POLICE PATROL OPERATIONS

What is Patrol?

According to Hale, Patrol is the essence of police function while Payton said Patrol division is the backbone of a police
department. However, making it simpler, patrol may refer to the regular tour made by a guard in a place in order to protect it or
to maintain order. It could also mean a person or a group (such as a police or military unit) sent to carry out a tour of duty in a
certain place with a particular mission either for reconnaissance purposes or simply to provide protection.

Etymology of the Term Police and Patrol

As discussed earlier, the term police originated from the Greek word politeia, which means ‘civil organization’ and ‘the
state’; the Romans slightly changed the word to politia. The French changed the word to police to call those people authorized to
implement the law. The English and the Americans borrowed the word from the French and used it to describe a law enforcer.
The word Cop and Constable are other common descriptions of a police officer. Cop is a European term meaning to catch or
seize.

It must be noted that the terms constable and patrol came from the French. Patrol originated directly or via German
Patrolla from the French patrouller (patroullier), which originally means ‘to walk through mud in a military camp.’

The Evolution of Police Patrol

Police is the agency of a community or government that is responsible for maintaining public order and preventing and
detecting crime. The idea of the police force as a protective and law enforcement organization developed from the use of military
bodies as guardians of the peace, such as the Praetorian Guard of ancient Rome.

The Praetorian Guard is composed of Roman soldiers or centurions carefully selected by the commander of the city
under the authority of Emperor Ceasar. The Romans achieved a high level of law enforcement, which remained in effect until
the decline of the empire and the onset of the Middle Ages. Beginning in the 15 th century, policing became a task of the heads of
fiefdoms and principalities.

Police in the Ancient Time

In recorded history, we can find many documents and archeological finds that insinuate a form of organized police. For
example, a clay tablet used by the ancient Babylonian dated, around 2000 BC, contains a report from a Babylonian officer to his
superiors notifying them that he had proceeded to the man’s house as ordered, arrested him, taken his fingerprints and then
taken control of his property. Around the same date, the discovery in the Indus valley revealed not only that this city had sewers
and a bathroom in each house, but that there are special “watch-houses” which were used by policemen whose duty it was to
patrol the streets and maintain order.

In both the Old Testament (Song of Solomon, Isaiah and Jeremiah) and the New Testament (Matthew and John), we
find references to “watchmen” whose duty it was to protect the city and arrest offenders.

The hieroglyphics of the ancient Egyptians indicates that they had police officers. They had special flag with its
distinctive emblem, a gazelle with a large ostrich feather attached to its neck. There was a constant for some type of protective
police patrol because of the great treasures hidden in the many tombs. It was in this regard that the Egyptians became the first
people to use police dogs on patrol. They also invented the lock.
The police were civilians called “medjay” and headed by an Egyptian military officer.
 Augustus, just before the time of Christ, formed the “Vigiles” of Rome, a group of over two thousand men, armed with
staves and shortsword, whose duty was to keep the peace and fight fires.

Police in the Middle Ages

In the early Middle Ages (a period from the 5 th Century A.D. to about 1350), a system of mutual protection was
developed called the “Frankpledge”. Under this system, a community was divided into tithings or groups of 10 men, each
member of which was responsible for the conduct of the other members of his group and for the assurance that a member
charged with a breach of the law would be produced at court.
This system has in some ways prevailed in the British military. If one man makes a mistake, the whole group to which he
belongs is punished.

England

In England, each petty kingdom was divided into shires or counties. Each shire was the responsibility of a “Reeve”,
later called the Sheriff, who in turn was responsible to their King for law and order in his respective district. Each Shire was
broken down into Hundreds (100 households) headed by a Hundredman, later known as a High Constable. Each hundred was
further broken down into Tythings (10 families) headed by a Tythingman or Chief Tythingman who was elected by the group,
later on replaced by the Constable in the 12 th century. He served as constable and judge.

Another form of police protection used at the end of this era was for each able bodied man to serve so much time
patrolling the town at night as a “Watchman.” Later, it was required that they call out the time and weather on the hour.

The Hue and Cry - It was an ancient Saxon practice that the invaders brought over to England. The horn, the oldest
known warning device in history, was sounded when a person committed a crime, or a felon escaped, and it was detected.
When they hear this, they raised a cry, sounded their horns, and by law had to lay aside their work and join their pursuit. If they
failed to join, they were considered to have taken the part of the escaping person and would be arrested. The law stated that
pursuit of the fugitive must continue until he was caught or reached the sea.

Keepers of the Peace - At the end of the 12th Century (1195), King Richard issued a proclamation entitled “Keepers of
the Peace”, requiring the appointment of knights to keep the King’s Peace. Some believe that the present “shield” type badge
used by some police departments had its origin with the shield the knights used. They keep guard at bridges and gates and
checking on people leaving and entering the town.

Statute of Winchester (Watch and Ward Act) - Near the end of the 13th Century (1285), the Statute of Winchester
enacted the system of Watch and Ward Act. A watch was stationed between sunset and sunrise at each gate of a walled town.
It revived the Hue and Cry. Some watches are grouped together for protection and patrolled the town in “Marching Watches”.

