Patrol Methods, Tactics, and Strategies

Patrol has long been considered the backbone of police service. The London Metropolitan Police manual, written in 1829, required constables to patrol their assigned beats on foot and in uniform. All police departments based on the London model have followed this requirement. Patrol members are the visible manifestation of public security through the uniformed police presence in the community. The mere presence of the uniformed police officer on foot or in a marked vehicle is considered a deterrent to criminal activity because the criminal is never sure when the police officer will turn the corner. The patrol force is always the largest component of any police department and is staffed by police personnel who are considered generalists. Patrol members are trained and prepared to handle a wide variety of assignments ranging from criminal matters to calls for assistance from citizens. The major role of the patrol officer is best described as order maintenance or peacemaking.