(e) Traffic accident patterns and statistics should be considered. This includes total miles
of streets and roads to be patrolled. Identify hazardous locations such as wells, rock quarries, and
deserted buildings.
(f) Population statistics affect patrol planning. These include age, sex, and resident or
dependent status. Consider the location of military and civil police stations and medical and fire
facilities. Determine the limits and capabilities of existing communications and manpower. Review
current methods of relaying patrol orders. Include the above factors when developing a patrol plan.
This will help provide the best protection and law enforcement for the installation.
(2) The next step is to develop a patrol plan. From your analysis, you identified times, days,
and areas requiring patrols. Project total manpower and number of shifts required. These are based on
the total number of incidents MPs responded to and the number of incidents per shift. Assign personnel
to each shift in proportion to the complaints received. The number and types of complaints must be
considered in preparing shift requirements.
(a) Patrol strategies also affect how patrol members are used. Two member patrols affect
total manpower requirements. For example, what are the man-hour requirements for one day using one
member patrol units? For each patrol area, most people will say it takes only three MPs to cover the
three 8-hour shifts, actually, it takes four to five MPs. Do not forget you must have personnel to cover
for leave time, sick call, training, Skill Qualification Tests (SQTs), and field training exercises (FTXs).
What do you do when there is an emergency requiring more MPs? What if your experienced MPs are
nearing the end of their duty at your installation?
(b) In San Diego, California, a study was done by the Police Association. They wanted
to have two-member patrol units. They felt it would be safer for the patrols. The San Diego Police
Department tried to justify more officers. The study found that one-member patrols made more arrests,
had fewer citizen complaints, and had more safety advantages.
(c) MPs are generally younger, less experienced, and need more training than civilian
police. Two-member patrols may be appropriate for your installation. In some places where you will
need multiple MPs, another MP can be dispatched. The problem in the military in having one-member
patrols is that they will need MP equipment, such as radios. MPs are generally 18 to 19 years old. Your
senior E4 could be considered as a one-member patrol, but not an E2. Keep in mind that two-member
patrols require more personnel.
(d) Response time reflects the success of your patrol strategy. A study conducted in
Kansas City, Missouri, revealed that proper patrol distribution has a great impact on response time. This
also has a definite impact on the crime rate.
MP2003
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