(4) Vehicle patrols.
Boat patrols, horse patrols, and snowmobile patrols all have unique advantages and disadvantages.
Whether or not to use these patrols depends on the requirements of the mission.
2. Patrol Distribution Policy Decisions.
Policies addressing problem areas will help adequately distribute patrol force coverage. Policies must
be adapted to the needs of your installation and should include--
o Which services can be handled by telephone and which require dispatching a unit to the scene.
o Which calls-for-service will be referred to more appropriate sources such as community service
or the unit commander.
o Whether or not patrol personnel will also handle crime investigations.
o Whether or not patrol vehicles will become involved in traffic control.
o What building security functions will be performed.
o What the reporting responsibilities of patrol personnel will be. This includes what details will
appear in the reports and who will review and type them.
o If the reports are to be written at the scene or in the station.
Remember that not every call is an emergency call. Only about 3 percent require an emergency
response. The supervisor should not have a patrol area, he or she should be supervising the patrols.
3. Patrol Distribution.
Knowing what resources are available to you is an essential element in planning your patrol operations.
A table of distribution and allowance (TDA) or a table of organization and equipment (TOE) will tell you
what resources you have available. These tables prescribe the personnel and equipment authorized
for a military unit.
You will have to determine what personnel are actually assigned. You may need to deduct people who
perform other specific tasks such as investigations, or traffic control. There may be rules regarding
assignment of nonmilitary personnel to patrol activities. There may also be limits on their work hours.
a. Statistical Analysis
(1) One of the first steps in planning patrol distribution is to analyze the enforcement data that
you have extracted from your reports and records. This Extraction of data is important. Analysis is a
continuing process, not a one time procedure. The resulting information may be extremely valuable in
projecting the future and current police needs.
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MP2000
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