CHAPTER II:

PATROL THEORIES AND PATROL METHODS

At the end of this section, the student should be able to:

 Apply the knowledge on the concepts of Patrol
Theories and Patrol Methods in enhancing law
enforcement operations
 Discuss and summarize the concepts of Patrol Theories
and its significant role in law enforcement
administration
 Distinguish the different patrol methods in conducting
law enforcement operations.

INTRODUCTION
Evaluations have shown that officers engaged in community
policing through foot patrol report increased job satisfaction compared to
officers engaged in other forms of patrol. Moreover, evidence has shown
that officers who displayed higher levels of positive motivation, a type of
job satisfaction, were more supportive of police-community relations
In addition to job satisfaction, foot patrol has been demonstrated
to impact officers' perceptions of safety. Some studies indicate that foot
patrol officers feel safer on patrol than officers on motorized patrol
Officers indicated that their increased sense of safety relates to knowing
their beats geographically, knowing the residents of the communities they
patrol, and having confidence that residents would help them if they
needed assistance.
The impact of foot patrol on officers has also been studied.
Evaluations have shown that officers engaged in community policing
through foot patrol report increased job satisfaction compared to officers
engaged in other forms of patrol In modern policing, foot patrol has been
suggested as a remedy to strained relations between community members
and the police, and the practice has made a resurgence in a number of law
enforcement agencies across the country.

Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 56

 The reemergence of foot patrol as a policing strategy has spurred
substantial discussion of potential benefits. Additionally, a number of
evaluations of the effectiveness of foot patrol on several law enforcement
goals, including crime reduction, community sense of safety, and
increased community/police interaction, have been completed
Relationships built through foot patrol can change how the
community views police officers’ relationships a finding supported by
71% of community focus groups.
As people interact with and get to know the foot patrol officers, a
community member explained, "what happens is, instead of looking at
them as police, you see them as humans who are trained to help, assist,
and protect you, so that it's not just the police, it's our police officer who
knows my block, who knows that that's a dark street, and they'll be
there."
The primary goal of the foot patrol officers is to get to know the
people in their beats and to learn about their problems and concerns.
Much of their time on patrol is spent interacting with the homeless and/or
transient populations in their walking beats, many of whom do not have
positive views of the police
A second way in which foot patrol can enhance the enforcement and
problem-solving capability of law enforcement is by assisting in the
identification of suspects through the familiarity that officers develop
with the people on their walking beats. Moreover, the foot patrol officers
were able to determine the location of the suspects through a relationship
with another transient individual, and the foot patrol officers were able to
arrest the suspects without incident.

"OUR COP"
By working the same beat regularly at ground level you will develop
a relationship with the people on the beat, who will begin referring t to
you as "our cop." You will become an integral part of the neighborhood
you police. Respect is not achieved by being the unwavering officer

Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 57

friendly and avoiding enforcement action. It is done by treating good and
bad people with dignity and respect while you police fairly.
A CERTAIN TOUGHNESS REQUIRED
Foot patrol done right requires a measure of toughness. There will
be times you will walk up on fights, domestics and crimes in progress.
The foot patrol officer should have the strength, skill and stamina to not
only walks for eight hours straight, but also to prevail during resistance
and foot pursuits.

IT'S SPECIALIZED POLICING

Foot patrol needs to be viewed as specialized policing Officers
should be chosen for their:
1. Desire;
2. Fitness;
3. Communication skills;
4. Tactical skills;
5. Ability to thrive with very little supervision

Pre-Test- Multiple Choice

Use the separate paper for your answer. Analyze carefully the statements
or questions before answering by choosing the best or nearest answer by
writing the corresponding letter of your choice
_____1. high police visibility discourages criminals; applies the principle
of overt operation or high police visibility- high police visibility
discourages criminals; applies the principle of overt operation visibility
or high police
a. Theory of Police Omnipotence
b. Low Profile Theory
c. High-visibility Patrol
d. Low-visibility Patrol
Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 58
_____2. the objective is to attract as little attention as possible while on
the process of patrolling; covert operation is integrated.
a. Theory of Police Omnipotence
b. Low Profile Theory
c. High-visibility Patrol
d. Low-visibility Patrol

_____3. discourages criminals; applies the principle of overt operation

a. Theory of Police Omnipotence
b. Low Profile Theory
c. High-visibility Patrol
d. Low-visibility Patrol

_____4. It is a strategy wherein members of the force are plain clothes

patrol areas on foot or in unmarked automobiles where street crimes
become crimes
a. Theory of Police Omnipotence
b. Low Profile Theory
c. High-visibility Patrol
d. Low-visibility Patrol

_____5. The patrol force is more often made responsible to perform tasks
not directly related with primary functions,
a. Theory of Police Omnipotence
b. Low Profile Theory
c. High-visibility Patrol
d. Low-visibility Patrol
e. non-essential Police Functions

Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 59

PATROL FUNCTIONS AND ACTIVITIES
It is a recognized fact that police department sometimes gain
reputation of efficiency and effectiveness upon their vigilance in dealing
with criminal offenses and the establishment of a high state of visibility
in the community. It is no secret that criminals often plan their illegal
ventures in areas where are known to be lax/negligent and inefficient/
unproductive, and that and that they purposely avoid communities in
which the police establish reputation of being extremity vigilant and
aggressive in deterring/preventing crime. Moreover, citizen feelings of
safety and security are enhanced by a high level of police visibility. This
is the essence of the patrol is prevention, crime prevention in its broadest
is again defined as: "The Reduction or Elimination of the Desire and/or
Opportunity of an individual to commit crime."
Generally, the work of the patrol force covers practically all police
functions. Actually, considering those functions on a traditional-based
values, the patrol force have always been expected to handle a variety of
situations, of them unrelated to the commonly duties in crime prevention.
The police term these as "non-essential police functions". In other words,
the patrol force is more often made responsible to perform tasks not
directly related with primary functions, such as:
1. Request intervention in situations between husband and wife
2. Between landlord and tenant
3. Between businessman and customers
4. Conflict/disagreement among neighbors
5. Quieting of loud disco parties
6. Disperse unlawful assembly
7. Underground water pipe leaking
8. Open manhole
9. Clogged/blocked drainage
10. Uncollected garbage
11. Flooded streets
12. Street excavation/digging
13. Street light outage, etc. which constitute hazards to safety and
health
Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 60
STRATEGY OF HIGH AND LOW VISIBILITY PATROL
The general tendency in crime prevention strategy is high police
visibility to ensure citizen feeling of security for the law abiding but the
reaction of fear for the would- be violators. However, in other instances
low visibility patrol programs have been designed to increase police
activities of arrest of criminals who have already committed or are in the
act of committing selected types of crimes. As a police strategy, it is clear
that high and low visibility patrol have different objectives. However,
both represents means of making the police patrol effort more productive.
1. High Visibility Patrol - The theory underlying the high-visibility
patrol concept is that certain types of crimes can be reduced. By
increasing the aura/ atmosphere of police-omni presence in the
community. This effectively accomplished by the waling beats or
foot patrolman in congested downtown business areas where
pick pocketing, slashing, snatching, hold- ups auto-theft,
carnapping, and other street crimes are predominantly
committed. Another strategy of high visibility patrol is the
saturation concept wherein selected high-risk crime of robbery in
residential areas of the city is saturated by intensive patrol of
clearly marked police cars equipped with 2-way radios.
You can also choose high-profile patrol, walking sidewalks and
conducting walk-through of bars and businesses. This approach will have
a crime suppression aspect to it, but you will also walk up on drug deals,
disturbances, wanted persons, underage- drinkers, vandalisms and thefts
in progress. Although you will be visible, you will still arrive suddenly
and to many, quite unnoticed. If desirable, go low profile until proper
back-up is summoned.

The Principles of Importance of Omnipresence Police Presence

As deterrence, a twenty-four (24) hour actual physical police
presence is guarding a community is the best patrol strategy of whatever
type of patrol. This was the challenge raised by the media when three (3)

Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 61

business establishments were robbed one after the other in just less than
twenty-four (24) hours leaving seven dead.
As a patrol strategy, impression of the omnipresence is created by
frequent and conspicuous/ eye-catching patrol at every hour and in all
sections of the community. In this way, patrol will be effective in its goal
of preventing crime and arresting criminals. Patrols must be constantly
alert at all times, establishing high visibility before the eyes of the public.
This in turn will psychologically result in the following:
1. A feeling of security on the part of law-abiding citizens
2. A feeling of fear on the part of the would-be violator
3. A feeling of confidence that the police are constantly on patrol
and are available to respond to any situation at a moment's notice
4. A feeling that all is well within the community.

2. Low Visibility Patrol –While on patrol, officers can choose to

observe an area in a low-profile manner from the upper level of a
parking ramp, a fire escape the opening of an alley, by stepping into
some shadows, viewing activity from around a corner in the
reflection of storefront windows, or by stepping into the doorway of
a store front. Minor or major violations will often occur right in front
of you, allowing for quick intervention and apprehension.

It is a strategy wherein members of the force are plain clothes

patrol areas on foot or in unmarked automobiles where street crimes
become crimes. Under the low-visibility set-up the, primary purpose
of patrol is no longer crime prevention but crime
repression/suppression, wherein the objective is:

a. The increase apprehension of criminals in selected street

crimes.
b. The deterrence of criminal activity as a result of a
apprehension

PATROL AND OBSERVATION

Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 62

 Constant and alert patrolling with a keen sense of observation on
persona and things is a gauge of efficient patrol officer. Because only
people crime and they invariably/ always do so with the medium of
attention on these two factors (persons and things) which if left
unobserved and unattended will constitute hazards.
Conceptually, a hazard is any person, thing situation or condition
which, if allowed to exist may induce and accident or cause the
commission of crime. Since it involves law enforcement to prevent its
occurrence or its presence, it partake the nature of police hazard. Hence
by definition police hazard is any:
1. Person
2. Situation
3. Condition
4. Thing

Possessing a high potential for criminal attack or for the generation

of any other types of problem creating a demand for police service. They
fall under the following categories

PERSONS THINGS
Criminals Prohibited Drugs
Addicts Marijuana
Alcoholics Firearms
Dope Pushers Bladed weapons
Prostitutes Blunt instruments
Pimps Open manholes
Juvenile delinquents Deep excavations
Vagrants Clog drainage
Beggars Unlighted streets
Scavengers Unlocked doors and/or windows
Sidewalk vendors Uninhabited buildings
Squatters Disco joints
Pickpockets Sauna bath houses
Slashers Beer joints
Snatchers Prostitution dens
Holduppers Massage clinic

Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 63

 Carnappers Student activism
Fences Political rallies
Cattle rustlers Strikes
Dognappers Mob/crowd
Agitators/Protesters Riot/disturbance
Fanatic/extremist/militat Demonstrations
Subversives/rebellious

Fundamental Theories of Patrol

Theory of Police Omnipotence - high police visibility discourages
criminals; applies the principle of overt operation or high police visibility
Low Profile Theory - the objective is to attract as little attention as
possible while on the process of patrolling; covert operation is
integrated.
PATROL- P-oliceman
A-ssigned
T-o
R-estore
O-rder in the
L - ocality
Patrol Methods - various means of getting from one place to another
within a specified patrol jurisdiction
1. Beat Patrol
2. Foot Patrol
3. Bicycle Patrol
4. Sector Patrol (Motorized Patrol)
5. Automobile Patrol
6. Motorcycle Patrol
7. Aircraft Patrol
8. Specialized Patrol Methods
9. Horse (mounted) Patrol
Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 64
 10. Marine (water) Patrol
11. Canine (K-9) Assisted Patrol
12. Special Terrain Patrol

A. Foot Patrol- is restricted to small areas and is used to deal with

special problems of prevention and repressions that cannot be adequately
handled by the officers in radio cars foot patrol is usually used for traffic,
surveillance, parades, and special events. Moving foot patrol is used
where there is considerable foot traffic, as in business and shopping
centers bars, taverns, high crime areas, special hazard areas and in places
where there are many multiple family dwelling. It is the oldest method of
patrolling.
Foot Patrol used to secure 2 types of Police Geographical units:
a. Post - a fixed position or location where an officer is assigned
for guard duty
b. Beat - the smallest area specifically assigned for patrol purposes

