Police Department The University of Texas at Dallas Ofc. Steve Finney Patrol Techniques Police Department The University of Texas at Dallas Ofc. Steve Finney

Techniques of Patrol Duty Purpose is to PREVENT crime There is no such thing as routine patrol Be systematically UNSYSTEMATIC Familiarize yourself with your assigned area Physical Structures – building layouts Streets Compass Headings Block Numbers Shortest Routes

Types of Patrol Automobile Patrol – provides speed, mobility, ability to carry equipment, officer protection, prompt service. BEST means of Preventive Enforcement Bike Patrol – stealth, fairly quick, limited equipment, easy parking Foot Patrol – dense population areas with heavy traffic, provides person to person contact, opportunity to learn area, ability to sneak up on situations with less attention, but slow and inability to carry equipment Motor Patrol – quick, use for escorts, effective traffic enforcement because of small size

Police Patrol Patrol Division is backbone of Department Basic Duties are: Protection & Service Other Objectives: Preventive Enforcement – prevention of crime through the noticeable presence of officers By merely being seen, we stop crime If not stop, it will change the location of crime

Police Patrol Continued Selective Enforcement- being seen in areas in which there is trouble or where trouble is likely Used for both traffic and criminal problems Based on officer’s experience and statistics Locations Time of Day Potential Hazards Trends

Attention Getters 1. Cars parked with occupants – location, time: watch without being seen 2. Persons moving from car to car in lots 3. Persons whose faces show fear or exact opposite, they pay no attention Cars driving without lights when required: Trying to get away Might be drunk 5. Persons running at night 6. Barking dogs

Attention Getters 7. Drivers don’t fit the car – may have trouble driving it, appearance may not match 8. Person trying to avoid being seen – standing in shadows, changes course of direction – check them out 9. Unoccupied cars with motor running 10. Attention getters are unlimited – use common sense and good judgment

Approach Tactics Check out actions Form a plan how to handle Ensure back on the way if needed Observe – Scan for weapons – Visual Frisk Remember suspect may NOT cooperate Stand Bladed & Balanced Gun side away 3-5 foot distance between you and suspect NEVER turn your back Maintain ability to Think Clearly & Act Rationally, not emotionally

Cover Awareness Cover (protect) vs. Concealment (hide) Attempt to blend with your cover Don’t move from cover unless necessary Always look for cover when you: approach an scene Search a Scene Question a Suspect Make an Arrest

Common Errors by Officers Noisy Approach Loud Police Radios Slamming of Doors Jingling of Keys Loud Footsteps or Running Scanning LARGE areas with flashlights

When Dispatched Take shortest route to be efficient Use proper radio procedures Be aware of your surroundings Make sure you understand the call Don’t 10-4 unless you understand

Preparation Fail to Prepare – Prepare to Fail Calendar & Briefing – Know what’s happening during your shift Equipment – Ensure accountability and operations