POLICE PATROL: THE BACKBONE OF POLICING Chapter 1 POLICE PATROL: THE BACKBONE OF POLICING This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law. The following are prohibited by law: any public performance or display, including transmission of any image over a network; preparation of any derivative work, including the extraction, in whole or in part, of any images; any rental, lease, or lending of the program. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008

U.S. system of policing was influenced from Great Britain In early English, “Patrol” meant “walk in muddy water” Patrol is the most visible part of policing work U.S adopted the policing model from the London Metropolitan Police Department Many other ideas brought from the British colonists include: English common law, individual rights, the court system, and law enforcement institutions English Influence Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008

“Father of Modern-Day Policing” In 1829, Sir Robert Peel reformed the policing system and founded the Metropolitan London Police Department This was the first police department to appoint and pay the police constables who were referred to as “Bobbies” after Peel He developed 9 principles of policing which are the foundation of today’s community policing 9 Principles of policing describe the duties of police officers and include recommendations for police departments to follow Sir Robert Peel “Father of Modern-Day Policing” Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008

“Bedrock of Early Policing” 3 Major Eras Political Era Reform Era Community Policing Era “Bedrock of Early Policing” - Between 1840’s to 1930’s - Dominated by political control - Close relations among police and politicians -Times of graft, brutality, and incompetence Between 1930’s to 1970’s Designed to reform the U.S. policing from the political corruption August Vollmer and O.W. Wilson played important roles Focus on crime control From the 1970’s to present day Placed law enforcement professionals on the street Main objective is on crime and social disorder Tackles crime in new and innovative approaches Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008

Purpose of Police Patrol Prevent and control Crime are the two purposes of police patrol Police use a wide variety of techniques to accomplish these purposes Most important operational component is Crime Prevention Responsibility for EVERY police officer Most effective and least costly ways to prevent crime is through Neighborhood Watch Problem solving is a technique used to produce long-term solutions Police departments can start new programs within their communities to address local issues (i.e. National Night Out, Landlord Training, etc.) Use of radar speed detection is the primary way to address speed enforcement Laser Speed Radar, Photo Radar, Aircraft Speed Surveillance and Roadside Electronic Signs Purpose of Police Patrol -Crime control -Crime Prevention -Landlord Training -Neighborhood Watch -Neighborhood Nuisance Program -Problem Solving -Traffic Responsibilities -Radar Speed Detection Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008

Reactive- Police respond to calls after an incident as occurred Proactive- Police use intelligence to address crimes before it happens Specialized Units within departments may gather information from surveillance and informants Coactive- Police and the community tackle issues before they escalate Use public and private resources to solve and deter crimes before they happen 3 Main Patrol Functions -Reactive, Proactive, and Coactive Policing Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008

Operations Bureaucracy Paramilitary Model Developed by Max Weber Basic organizational structure of police departments 4 elements: A specific division of labor Hierarchy of authority Expertise Written records Paramilitary Model 6 elements borrowed from the military: Centralized command structure Strong discipline Ranks and positions Authoritarian leadership Distinguishing uniform Lines of communication Chain of command Unity of command Operations Two primary features: -Bureaucracy -Paramilitary Model Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008

Many types of police patrol available, but depends on the geographical layout and terrain of community Research has found one-officer units are just as efficient and safe as two-officer units Aircraft, Water/Marine, and mounted horses are the most expensive and require highly trained personnel Mounted horse patrols are useful for difficult to reach areas and events that attract large crowds Aircraft patrol observes large areas Used to transport prisoners over great distances Provides assistance to ground patrol units Oldest patrol method is Foot Patrol Introducing foot patrol among a mix of police strategies has increased the citizens’ perception of safety Types of Police Patrol - Foot - Motorized - Bicycle - Motorcycle - Single units and Double units -Aircraft - Water/Marine - Mounted Horse Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008

Becoming a Police Patrol Officer Largest component of any municipal law enforcement agency is the patrol section Standards for becoming a police officer vary from department to department The process to become a police officer is called a multiple hurdle You must successfully complete one stage to proceed to the next Written exams are a cost effective tool to screen applicants A lack of agreement among law enforcement professionals regarding the physical ability testing and the standards that should be used to evaluate the applicant Two specific advantages of using a polygraph test: Candidates may choose not to apply because they feel it may reveal prior criminal acts It gives the community an impression the department will hire only the best qualified applicants Becoming a Police Patrol Officer - Application - Written Exam - Physical Ability Test - Polygraph Test - Oral Interview - Psychological Assessment - Background Investigation - Medical and Drug Screening - Police Academy Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008

One of the most important functions of the police organization is training Academy Training: Learn the skills of policing Each academy varies in length and content from department to department Field Training: Designed to ease the transition of rookie police officers from the academy to the field Ride with a specialized trained officer for a specified period of time In-service Training: Mandated by state law to annually complete a specific number hours of training Courses may include: firearms, defensive tactics, terrorism, hazardous materials, and courses that address new developments in the field 3 types of training - Academy - Field Training - In-service Training Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008