Types of Foot Patrol:

1. Fixed foot Patrol
2. Mobile foot Patrol
3. Line Beat Patrol
4. Random Foot Patrol

Factors considered in determining the size of beat

1. Area to be patrolled
2. Man-made and natural barriers
3. Number of men to patrol the area
4. Type of patrol to be used

Factors considered in determining the number of men to be deployed

1. Size or area to be patrolled
2. Topography/scenery
Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 65
 3. Crime rate
4. Possible problems to be encountered on the beat

Basic technique and procedures of Foot Patrol

a. Don't establish a set of pattern of patrolling procedure
b. Walk systematically on the beat while on patrol.
c. Do not smoke nor drink while on patrol during night or
day shift
d. Walk near the curb during daylight and close to the
building at night. The reason offered for this is that the
objective of day patrol is to contact and to be seen by as
many people as possible and the objective of night time
foot patrol is to be seen by as few people as possible and
to catch criminals in the act before they are aware of
police presence.
e. Walk near buildings during night patrol. Do not
immediately open the door when intending to get inside.
Observe and evaluate first the situation. Check the
interiors of buildings and rattle doorknobs to ensure that
premises are secure.
f. Enter and inspect alleys when not seen by public
g. Watch for persons loitering or hiding in doorways
h. Use fire escapes to inspect building rooftops once in a
while. Be attentive or on alert for the sound of breaking
glass or any unusual noise that may be caused by
criminal activity.
i. Policemen should develop the friendly attitude while on
foot patrol; because they must perform community
relations task for the development in addition to their
usual patrol duties.
j. Maintaining free flow of pedestrian traffic is just as
important as keeping vehicular traffic moving.
k. The policeman on beat should walk his beat from one
place to another so that it will appear to the observer that
he is patrolling and not loitering.
Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 66
 l. When patrolling at night time, policeman should always
approach each building with caution, always assuming
the possibility that a felon/criminal maybe
lurking/loitering inside.
m. Know the personalities in the patrol area particularly the
wanted persons, known felons/criminals drug users, and
the business establishment which usually fall prey/victim
to armed robbery or burglary.
n. When walking their beat, policeman should not develop
a routine but should see to it that their area is given
sufficient coverage during their tour of duty
o. Patrolmen shall become thoroughly familiarized with the
area including bus routes, location of streets, highways,
hospitals bus depots, important industrial plants
factories, hotels, offices, they shall require knowledge to
enable them to render intelligent and helpful assistance
when needed.
p. A patrolman shall thoroughly familiarize himself with
beat, leaving the location of call boxes, streets, alleys
and courts. He shall familiarize himself with the public,
business office and theater building and their entrances,
exits, skylights fire escapes, escapes over the tops of
building and from the basement.
q. A patrolman shall familiarize himself with the people on
his beat, learning as far as possible their names,
characters, habits and occupations. He shall familiarize
himself with every form of activity on his beat in order
that he may be able to recognize any unusual or
suspicious activity, he shall instigate/ initiate at once any
such activity
r. He shall constantly endeavor to build up sources of
information. He shall contact merchants and other
businessmen on his beat and endeavor/attempt to gain
the friendship of persons who, because of their
occupations, associates, are most likely to have
information of value to the police.

Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 67

 s. A policeman shall all times maintain an alert and
businesslike and military bearing. He shall not loiter or
lounge/relax about in places of business, upon the street,
or in parked cars, lean against objects. He shall not
conceal himself except for some specific purpose.
t. Foot patrolman shall not patrol in policed cars, private
automobiles, or other conveyances, except when
authorized by his superior.
u. Insofar as possible, a patrolman shall not patrol his beat
according to any fixed route or schedule but shall
alternate frequently and back-track in order to be in the
location least expected.
v. Training and orientation of the both police and the
citizens in crime fighting.

LEAVING HIS BEAT OR ROUTE

1. A patrolman shall not, while on duty, loiter in or about
headquarters. He shall not leave his beat at the expiration of his
tour of duty before the hour set by his chief of police.
2. He shall not leave his beat, during his tour of duty, except with
the permission of his superior officer or upon urgent police
business requiring him immediate attention, nor shall he enter
any building except when necessity requires or in the
performance of his duty. He shall not however, refuse to give
assistance in the protection of persons and property near his beat
if called upon in any case requiring immediate attention.
When leaving his beat without the permission of his superior
officer he shall enter in his memorandum as soon as circumstances
permit, the time of leaving and the reason for leaving and the reason for
doing so and the time of his return at first opportunity he shall report to
his superior officer the fact that he left his beat and the reason for doing
so.
3. He shall report to the dispatcher before going out of service to
eat and shall abide the decision as to whether he school be
permitted to eat at the time requested
Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 68
SECURITY MEASURES
1. Patrolman shall advise merchants regarding suitable crime
prevention measures, such as placing safe/ protection so as to be
visible from the street, leaving highlights burning near safes;
barring rear doors, installing alleys lights when desirable,
installing alarm system where large sums of money or valuable
stocks of merchandise are kept.
2. A foot patrol patrolman shall furnish his chief of police, when
required, a list of stores, warehouses, industries, and other
business on his beat and the names, address, and telephone
numbers of the owners, managers, or other persons designated by
the owner who are to bed called in the event of any emergency
with the business or the building which it occupies

SUSPICIOUS PERSONS
1. A patrolman shall observe all persons whom he encounter upon
his beat and shall investigate any person whose appearance,
conduct, or presence seems suspicious.
2. He shall not hesitate/pause to investigate known criminals seen
on his beat.
3. He shall give particular attention to peddlers and solicitors to
determine that they are properly licensed and are not using that
occupation as a cloak/ cover for some illegal purpose.
4. He shall be on alert for persons who answer the descriptions of
persons and wanted criminals.
5. He shall be cautious about allowing strangers to divert his
attention by engaging him in prolonged and unnecessary
conversation.

Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 69

 6. He shall give particular attention to motor vehicles, being
constantly on the alert for the vehicles that have been stolen or
used in the commission of the crime or that are improperly
operated or illegally parked.

Checking Suspicious Persons

a. Identification
b. Suspicious person can be identified by their:
c. Appearance
d. Conduct
e. Attitude
f. Presence in unusual or inappropriate location
g. They are often seen loitering about stores, warehouses, banks,
service station for no ready apparent reason

VICE CONTROL
1. It shall be the responsibility of the patrolman to take every lawful
means to prevent the commission of a crime and to suppress all
forms of commercialized vice on his beat during his tour of duty.
2. He shall give particular attention to junk dealers, pool halls,
danced halls, taverns, nightclubs, and other places where
gamblers, prostitutes, drunks, narcotics addicts, vagrants and
other criminals may congregate/assemble.
3. He shall be on the alert for prostitutes, homosexuals,
exhibitionist, and other sex offenders

PROTECTION OF CHILDREN
1. Patrolman shall as far as possible, patrol in the vicinity of parks
and school buildings for the purpose of investigating suspicious
persons.

Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 70

 2. A patrolman shall be friendly toward all children and be ever
watchful of their, physical and moral welfare.
3. He shall use every legal means to prevent the formation of gangs
on his beat.
4. He shall report evidence of delinquent homes, parents of
juveniles to the juvenile division.
5. He shall take into custody runaway children and persons who are
lost, senile, mentally deficient or suffering from amnesia and
deliver them to headquarters.
PUBLIC WELFARE
1. A patrolman shall give his attention to any destitute/ poor
persons who come to his notice. Their cases shall be referred to
suitable office.

TRAFFIC CONTROL
1. At locations where large crowds are assembled, patrolmen shall
preserve order and prevent the commission of crimes, the
blocking of traffic and the destruction or damaging of the
property
2. The patrolman shall give particular attention to streets of heavy
traffic flow, signalized intersections, and signs. The
responsibility of the patrolman in the enforcement of traffic
ordinances and regulations is as great as in the enforcement of
other ordinances.

NUISANCES AND OBSTRUCTIONS

1. A patrolman shall take notice of all nuisances,
impediments/obstructions, defects, or other conditions in or
adjacent to the streets, alleys, and public places which to
endanger the health, the safety or convenience of the public.

2. He shall immediately undertake the removal of the undesirable

conditions in the manner prescribed by the ordinance.

Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 71

 3. When removal of the undesirable condition is the responsibility
of another municipal agency or another agency is required to
enforce the ordinances pertaining thereto, the patrolman shall
cause immediate notice to be given through his chief of police to
the agency whose responsibility it may be.

4. All dead animals found upon public property shall be reported to

the dispatcher

SIGNALS AND STREET LIGHT OUTAGES; FIRE

1. A patrolman shall report to the dispatcher the location of the
traffic signal lights, which are out of order and street lights that
are not burning at a time when they should be.
2. A patrolman shall immediately report to the fire department any
fire, which he observes and shall respond to all fire, calls upon
his beat.

POLICE INCIDENTS
1. A patrolman shall take into custody property that has been lost,
stolen or abandoned.
2. A patrolman shall carefully investigate all complaints in his beat
which are assigned to him or which are brought to his attention
by citizens.
3. Upon sight or receipt of information from source of an unusual
or serious accident, crime, or other occurrence requiring police
attention, he should immediately respond and give such
assistance or take such police action as the circumstances may
require
4. At scenes of major crimes where it has been established that the
perpetrator is not present, members not assigned shall not enter
the premises or do any other thing that might interfere with the
investigation or destroy the evidence.

Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 72

 5. The first duty of an patrol officer at the scene of a homicide is to
guard the scene, exclude all unauthorized persons, and detain all
witnesses for interrogation.
6. A patrolman shall treat a suicide as a murder until the coroner
has made an initial investigation and rendered a decision of
suicide

Walking the Beat; The Traditional Patrol Pattern

In spite of the variety of other useful patrol methods introduced
by progressive police department abroad some of which are applicable to
suit out local condition, still traditional walking beat is being pursued in
Philippine policing because of:
1. Financial constraint/limitation
2. Lack of interest on the part of police executives, administrators,
and commanders to initiate programs to improve crime
prevention techniques
3. The thinking of the contemporary police officials is more
concerned on the glamorous /attractive crime fighting rather than
crime preventing.
Patrol strategy, to further assure high and constant visibility, is through
the following patterns (Two man on foot patrol commonly known as the
"buddy-buddy system" walk the beats nos. 1,2,3,4 etc.)
1. The Clockwise pattern - The police manual and the list of the
patrol beats were the police bible. It must be memorized if one
has to stay in the police service. Each beat has its corresponding
number which comprises four beats. Those four beats were
bounded by the following streets:
a. Isaac Pearl (now United Nations) on the north
b. Taft Avenue on the east
c. Vito Cruz on, the south
d. Dewey Boulevard (now Roxas Boulevard) on the west

A beat patrolman, irrespective of the size and number of beats is

assigned to call boxes for reporting every hour on the hour. To perform
Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 73
the clockwise pattern of patrol, the beat patrolman have to walk eastward
along U.N. Avenue, turn right on Taft Avenue, making sure that he
always stay on its west ward because the center or middle portion of any
street is always considered as imaginary boundary line between two
adjoin beats. If the boundary line is crossed without any justifiable cause,
the beat officer can be charge for abandoning (not trespassing) his beat.
2. The Zig-Zag or Free Wheeling Pattern- The objective of the
clockwise patrol pattern at start of the 8 hour tour of duty is for
the patrol office to survey the situation and condition of the
boundaries of this area of responsibility. For the next forth
coming hour his technique will be the zigzag of freewheeling
patrol pattern. This done by the patrolling the street within the
perimeter of the beats, not on random, but with a definite target-
location where he knows his presence is necessary.
3. The Straightway / Criss- Cross Pattern-The straightway pattern
is patrolling the length of the street, therefore, the easiest to
observe the movement of the patrol officer. Whereas, the criss-
cross is more or less to the zigzag. What is important is that the
movement technique of a patrol must have a purpose and
objective. It is not aimless nor at random.
The observation of the patrol officer must keenly be aimed at
persons and things, the sources of hazards. It is the hazard which must
immediately be remedied and removed within the beat through
appropriate police action
4. The Counter-Clockwise Pattern - This technique is simply the
reverse of clockwise pattern. It is done at the last hour of the 8-
hour of duty in order to ensure that nothing unusual happened in
his area of responsibility. The last telephone report will be "Pat
Juan dela Cara reporting, relieved by Pat. Juan dela Cruz.
Nothing unusual happened during my tour of duty". The
relieving patrol officer will make his first hourly call before
starting his patrol duty. An ongoing patrolman must not leave his
beat without properly relieved.

