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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

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

11. 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

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