Observation & Patrol Techniques

Observation & Patrol Techniques

Patrol of client property and facilities requires the officer to develop techniques that preserve officer safety yet permits proper and effective protective measures to occur.
The two most important patrol functions are to 1) deter criminal activity and 2) prevent unauthorized activity by being visible and available.
Patrol by vehicle or foot can be accomplished with effectiveness if the officer has experience and training in the most effective methods of patrol. Too often, the officer is inexperienced and their ability to prevent and deter is ineffective due to their own poor patrol procedures.

Patrol Procedures

Never develop a pattern during patrol.
Never approach from the same direction regularly. This develops a pattern, which is easily recognized by those looking to commit a crime.
Stop-Look-Listen before entering a patrol area. Never blindly walk or drive into an area unless you first observe that area from a safe distance.
Never leave your patrol vehicle more than 100 feet away from your position. This ensures immediate access to the vehicle if required.
Inspect the vehicle prior to use and, if on foot patrol, make sure all needed equipment is in proper working order and available for use – flashlights-batteries-clothing, etc

Make sure communications equipment is available (radios, telephones, etc.) and are in proper working order.
During vehicle patrol, do not drive with the windows up as this prevents the officer from being able to hear outside sounds.
Never operate a vehicle at nighttime with the vehicle lights off. This creates a safety hazard for the officer and those walking in the area.
Vehicle patrol may not always be the most effective method of patrol. Sometimes a combination of vehicle and foot patrol offers the best way to deter and prevent.

Always be alert to unusual activities/persons in the area. This requires the officer to always be aware of their surroundings.
Never approach a situation that may pose a safety hazard. Request assistance from other security personnel or the police, if appropriate.
An officer should know their own abilities and limitations. Never attempt an activity you are not capable of completing or that represents an unsafe condition.
Never become distracted from job duties and activities. Becoming distracted can create a safety hazard for the officer as well as permit criminal or illegal activity to occur.

To be totally aware of surroundings, officers must use all their senses to see activities, hear sounds or noises and smell odors such as smoke or chemical spills.
When conducting interior structure patrol, officers should turn on the lights to prevent someone from hiding. The use of a flashlight only illuminates the officer, not anyone hiding in the darkness.
Interior foot patrol should never include the use of elevators unless absolutely necessary. Elevators make noise and show the officer’s location and direction.

On any form of patrol, the officer needs to STOP, LOOK, LISTEN before entering. This is regardless of vehicle or foot patrol and location these activities are being performed. This procedure provides an element of safety that should never be overlooked.
The officer who encounters any safety hazard should immediately report the problem to supervision or the local police or fire department whichever is the most appropriate.