Advantages of Foot Patrol

Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 74
 a. Greater personal contact with the public leading to
increased community support for the police.
b. Greater opportunity to develop sources of information.
c. High police visibility.
d. Places not accessible by motor vehicles are reached and
patrolled.
e. Easier detection of criminal activities.
f. Easy discovery and familiarization on the layout of the
beat.
g. Citizen gets to know their officers and vice versa.

It is indisputable that foot patrols increase the sheer number of

impromptu citizen contacts officers have during a given shift. Certainly,
the hard-core criminal element will not be particularly interested in
chatting with police officers, but the hard-working and law-abiding
citizens who are victimized by criminals will want to talk.
They will begin again to see officers as people, not authoritarian
automatons who possess no feelings. Further, officers on foot patrol will
gain a greater appreciation for the fact that the vast majority of citizens
actually respect and admire police, potentially increasing department
morale.
h. Officers get a much better understanding of the lay of the
land
Once a true bond has been formed, those individuals with whom
cops have daily conversations may end up being tremendous sources of
information about crime and criminals that the police might otherwise
never discover. In addition to getting information from citizen contacts,
cops who walk the beat vastly increase their knowledge of the
neighborhoods they patrol.
In their book Left of Bang, Patrick Van Horne and Jason Riley
describe how baselines and anomalies can help predict an act of violence
occurring. Vividly knowing the area of operations can enable cops to
almost instantly know when "something's not quite right." They will
more quickly recognize when someone who is not typically present

Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 75

suddenly appears or when someone who is usually on the street suddenly
is no longer there.
i. Agencies can reduce citizen complaints and frivolous
lawsuits
With the increased trust and understanding forged by impromptu
citizen contacts in scenarios where no report is being taken and no arrest
is imminent, the community may become less likely to file questionable
complaints or seek a payday from a costly lawsuit. This has not been
scientifically proven, but there is plausible anecdotal evidence that
investing in foot patrols can pay off for a city's coffers previously drained
by settlements.

Disadvantages of Foot Patrol

1. It can be more difficult for agencies to clear calls
Cities and towns that have high volumes of calls for service face
the challenge that officers on foot patrol may not necessarily be available
to dispatchers. And even if they are, they may need to walk back to their
squad car just to begin rolling toward the location of the incident.
Foot patrol officers are generally considered to be out of play for
response to calls, but what happens when there's an officer needs
assistance call? Those boots will be sprinting in the direction of the
incident.
2. Some cities are not well suited to foot patrols due to geography
Newburgh is four square miles in area, and generally speaking, the
gang violence and criminal activity are contained to a relatively small
section of that space. There are myriad sprawling suburban cities which
cover a hundred or more square miles.
Crime-ridden neighborhoods in those places can be so spread out
that a car is absolutely essential to cover everything. It is simply not an
efficient strategy to deploy foot patrols in such cities, and administrators
need to be realistic about that fact.

Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 76

 3. Cops can potentially be more easily targeted for ambush attacks
This is the most important point of all. Officers walking the beat
might develop a route they generally tend to follow in order to achieve
efficiency in their work and in order to meet expectations of merchants
who increasingly grow accustomed to a visit at a certain time of day to
check in. This can expose those cops to an anti-cop thug who has enough
sophistication to observe the pattern and use it to his advantage in setting
up an ambush. It is critical for patrol officers to vary their day-to-day
activities to prevent becoming predictable
4. Low mobility resulting to limited coverage of the patrol area.
5. Low response time to telephone complaints.
6. Foot patrol method involves a large number of personnel, since
officers are assigned on small areas of jurisdiction called posts
and beats.

B. Automobile Patrol
Features of State-of-the-Art Patrol Cars
1. Reflecting pressure-sensitive film covering
2. Vehicle-mounted TV
3. MDT (mobile data terminal)
4. HELP (high-intensity emergency lighting plan)

Mobile patrol services are advisable when necessary to

1. Detect and report suspicious or criminal activities occurring
within or around patrolled areas.
2. Check for unauthorized persons, break-ins, vandalism or any
security violation.
3. Protect VIP, executives, dignitaries, celebrities.
4. Escort security staff when transporting cash, payroll, equipment,
works of art, or another value.
5. Prompt response to alarm systems or security guard calls

Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 77

General Techniques and Procedures
a. Thoroughly check the patrol car before leaving the garage.
b. Do not establish route patterns in patrolling the area of
jurisdiction.
c. Do not develop the habit of using only the main roads in your
area.
d. Do not spend too much time in drive-inns or coffee spots.
e. Always take note (jot down) the plate numbers of strange or
suspicious vehicles.
f. Get out from the patrol car regularly or frequently to be visible
and accessible to the public.
g. Set an example to other motorists

g.1. Avoid driving too fast on general patrol conditions except

during emergencies or in pursuing some criminals/suspects.
g.2 When conducting solo patrol, maintain frequent contact with
the dispatcher or other communication personnel in the field or at
the HQ.

h. If you are patrolling with partner, divide the observation area

around your vehicle.
i. Minimize hiding behind hills, curves or signboards to trap traffic
violators
j. Frequently check the potential trouble spots in your patrol area.
j.1. Stop periodically among parked cars at the entrance of side
streets to observe activity on the street.
k. Check the occupants of vehicles that stop beside and behind you
at intersections.
l. L. Regularly check parking lots for abandoned stolen vehicles.
m. In stopping and checking a vehicle, park at the rear side of the
suspect vehicle.
m.1. Do not leave the key in the patrol car especially if the place
is in a high-crime or congested area.

Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 78

Advantages of Automobile Patrol
1. High mobility allowing coverage of greater area. Quicker
response time to complaints.
2. Greater efficiency in responding to emergency calls and other
called-for services
3. More economical as compared to foot patrol.
4. Enable more effective street pursuit of offenders.
5. Enable more effective traffic enforcement.
6. Provide an element of surprise, especially when crime is in
progress.
7. Provide the officers with necessary protection during inclement
weather.
8. Enable officers to carry supplementary equipment essential in
patrolling.

Disadvantages of Automobile Patrol

1. Diminished personal contact with the public.
2. Little opportunity to develop sources of information.
3. Marked police vehicle hampers apprehension and surveillance
operation

Advantages of One-Man Automobile Patrol

1. Preventive enforcement is doubled by having twice as many
police cars on the street. An officer who is alone devotes his full
attention to driving and beat observation rather that conversing
with his partner.
2. Personality clashes are reduced and/or avoided.
3. Promotes self-reliance and self-confidence.

Advantages of Two Man Automobile Patrol

1. Provides officers with greater safety by doubling the firepower
and physical protection

Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 79

 1.a. Mistake made by one officer may be noticed and
immediately corrected by his partner.

1.b. Each officer could get rest and thus perform more effectively
since each does not have to drive for full 8 hour of duty.

2. Beneficial since two pairs of eyes are better than one.

3. One could operate the radio while the other one drives.

Sleeping on duty could be avoided especially for the one who is

driving since he has a companion who keeps him awake.

Bicycle Patrol
Advantages of Bicycle Patrol

1. Lower-cost to operate as compared to motorcycle and

automobiles

1.a. Area not accessible by patrol cars or are too wide for foot
patrol can be covered by bicycle.

1.b. Increased mobility and stealth since bicycle can be operated

quietly and without attracting too much attention.

2. Found to be highly effective in combating theft and etc.

Effectively used by plainclothesmen for surveillance in high
crime area wherein officers wearing nondescript clothes cold
blend w/ the apparels worn by the criminals.

Motorcycle Patrol
Disadvantages
1. Relatively high cost to operate
2. Limited use in bad weather
3. Inability to carry additional equipment or officers
4. The danger involved in riding them
Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 80
Aircraft Patrol
Advantages of Fixed-Wing Aircraft Patrol
1. Patrolling long stretches of highway or expenses of inaccessible
land.
2. Excellent for traffic control in long stretches of highways, for
search and surveillance, and other special missions.

Disadvantages of Fixed-Wing Aircraft Patrol

1. Fixed-wing aircraft has very little flexibility in congested
metropolitan areas.
2. Needs a span of flat land for lift-off and landing.
3. Very expensive to operate.
Advantages of Helicopter Patrol
1. Able to travel at low speeds, to hover if necessary, and to land
even in small patch of flat land.
2. Increased visual range/scope.
3. More efficient for rescue, medical evacuation, surveillance, and
other high profile police activities.
4. Improved response time to emergency calls and other called-for
service.
5. Increased rate of apprehension of professional and organized
crime groups.
6. Improved efficiency of regular patrol units through airborne
reconnaissance. Increased ability in conducting searches for
missing or lost people suspected offenders and escaping
prisoners
7. Provide a better system of flood lighting areas to be patrolled at
night.
8. Capable of broadcasting information to a large area through
airborne speakers.
9. Provide rapid emergency transportation of personnel.
10. Added security to patrol officers on foot, motorcycles or in patrol
cars through backup offered by aerial patrol.

Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 81

Disadvantages of Helicopter Patrol
1. Very expensive
2. Public complaints about the noise and about being spied upon.
3. Forcibly grounded during bad weather.
4. Smog and light or intermittent clouds affect visibility.
5. Presence of various hazards especially in congested areas, such
as high wires and smog.
6. There are landing patterns or procedures that must be followed,
which delays landing time.
7. Pilots must work shorter periods of time than regular police
shifts since driver of helicopters easily suffer work fatigues.
8. There are many tactical problems to overcome such as location
of police units on ground and the exact location of addresses.
9. Element of surprise is lost since criminals could hear the
helicopter coming even from a great distance.
Water Patrol
Objective- use the water vehicles in operations as well as against anti-
smuggling robberies committed in warehouses along riverbanks or water
ports.

Water patrol is responsible for:

a. Search and rescue/recovery for drowning victims
b. Routine patrol
c. Buoying and marking
d. Removal of navigation hazards
e. Water safety inspections
f. Water accident investigations
g. Deterring boating law violations
h. Checking fishing licenses and catch

PWC (Personal Watercraft)

 Main advantages of using PWC rather than ordinary patrol boats
are:

Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 82

  Marine patrol officers can approach areas not accessible to
conventional patrol boats because of shallow, low bridges or
other impediments.
 One or two officers are enough to operate while increasing
maneuverability and speed.

CANINE (K-9) Assisted Patrol

Uses of Dogs or K-9s in Police Operations
a. Provide great assistance in search and rescue as well as in
smelling out drugs and bombs.
b. Provide protection for 1-officer patrol.
c. Great value in crowd control
d. Extensively used in international airports to detect narcotics and
bombs because of their keen sense of smell.
e. Specially trained dogs are extremely effective in finding bodies.
f. Locating trapped people during emergencies.
g. Can be an asset to public relations efforts.
h. Well-trained police dogs can be used for demonstrations in
public affairs, schools, or parades

Disadvantages of using K-9s

a. Most police dogs work with only one handler.
b. K-9, like most dogs, is territorial, and its handler and its K-9
cruiser are part of its territory.
c. Dog training is expensive.
d. Police department that initiates a K9 section is vulnerable to
lawsuits.

Wolves - Wireless Operational Link and Video Exploration System

The system of attaching a miniature camera and transmitter to a
search dog

Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 83

Bloodhounds tracking dogs; a large powerful dog with drooping ears,
sagging jowls, and keen sense of smell, formerly used for tracking.

