At night you are not deterring much by patrolling an area. Static surveillance, where the patrol sits and
observes high crime areas, would be better at night. This would also be a good time for a foot patrol.
(3) Response time. How critical is response time? Out of 100 complaints that come into the
police desk, studies show that 60 to 80 percent are not critical. That leaves 20 to 40 percent that
require a response. Of those, only 3 to 7 percent require a critical response.
(4) Preventive patrolling. Preventive patrolling places a uniformed patrol in the right place at
the right time. It has as its major feature the protection of people, not property. The primary emphasis
of preventive patrolling is having uniformed patrols work areas where analysis shows many people
gather at times when the likelihood of crime is greatest. Emphasis is placed on such establishments as
the PX, commissary, package beverage store, hospital, banks, gas stations, etc. The type of patrol
visibility required is based on each activity's vulnerability to crime.
(5) Split patrolling. The idea behind this pattern is that a patrol can be more effective if the
patrol force in a given area is split into "reactive" and "proactive" patrol units. This typically means that
reactive units will have the responsibility of answering all service calls, while proactive units have the
responsibility of prevention patrol.
(6) Canine units. Dogs are valuable in clearing unsecured buildings, in handling crowds, and
for many other patrol duties. Dog patrols will be discussed in a separate lesson.
(7) Off-post patrols. There may be occasions where patrols operate off-post. Off-post
enforcement operations may include town patrols and Armed Forces Police Detachments.
Commanders should authorize only those off-post activities necessary to ensure good order and
discipline among military personnel. The advantages of off-post patrols include the following:
o Military personnel requiring assistance can be speedily aided. Unfavorable incidents and
confrontations between military personnel and civilian authorities will be reduced.
o Gathering information on undesirable or illegal places, conditions, and activities helps in
taking corrective action.
o Helps to further effective liaison with civil police and judicial authorities.
o Absentees and deserters are apprehended and returned to military control.
o Enhances public relations through the professional bearing of the military police. Military
police may offer assistance such as aiding stranded motorists or furnishing directions.
Disadvantages of off-post activities include the following:
o Town patrols reduce the number of military police available for duty on the post.
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