Police Patrol: Tactics and Techniques

Book excerpt: Patrol objectives for the police officer and supervisory personnel, and routine patrol procedures. The uniformed officer who patrols the street is the 'hub of the constantly turning wheel of law enforcement.' the material is presented with the understanding that, although operational plans are standardized, the police officer must continuously exercise discretionary powers. Individual chapters discuss performance expectations and records utilization. It is stressed that these duties must be carried out accurately and objectively. Additional functions which are covered concern control and riot prevention, field interviews, and police community relations. Again, it is emphasized that there is considerable leeway for individual interpretation. Other chapters focus on the initial phases of crime investigation and planning for emergency calls (crimes in progress). This illustrated manual should be beneficial to introductory law enforcement courses or police training sessions. Each section includes exercises and study questions, suggested semester or term projects, and selected references.