Patrol: Working the Street, Preparation for Duty, Equipment check

a. Police uniform
b. Watch, Money, Weapons
c. Flashlight, spare battery and bulbs
d. Notebook
e. Forms of reports, traffic violations, etc.
f. Current list of stolen and wanted vehicles
g. Portable radio and other equipment as required
h. Information Check

Secure and review descriptions of missing and wanted persons.

a. Arrange any follow-up work from previous shifts
b. Check with the officer being relieved for any problems requiring
your attention during the shift.
c. Check patrol area log for problem areas requiring extra
surveillance
d. Vehicle Check
e. Check the inside of your patrol car.

A prisoner may have hidden a weapon or evidence in the vehicle

during the previous shift.
a. During your own tour of duty, a prisoner might try the same
maneuver. If you haven't checked the vehicle, any evidence you
recover might be ruled inadmissible in court; you would be
unable to swear that the vehicle was empty before the suspect
entered it.
b. Record the condition on your vehicle's interior in your notebook
for possible later use as evidence.
Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 84
 c. Check your vehicle's siren, roof light, radio and other equipment
to ensure that they are in proper working order.

Covering the Patrol Area

Attitude
a. Always present an alert, businesslike, and disciplined appearance
while on patrol.
b. Do not loiter on the street, in business places, or in parked cars.
c. Be flexible in patrolling your area.

Communications
a. Radio
b. Telephone
c. Cellular Phone or mobile phone

Sources of Information
a. Develop contact in your patrol area by adopting a friendly,
approachable attitude.
b. Useful sources of information...
c. Conduct yourself in a dignified manner, but never appear
uninterested when people come to you with their problems.
d. Vary your approach to potential sources of information,
according to the circumstances.
e. Use names, preferably first names, unless you feel the person
would like to be addressed more formally.
f. Maintain a reference file on all persons you contact.
g. Your sources will judge you on your honesty and sensitivity in
handling the information which they reveal.
h. Paid informants can be valuable sources, but use caution.
i. Your contact can save your life.
j. Members of the "criminal element," who are not currently
wanted, can sometimes be useful informants.

Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 85

 k. Daily newspapers and other publications which carry sales,
advertisements for:

Used cars, heavy machinery, etc. can help you keep on top of what is
happening in your patrol area.
Street knowledge - thorough geographic knowledge of the patrol area, or
an understanding of the character, fears, concerns, problems and attitudes
of the local residents.

Familiarization with the Patrol Area

a. Know where you are at all times
b. Study a local map to develop a broad understanding of the layout of
your patrol area.
c. Regularly examine crime reports
d. Develop personal contact
e. Seek information from fellow officers on:
1. Organizations or group which meet regularly in your
area.
2. Industrial or commercial premises
3. Background information on potential informants,
troublemakers, and suspected criminals living or
working in the patrol area.
4. Closing times of banks, stores and facilities
entertainment

Potential Trouble Spots

a. Public parks and playgrounds
b. Bars and taverns
c. Bowling alleys
d. Drive-in theaters and drive-in restaurants
e. Pool halls
f. Roller rinks
g. Boxcars parked on railway sidings

Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 86

Emergency Routes
a. Get to know the night managers, desk clerks, and other staff of
hotels and motels in your area.
b. Check the license numbers of vehicles in garages and parking
lots for stolen and wanted vehicles.

Developing your Powers of Observation

Use of the 5 senses
a. Sight
b. Hearing
c. Smell
d. Touch
e. Taste

Observation Skills
a. Description of persons
b. Description of objects
Discuss with other officers what events characteristics arouse
their suspicions about specific situation or persons. Or

c. Review your own arrest reports for the same purpose. Study
photographs, set them aside, then write out lists of the person or
objects they contained.
d. Interview persons in custody.
Study a book on memory improvement to learn techniques which
will assist you in recalling detailed observations.

Checking Business Premises

Preparations

Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 87

 a. If your department doesn't have a "store file" or "merchant
index", create one for your personal use.
b. Learn the interior layouts of all stores in your area likely burglary
targets so that you will know if something is out of place.
c. Pay close attention
d. Get to know the janitors and maintenance staff working on
business premises in your area.

Precautions
a. Approach the building quietly in your vehicle, ensuring that you
do not squeal tires when turning corners or coming to a stop.
b. When you leave the police vehicle to check premises, never
travel more than two blocks on foot.
c. Take advantage of the darkness, by walking close to the building
and remaining in shadow.
d. Don't allow your keys, flashlight, whistles or other equipment to
dangle loosely.
e. Watch for unfamiliar vehicles.
f. Take short, light steps.
g. Check the rear doors and windows first.
h. Minimize the use of your flashlight.
i. Check vacant buildings for missing children, vagrants, fugitive,
etc.

Checking a Building
a. Don't check all the doors in any business district at one time.
b. Always look for the unusual and out-of-place.
c. When checking doors, check the hinges carefully before grasping
the handle.
d. When checking window, attempt to push them open and examine
around the edges for tool marks.
e. Check skylights if they are easily accessible.
f. Check sidewalk elevators and gratings for signs of tampering
removal or damage.

Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 88

 g. If the night or alley lights are not illuminated and appear to have
been broken or tampered with, call for assistance immediately
before checking further
h. If safe lights are not lit or appear to have been move, use craft or
be cautious.
i. Inspect all possible points of entry, including roofs and any
location where tunnels might have been dug.
j. Be alert for the absence of animals such as alley cats or dogs
which you normally expect to find in the area.

Checking Unsecured Premises

a. Call for assistance
b. Conduct a thorough examination of the premises.
c. Lock the door upon leaving.
d. If your department has an official "notice of unsecured premises"
card, leave it inside in a visible place.
e. Do not hang it on the outside door handle or do not place it in a
location where it can be seen from outside.
f. If you cannot lock the door, contact the owner.
g. Note the date and time of your inspection in notebook and fill out
any departmental form which may be required.
h. If the store has been burglarized, notify your dispatcher and the
owner immediately
i. Avoid entering a room with a light source to your rear

Checking Suspicious Situations

Warning Signs
a. Vehicles parked improperly or with the motor running outside
banks, store or other business premises.
b. Stacked boxes or ladders placed against the side or rear of
buildings
c. Store or business interiors in which large pieces of furniture or
displays have been moved.
d. Banks or stores where people are seen entering, but not leaving.
e. Parked vehicles in which persons are apparently sleeping.

Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 89

 f. Any other activity or situation which does not reflect normal
behavior or routine activity.

Criminal subterfuge/deception - trick employed to conceal criminal act

a. Criminals may try to lull you into thinking nothing is happening
while a crime is in progress.
b. To counteract tactics
c. Possible intentional distractions...
d. In these situations, approach slowly and deliberately, keeping all
the parties involved in view as long as possible.
e. Never rush blindly into the situation.
f. Glance around the surrounding area for signs of suspicious
activity.

Gut/burn up feelings
a. Do not ignore your so-called "gut feelings" (burn-up)
b. Hunches are often important messages or warnings which are
based upon information or experiences recorded in your
subconscious mind.
c. Although they may not seem logical, your hunches will often
prove to be correct.

Check on Public Hazards

Courses of Action
a. Contact the owner of the property and the appropriate
government agencies.
b. If the owner is reluctant to make improvements because they are
not required by:
c. Law or municipal regulations, point out the severe consequences
he would face in a successful civil action for damages.
d. Warn youngsters who live or play in the vicinity, and their
parents, of the danger that the hazard presents.
e. If necessary, request approval from your superior to secure the
area from public access until action has been taken to eliminate
the hazard.
Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 90
Patrol Management
Reactive Patrol - the old system of police patrol activity which consists
of continuously driving around the area of patrol waiting for something
to happen and to react accordingly in case something does happen.
Proactive Patrol- the more economical alternative patrol system, which
has an objective approach against criminality as much as practicable.
Participative Law Enforcement - system where the citizenry and the
police work together to reduce crime, prevent juvenile delinquency and
criminal behavior, maintain peace and reduce local problems which are
the mutual responsibility of the police and the people.
Prevention - the objective aimed towards ways and means to reduce the
desire of the human being to commit crime.
Repression - the act of preventing the actual commission of crimes.
Police Omnipresence- a crime repression activity of the police which is
accomplished by making their presence
known in such a way that even if they are linger present un a certain
location, would be criminals would still have the impression that they are
still around and would therefore refrain from committing an offense
COPS (Community Oriented Policing System)- Deploying of
policemen in police blocks to provide police and public safety services;
the breaking down of large and impersonal police departments into small
units to create as series of mini-police precincts, which are responsive to
the smaller communities.

Objectives
a. To enhance police visibility in order to reach out to the
community to serve the resident a policing out.
b. To improve police community relation to gain public acceptance,
build mutual respect and trust and promote cooperation.

Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 91

 c. To attain sustained and integrated police-community
participation, in crime prevention and suppression.

Police Block- the NCOB (New Cops on the Block) Center of Command
ad Control of its activities and the police base from which the citizen may
seek assistance whether in person by radio or telephone.
House Visitation- the function of NCOBs where police officers on patrol
visit every house and work place to offer crime prevention advice and to
organize the neighborhood crime watch groups.
Street Questioning method - the method whereby policemen on patrol
may interview within the bounds of law suspicious personalities at
random in order to serve as a deterrent to those intended to commit a
crime
Police social Service of the PNP
a. Midwife duties for childbirth
b. Render first aid to accident victims
c. Get relief assistance to disaster victims
d. Mediate in family quarrels
e. Delivery of death messages
Team Policing - a grassroots approach undertaken to bring the people
and the police together in a cooperative situation.
Police Uniform- to separate policemen from everyone who are not in the
same line of work to avoid confusion and to assure others of his authority
and his presence.

Four Kinds of Inspections on Patrol

a. Building inspection
b. Crime prevention follow-up
c. House inspection
d. Miscellaneous inspection

Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 92

Patrol Hazard- a specific condition or place that requires a patrol
officer's special attention
Police Surveillance- the process of keeping under observation a person;
use to detect some forms of criminal behaviors

Steps to be Taken during a Disaster Response

a. Assess/evaluate
b. Communicate
c. Administer
d. Establish/set up
e. Contain/control
f. Maintain
g. Evacuate
h. Provide/supply/offer
i. Establish
j. Provide access/entrance
k. Record

Keys to effective law enforcement at Labor strikes

1. Exercise strict neutrally and maximum tolerance.
2. Initiate friendly dialogue between contending parties.
3. Seek cooperation from both sides.

Types of Calls response by the Police Patrol

1. Routine Call
2. Urgent Call
3. Emergency Call

Integrated Patrol System of the PNP

1. Basic PNP Functions
Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 93
 2. Crime Prevention
3. Crime Solution
4. Traffic Management

Let's Test What You Have Learned_____________________________

Instructions: Identify whether the following statements are true or false.
Just write T if the statement is correct and F if it is incorrect.

_____1. Patrol Hazard a specific condition or place that requires a patrol

officer's special attention
_____2. Team Policing - a grassroots approach undertaken to bring the
people and the police together in a cooperative
_____3. Proactive Patrol - the more expensive alternative patrol system,
which has an objective approach against humanity as much as
practicable.

Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 94

_____4. Police Block the NCOB (New Cops on the Block) Center of
Command and Control of its activities and the police base from which
the citizen may seek relief goods and refuge whether in person by radio
or telephone
_____5. Police Uniform to separate policemen from everyone who are
not in the same line of work to avoid confusion and to assure others of
his authority and his presence.

Critical Thinking____________________________________________
What is the importance of studying this subject? Cite instances that will
show the benefits of these studies to the law enforcement agencies and
the
community_________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Let's Brainstorm!___________________________________________
In a groups of threes, draw lots and perform the following:
a. Form a dialogue, showing the importance of the study of this
subject in the society.
b. Think of a situation that will show the differences among the
theories and methods of Law Enforcement Operations. Make
a 10-minute role playing about it and see to it that the
characters will visibly show how the Law Enforcement
Operations perform its functions in a given situation.

Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 95

 c. Think of a possible game that will show an interaction
among your selected characters: the criminal, law enforces
and community. Identify the game mechanics.

Chapter II: Patrol Theories and Patrol Methods 96