The Atlanta Police Department maintains two specific patrol objectives for its beat officers:  Protection of life and property and prevention of crime.  Because, patrol is thought of as the “back bone” of the police department it is vital that beat car officers, umbrella car officers, and roust-a-bout officers take total responsibility for all activities within their respective beats; as well as, practice the proven patrol and observation techniques.

Definitions

1.         Observation:  The act, habit or power of seeing and noting.  The act of watching for some special purpose.

2.         Perception:  Obtaining knowledge through the use of the five senses.  These senses are sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste.  Sixth sense:  the development using both observation and perception skills mixed with a lot of common sense.

A.        Patrol and Observation  -  (Two types of patrol concepts)

1.         Proactive patrol—used to reduce the opportunity of crime on the beat.  Usually used to check businesses and subdivisions for suspicious persons.

2.         Reactive patrol—quick and safe response to 911 dispatched call locations.

B.        Patrol patterns:

1.         Random Patrol Pattern—patrolling in an irregular and unpredictable manner.  Creates an image of omnipresence while exerting maximum amount of pressure on the potential criminal.

2.         Circular Patrol Pattern—starting from the most center interior of the beat and patrolling in a circular pattern toward the most outer parts of the beat and vice or versa.

3.         Double Back Patrol Pattern—patrolling an area of the beat once and then turning around or “double back”, and cover the same area again traveling in the opposite direction.

NOTE:  Investigators have asked suspects during debriefings about their perception of patrol officers, specifically what is that they look for when deciding to commit a crime – or not to commit a crime.  A recurring answer given is that officers generally do not pay attention to their surroundings, and are predictable.  Potential criminals simply watch patrol officers and plan their criminal activity based on our actions.

4.         Patrol Speeds—the beat officer should patrol at approximately 25 mph.  This speed allows for the greatest level of visibility and perception for the beat officer.

NOTE:  Not only does excessive speed lessen the patrol officers’ ability maintain awareness of surroundings, it is directly related to officer involved motor vehicle accidents…SLOW DOWN AND OBSERVE!

C.        Types of Patrol

§         Foot Patrol

§         Automobile Patrol

§         Bicycle Patrol

§         Mounted Patrol

§         Helicopter Patro

§         Motorcycle Patrol

Regardless of the patrol type utilized, the key to successful patrolling lies in the officer’s use of observation and perception.

D.        Patrol Preparation

1.            Physical condition—get adequate sleep and exercise.

2.         Mental attitude—positive attitude and a survival mentality are qualities of the right mental attitude.

3.         Uniform—clean and pressed - free from wear and tear and other damages or missing items.

4.         Equipment—to include vehicle inspection; interior and exterior, replenish all forms and supplies.  Insure that all gear on the duty belt is clean and free of rust, dust and dirt.  Check dates on all OC canisters and ensure that ASP baton is wiped clean.  Clear and clean city issued .40 cal handgun and all rounds

 Key Point Summary

It is without doubt that the motorized vehicle has extended the reach of law enforcement since the days of horse and buggy.  Today, one officer can cover the same area that previously required ten without vehicles. 

The motorized vehicle has also made the job of the police officer impersonal and mechanical in nature.  The motorized vehicle limits the officer – citizen contact of past.  By keeping these procedures in mind, the patrol officer can be much more effective, while limiting the negative aspects of police patrol vehicle.