Patrol and Jail Management: Introduction to Patrol

Introduction to Patrol

• Preparing for duty begins at home, including personal appearance, hygiene, and mental preparation
• Uniform checks include cleanliness, pressing, proper fitting, cap billet wiped, shoes shined, and body armor
• Equipment checks include duty weapon loaded, reserve ammunition accessible, handcuffs accessible, whistle, flashlight, and baton

Preparation at the Station

• Four sources of information for maintaining awareness of activity in the patrol area:
  • Roll calls
  • Precinct/district desk books
  • Vehicle hot sheets
  • Officer going off-duty
• Equipment checks at the station:
  • Incidental equipment (book of citations, traffic codes, updated departmental manual, etc.)
  • Vehicle check (damage/defects, gas, cleanliness, required equipment, etc.)

Importance of Geographic Knowledge

• Knowing directions and geographical locations is crucial for patrol duty
• Remember the principle of "North-by-Northwest" for locating odd and even numbered addresses

Purposes of Roll-Call

• Discussing changes in policy and procedures
• Directed patrol
• Disseminating crime bulletins, hot sheets, and current "wanted" information
• Assessing manpower
• Officially inspecting uniform and equipment

Physical and Mental Reactions to a Perceived Threat

• Problem area: any person, object, or site that may produce a hazard
• Reaction: prompt identification of the threat and potential threats
• Area of responsibility: exact location within a problem area where an attack could emanate
• Focus point: clear and present threat that must be immediately controlled

Autogenic Breathing Techniques and Visualization

• Autogenic breathing: slow, deliberate four-count inhaling and four-count exhaling while visualizing warmth radiating throughout the body
• Importance of autogenic breathing and visualization for relaxation and stress reduction

Conditions of the Mind (Color Code)

• Levels of consciousness:
  • Condition White: mind is internalized and not focused externally
  • Condition Yellow: mind is relaxed and alert
  • Condition Orange: mind is ready for danger
  • Condition Red: mind is ready to fight or flee
  • Condition Black: in a catatonic state, no focus is possible

Non-Criminal Assignments

• Handling non-criminal assignments is a necessary requirement of a patrol officer's job
• Examples of non-criminal assignments:
  • Missing person/child
  • Person down
  • Sick/injury cases
  • Chronic complaint
  • Animal bite
  • Lost/stranded travelers### Calls for Service General
• Be aware of the potential for criminal activity in any situation
• Avoid making superficial assessments of cases based solely on the assignment title
• Remember that non-criminal incidents may have the potential for additional investigation, such as:
  • Accidental injury or assault
  • Child abuse or missing persons
  • Borrowing a vehicle without permission or stolen vehicles
• A thorough preliminary investigation by the patrol officer is crucial in these situations

Patrol Preparation

• Mental preparation is essential before starting a shift:
  • Review previous shift's events and follow up as needed
  • Prioritize tasks and check on specific individuals
• Personal equipment check:
  • Ensure proper uniform and body armor
  • Load duty weapon and reserve ammunition
  • Carry handcuffs and have extra pairs available
  • Possess a whistle, flashlight, and baton
• Review daily crime bulletins, wanted bulletins, and hot sheets
• Check for incidental equipment, such as a book of citations, traffic codes, and departmental manuals

Vehicle Check

• Inspect the vehicle for damage or defects
• Check the first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and shotgun combat loader
• Look for contraband in the vehicle, including under seats and between seat cushions

Patrol Strategies

• The principle of "north-by-northwest" indicates that even-numbered addresses appear on the south or east side of the street, while odd-numbered addresses appear on the north or west side
• Know your jurisdiction and be able to navigate it safely and efficiently
• Assess risk and react to situations using concepts such as:
  • Problem area: identify potential hazards and react accordingly
  • Area of responsibility: detect and control threats within a specific area
  • Focus point: concentrate on a clear and present threat to protect yourself or others
• Use autogenic breathing and visualization to reduce stress and stay focused

Dealing with Citizens

• Oftentimes, citizens request police service for non-criminal issues
• Show concern and demonstrate interest in the citizen's problems
• Provide good service and assistance to the public

Missing Persons and Other Situations

• Missing person:
  • Record all information provided by the reporting party
  • Advise the person how to check with hospitals for unidentified injured persons
  • Consult department policy and conduct an investigation if necessary
• Missing child:
  • Verify the child is lost and not a runaway
  • Find out if there were any arguments between parents or family members
  • Note past problems and locations where the child was found
  • Get all information possible and relay it to the radio dispatcher
• Person with cognitive impairment:
  • Conduct a search of the immediate area
  • Assume the person is missing and endangered
  • Follow departmental protocols and collaborate with caregivers
• Person down:
  • Determine the cause of the person's condition
  • Initiate first aid and have the person conveyed to a hospital if necessary
  • Notify emergency contacts and consult department policy
• Sick or injured person:
  • Follow the same procedure as above
• Chronic complaint:
  • Ascertain whether the matter is criminal or civil
  • If criminal, investigate and enforce laws
  • If civil, ensure it does not present a hazardous circumstance
• Animal bite:
  • Initiate first aid if necessary
  • Have the victim conveyed to a hospital as quickly as possible
  • Contact animal control service to have the animal quarantined
• Lost or stranded persons:
  • Provide assistance in contacting outside agencies or relatives
  • Give or ascertain directions if needed
  • Provide assistance in contacting taxi or tow services

EDP and Other Situations

• Emotionally disturbed person (EDP):
  • The goal is to get the person to a treatment facility
  • Circumstances often require police involvement, such as:
    • Receiving a call for a person acting irrationally
    • Receiving a call for an EDP causing or threatening harm to others
    • Receiving a call for an EDP causing or threatening harm to themselves
  • Remove any family or friends from the immediate area
  • If you have a partner, one of you acts as an "initiator" while the other provides support

This lesson plan covers the preparation for duty by a patrol officer, including knowledge of criminal activity, local geography, and proper uniform and equipment. It demonstrates how these factors can enhance the performance of a patrol officer.