basic services, at minimum. Such people are in need of basic services, at minimum.

• Even the most docile street people generate fear Even the most docile street people generate fear among many residents, shoppers, and commuters. among many residents, shoppers, and commuters. – The prospect of being accosted by such can be as The prospect of being accosted by such can be as

frightening for many as meeting an actual robber."frightening for many as meeting an actual robber."• Avoidance of places where one is likely to encounter Avoidance of places where one is likely to encounter

street people has negative consequences. street people has negative consequences. – Businesses suffer a loss of customers, and citizens suffer Businesses suffer a loss of customers, and citizens suffer

a loss of security and freedom. a loss of security and freedom.





• In response to the growing problem of street people, In response to the growing problem of street people, police agencies across the nation are developing police agencies across the nation are developing policies for the needs of this population. policies for the needs of this population. – The programs seek to ensure police would referThe programs seek to ensure police would refer

these populations to the appropriate facilities. these populations to the appropriate facilities. • The hope is that these networks would benefit all The hope is that these networks would benefit all

concerned street people, service facilities, and the concerned street people, service facilities, and the police themselves.police themselves.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolDOMESTIC VIOLENCEDOMESTIC VIOLENCE

• Violence in the home, or Violence in the home, or domestic violencedomestic violence, is the , is the most prevalent form of violence in today’s society. most prevalent form of violence in today’s society. – Response to a domestic disturbance is consideredResponse to a domestic disturbance is considered

one of the most hazardous duties of the patrol officer.one of the most hazardous duties of the patrol officer.• Only a small portion of violence is ever reported to Only a small portion of violence is ever reported to

legal or policing authorities, thus police are involved in legal or policing authorities, thus police are involved in only a small percentage of domestic incidents. only a small percentage of domestic incidents. – Low-income people call the police most frequently. Low-income people call the police most frequently.

• Domestic dispute calls will often address disputes Domestic dispute calls will often address disputes between neighbors or family, tenants and landlords, between neighbors or family, tenants and landlords, or dismissed and disgruntled employees. or dismissed and disgruntled employees.





• Guidelines for police dispatchers to follow when Guidelines for police dispatchers to follow when taking the call, and deciding the most appropriate taking the call, and deciding the most appropriate response while officers are enroute to the location:response while officers are enroute to the location:– Find out exactly, or as nearly as possible, what is Find out exactly, or as nearly as possible, what is

happening. happening. • Listen to background noises, and the voice of the calling party.Listen to background noises, and the voice of the calling party.

– Determine if someone has been injured and in need of Determine if someone has been injured and in need of immediate medical attention.immediate medical attention.

– Ascertain if there is an immediate and imminent danger Ascertain if there is an immediate and imminent danger confronting someone who is on the scene.confronting someone who is on the scene.

– If there is danger, determine who or what it is.If there is danger, determine who or what it is.





– If someone is armed with a of weapon, find out the type If someone is armed with a of weapon, find out the type of weapon, present whereabouts of the armed subject & of weapon, present whereabouts of the armed subject & the person's state of emotionalism and/or sobriety.the person's state of emotionalism and/or sobriety.

• Guidelines for police dispatchers to follow when Guidelines for police dispatchers to follow when taking the call, and deciding the most appropriate taking the call, and deciding the most appropriate response while officers are enroute to the location:response while officers are enroute to the location:

– Decide if the person is using the weapon for self-defense Decide if the person is using the weapon for self-defense or to assault another person.or to assault another person.

– Find out from the calling party, if possible,or by checking Find out from the calling party, if possible,or by checking the records (if time permits) if this is a reoccurrence of the records (if time permits) if this is a reoccurrence of similar activity that has occurred in the past.similar activity that has occurred in the past.

– Keep the caller on the line as long as possible.Keep the caller on the line as long as possible.





– As new developments arise while you are talking with the calling As new developments arise while you are talking with the calling party & assigned officers are dispatched…party & assigned officers are dispatched…

• Keep the officers updated on any information that will assist them in their Keep the officers updated on any information that will assist them in their response.response.

• Guidelines for police dispatchers to follow when Guidelines for police dispatchers to follow when taking the call, and deciding the most appropriate taking the call, and deciding the most appropriate response while officers are enroute to the location:response while officers are enroute to the location:

– Dispatch only those officers who are necessary to Dispatch only those officers who are necessary to handle the situation effectively. handle the situation effectively.

– Send backup cars, if necessary. Send backup cars, if necessary. – Call off units no longer needed if there is a change in Call off units no longer needed if there is a change in

circumstances, as reported by officers at the scene.circumstances, as reported by officers at the scene.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolIMPACT OF MANDATORY IMPACT OF MANDATORY

ARREST LAWS & POLICIESARREST LAWS & POLICIES

• The full impact of mandatory arrest laws & policies is The full impact of mandatory arrest laws & policies is still to be seen, and an important question is whether still to be seen, and an important question is whether officers actually carry out mandatory arrest policies. officers actually carry out mandatory arrest policies. – Data suggest, but not necessarily confirm, that they do. Data suggest, but not necessarily confirm, that they do.

• Some commentators have warned that mandatory Some commentators have warned that mandatory arrest may discourage calls by women who wantarrest may discourage calls by women who wantthe police only to calm the immediate situation. the police only to calm the immediate situation. – Mandatory arrest is likely to have a disproportionate Mandatory arrest is likely to have a disproportionate

impact on lower-class & poor African-American men. impact on lower-class & poor African-American men. – Conversely, the traditional no-arrest approach hadConversely, the traditional no-arrest approach had

a negative effect, on poor, African-American a negative effect, on poor, African-American women.women.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolTRAFFIC ENFORCEMENTTRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT

• Probably no other function creates greater ill will Probably no other function creates greater ill will between police & public traffic codes enforcement.between police & public traffic codes enforcement.

• Most law enforcement agencies employ selective Most law enforcement agencies employ selective enforcement to deal with traffic problems. enforcement to deal with traffic problems. – A primary component of traffic enforcement is for the A primary component of traffic enforcement is for the

police to act as a deterrent to other would-be violators. police to act as a deterrent to other would-be violators. – Wide discretionary powers are commonly practiced, Wide discretionary powers are commonly practiced,

permitting many violators to go unchecked. permitting many violators to go unchecked. • Some arresting officers may choose not to write a citationSome arresting officers may choose not to write a citation

giving a verbal or written warning.giving a verbal or written warning.• Others, more "by the book“ write tickets for Others, more "by the book“ write tickets for allall violations. violations.




Chapter 5:Chapter 5:Police Operations: PatrolPolice Operations: PatrolACCIDENT RECONSTRUCTIONACCIDENT RECONSTRUCTION

• This function requires literal reconstruction of auto This function requires literal reconstruction of auto accidents, to determine how & why accidents occurred accidents, to determine how & why accidents occurred and the extent to which parties are liable. and the extent to which parties are liable. – Accident investigators respond to accident scenes and Accident investigators respond to accident scenes and

interview parties to the accident and witnesses. interview parties to the accident and witnesses. – They collect & evaluate physical evidence found. They collect & evaluate physical evidence found.

• At times, the traffic officer may render first aid to injury At times, the traffic officer may render first aid to injury victims, as well as to removing damaged vehicles from victims, as well as to removing damaged vehicles from the flow of traffic.the flow of traffic.

• Reports by accident reconstructionists are a critical Reports by accident reconstructionists are a critical part of civil litigation arising from traffic mishaps. part of civil litigation arising from traffic mishaps.

© 2010, 2007, 2004, 2000, 1995 pearson higher education, upper saddle river, nj 07458. all rights...

Documents