Foot & Vehicle Patrol Techniques

Foot Patrol Techniques

  • Always stop-look-listen before entering an area.
  • Never enter an area without first knowing what or who is present.
  •      ○ An officer does not want to be surprised by entering an unsafe or unknown area.
  • Officers should never walk around with their radios turned up so they are heard in advance of their arrival.
  • Obtain an ear plug where the officer is the only one hearing radio traffic.
  • Interior foot patrol of buildings or structures should never be done in the dark.
  •      ○  Interior lights should be turned on immediately on entry.
  •      ○  This prevents an officer from having a limited view of the interior.
  • Officers should never develop the routine of turning lights on during entry then immediately turning them off on exiting.
  •      ○ This clearly shows anyone watching their exact location and direction of travel. Leave some lights on until completion of patrol, then turn them off.

 

  • Exterior foot patrol the officer should approach structures and areas by first observing them from a safe distance.
  •      ○ Officers who observe activity of unsafe conditions can request assistance prior to becoming caught in an unsafe      environment.
  • Visually check the exterior of buildings or structures for any signs of forced entry or unusual activities being conducted inside.
  • An officer should listen for any noise coming from the structure or building such as conversations or movement of equipment.

 

Vehicle Patrol Considerations

  • Inspect the vehicle prior to operations.
    ○ This prevents vehicle hazards from occurring in the field.
  • An officer should have a valid operator license in their possession at all times.
  • Safe driving is not only the smart thing to do but also the legal thing to do.
  •      ○ Officers do not have the right to exceed the speed limit or violate any vehicle code regulations.
  • An officer should remember they are usually driving a vehicle that identifies his/her agency. Any unsafe or rude driving not only reflects on the officer but also the agency.

Vehicle Patrol Procedures

  • Drive with the windows down in order to hear sounds or requests for assistance. ○ Closed windows will block outside sounds and greatly reduce the officer’s ability to perform their job effectively.
  • Patrol speed should be between 15-20 miles per hour. This permits observation of the surrounding area.
  • An officer should never leave the vehicle unsecured or be more than 100 feet from the vehicle at any time.
  • An officer should never enter an area without observing from a safe distance first.
  • An officer should always be aware of the surroundings
  • An officer should remember that sometimes a combination of vehicle and foot patrol of an area might be most effective.
  • Never take the job as a routine assignment
  • Never permit unauthorized personnel to conduct patrols or be involved in the officer’s job requirements.
  • Never be afraid or embarrassed to ask questions in situations they are not sure how to handle.
  • Always practice officer safety during patrol but also effective customer relations.
  • Never act as a police officer as this is not their occupation and impersonation of a police officer is a crime.
  • Immediately report any illegal or suspicious activities encountered to the police.
  • Know their beat assignment as thoroughly as possible. Location of police departments, emergency services, telephones, etc. is very important
  • Use a two man patrol when appropriate with the available manpower and crime within that given area.
  • Make every attempt to get to know the local police who also will be patrolling within their area.
  • This promotes good relationships, mutual understanding and support. ● Always project the most positive image while in public.
  • A neat and clean appearance and professional demeanor result in a positive public image.