c. Patrol Area Design
Patrols usually perform enforcement activities in an assigned area during a specific period of time.
Routes should be planned to provide a systematic coverage of the area according to the plan. Patrol
routes should provide the maximum amount of police service using the minimum number of personnel.
A patrol should be able to cover an assigned route in less than an hour. If additional enforcement is
required, shorten the route or assign additional patrols to the area. An adjacent patrol may be assigned
to overlap the route.
A patrol may become proficient in a specific area by--
o
Gaining extensive knowledge of the area.
o
Developing police information.
o
Keeping incidents low.
o
Obtaining the cooperation of the community.
In such cases, you should consider continuing their assignment in that area.
d. Patrol Area Determination
In designing patrol areas and routes and in issuing specific orders, the following should be considered:
o
The mission and specific directive to be enforced.
o
Resident and transient population centers.
o
Location, amount, and types of crime.
o
Location of crime potential areas.
o
The size of the installation and areas of population.
o
Total mileage of streets and roads to be covered.
o
Location of hazards (wells, deserted buildings, etc.).
o
Population by age, sex, resident, and dependent status.
o
Location of adjacent military and civil police patrols.
o
Location of nearest medical facility, police, and fire stations.
o
Signal communications limits and capabilities.
o
Personnel available for patrol.
There is no prescribed format for patrol orders. They may be oral or written and recorded in patrol
personnel's notebooks.
e. Patrol Types
(1) Police patrolling is often routine. Many services are performed that are not outlined in the
provost marshal's SOP. This includes assisting motorists and giving information. These services
account for much of a patrol unit's time. A successful patrol system must be designed with specific
objectives in mind. Some of these objectives are--
o Protection of life and property.
o Prevention of crime.
MP2000
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