CRJU 302 Policing 5 (chap 3)

Introduction

  • The patrol function is the backbone of policing, crucial for safety and order in communities.

  • Considered the most important and visible part of police work, serving as the first point of contact for the public.

  • All specialized units support the patrol function; ranking officers typically begin in patrol, highlighting its foundational role.

  • Patrol officers are the eyes and ears of the police organization, monitoring areas and responding to incidents.

  • Rotations involve discretionary use of authority, allowing officers flexibility in their responses.

Patrol as Work: Culture of the Beat

Major Purposes of Patrol (American Bar Association)

  • Deter crime: Visible police presence acts as a deterrent.

  • Maintain public order: Facilitates movement within communities, ensuring adherence to public regulations.

  • Provide rapid response: Quick intervention in emergencies.

  • Identify and apprehend violators: Key role in law enforcement.

  • Care for those unable: Support for vulnerable populations.

  • Create a sense of security: Builds public trust and safety.

Functions of Patrol

  • Officers perform vital functions even when not in active calls for service.

  • Building good community relationships is essential for patrol effectiveness.

Rules of Beat Culture

  • Do not involve in another officer’s beat unless called.

  • Do not leave work for the next shift; maintain accountability.

Knowledge of Specific Beat

  • Familiarity with area layout enhances response efficiency.

  • Awareness of normal vs. abnormal activity aids in crime identification.

  • Understanding individual beat personality influences strategies.

Studies of the Patrol Function

Kansas City Preventive Patrol Experiment (1973)

  • Divided Kansas City into 15 beats to study preventive patrol.

  • Matched groups based on characteristics:

    • No patrol (response to calls only).

    • Increased patrol (2-3 times usual).

    • Normal patrol level.

Findings

  • Elimination of patrol did not weaken deterrence.

  • Citizens' fear of crime and perceptions of police unchanged.

  • Proactive patrol did not enhance effectiveness in responding to calls.

Patrol Work & Shift Assignment

Types of Patrol Shifts

  • Day Shift (8 am to 4 pm): Most contact with citizens, traffic control duties, major crime investigations.

  • Evening Shift (4 pm to 12 am): Variety of calls, increased juvenile activity, higher drinking levels.

  • Night Shift (12 am to 8 am): Supported by newer officers, more isolation, higher commercial break-ins.

Occupational Hazards of Patrol

  • Officers face dangers; 60 were killed in 2023.

  • Last three years saw highest consecutive officer fatalities.

  • Majority were in their late 30s, 12-13 years of service.

  • Firearms lead in fatalities; traffic accidents a major cause of non-felonious deaths.

Police Stress

Definition and Types

  • Stress: External force causing physical/emotional strain.

  • Types:

    • Eustress: Positive, motivating stress.

    • Distress: Negative, traumatic or chronic stress.

Sources of Police Stress

  • Organizational practices and the criminal justice system.

  • Public perceptions toward law enforcement.

  • Inherent stressors related to police work.

Responding to Stress

  • 15% of officers may experience PTSD: flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety.

  • Alcoholism impacts one in four officers, often unnoticed.

  • Police suicide rates exceed the national average, highlighting the need for proactive stress management.

Discretionary Use of Police Authority

The Myth of Full Enforcement

  • Misconception: Officers can enforce all laws all the time; discretion is necessary and often contrasting with formal law expectations.

Determinants of Officer Discretion

  • Influenced by:

    • The law (some mandates limit discretion).

    • Seriousness of the offense (less discretion in serious cases).

    • Officer’s personal attitude affecting decisions.

    • Citizen’s attitude impacting enforcement level.

Dispatchers and Communications

  • Dispatchers serve as crucial communication coordinators, facilitating interactions between officers and the community.