The Charlies - Near the middle of the 17th Century (1663), King Charles passed an act which provided in London one
thousand Night Watchmen or bellmen to be on duty from sunset to sunrise and they were called Charlies. Also referred to by the
local citizens as “Shiver and Shake” watch because they were often old and frail and would run off if they saw any trouble, or
heard a cry for help. They carried long staves and dimly lit lanterns, and they called out the hour and weather conditions. Some
were not honest and sometimes work for criminals as lookouts. Because of this ineffectiveness, merchants hired their own
watchman who was known as the “Merchant Police.”

Bow Street Runners - In 1748, Henry Fielding became the Chief Magistrate at Bow Street in Middlesex, London. He
organized a group of men known as Bow Street Runners whose task was to run errands for the Bow Street Court. He later
formed The Bow Street Horse Patrol whose duty was to patrol the main roads thus secure the travelers from highwaymen or
highway bandits. According to some books, Bow Street Runners was the first organized foot patrol and Bow Street horse Patrol
was the first mounted police on patrol.

The Metropolitan Police - In 1829, Sir Robert Peel introduced the Metropolitan Police Act and was passed by the
English parliament of England in the same year. This law led to the creation of the Metropolitan Police Force of London, which is
viewed by some historians as the first organized uniformed police form. This police force was later called Scotland Yard. Being
the sponsor of the law, Peel became the first head of the police organization thus earning the title of “The Father of Modern
Policing System.”

The “New Police” by Peel were not well received at first. Oftentimes, they were referred to as “Peel’s Bloody Gang,”
“Blue Devils,” and “Dirty Papists.”

France

The French Police is quite old. During the Roman Empire, France was the Roman province Gaul, and the French
seemed to expand on Augustus Caesar’s idea of police by giving them very wide powers including price control, welfare, public
morals, and even sitting in judgment of these offenders. They (the police) handled duties that today we consider “civil” matters
and their power came directly from the king not from the community.

16th Century - Paris had two patrols: The Citizen Night Guard; (similar to English Watchman) and the Royal Guard
which was probably for the king’s protection. At this time, Saint-Louis gave the Guard a motto that is even today on the French
police emblem, “Vigilat ut Quiescant” (He watches that they may sleep).

End of 18th Century (1791) - The position of “Officers de Paix” was formed (origin of “Peace Officer”).

First Police Organization (headed by Louis-Marie Debelleme)- In truth, the French were the first to establish a
group of uniformed police officers tasked to patrol the city of Paris. This police force was called ‘Sergent de Ville’ (servant of the
city) which was organized six months earlier before the creation of Metropolitan Police Force of London.

United States

In Colonial Times - As former colony of England, it borrowed most of th system of its country of origin.
Two main trends in law enforcement were:

 North – life was more urban oriented, and the Watch or Constable system seemed to be best suited.
 South – development was more rural because of agriculture, hence, the sheriff system became the trend.

Other pertinent developments:

 Boston, 1636 – formed the first “Night Watch”

 Plymouth, 1634 – first constable
 New York (Dutch colonists), twenty years later – formed the “Ratelwatch” (rattle watch).
 Philadelphia, at the turn of century – set up a system that obligated duty where citizens served as Watchmen.

American watchmen were called “Leathermen” because they wore varnished leather hats.

Intermediate period – the following were the key events concerning police and patrol before the modernization of the
United States of America:
  Philadelphia, 1833 – instituted the first daytime, paid police service
 New York, 1844 – organized the first modern American police force based on the English Metropolitan police.
 In the frontier areas – law enforcement was developed on a local level without many established rules. Enforcement
was aided by the use of the old legal process “Posse Comitatus” (power of the state to summon assistance in
enforcing the law). To beef up law enforcement, “Wanted Poster” and “Bounty Hunters” were used.
 San Francisco formed the “Committee of Vigilance” in lieu of an established police. Their motto: “Fiat Justitia Ruat
Coelum” (Heaven decrees, Let There Be Justice).
 Pendleton Act of 1833 – established civil Service for federal employees.

Modern Period - This period began in the 1920’s with the use of automobile patrol and voice radio communications.

World War II – During the war, the following were some of the events highlighting policing in America:

 Difficulty of getting police personnel.

 However, since many young men joined the military police, they were stimulated to pursue career in police work.
 GI Bill – required police men to get college education and the “New Breed” was born.

Philippines

The evolution of policing system and police patrol in the country developed from the practice of different tribes. The
common tradition was to select able-bodied young men to protect their villages from the depredation of wild animals that prey on
their crops and livestock.

Some Important Dates or Events in Early Policing particularly in the area of patrol organization (some were already
discussed in the Preliminaries of this book):

 1712 - “Carabineros de Seguridad Publico” was organized for the purpose of carrying the regulation of the State and
was armed and considered as the Mounted Police.
 Jan. 8, 1836 - “Guardrilleros,” a body of rural police organized in each town as established by a Royal Decree.
 Feb. 12, 1852 - “Guardia Civil,” was created by a Royal Decree issued by the crown to partially relieve the Spanish
Peninsular Troops of their policing towns.
 1899 - Post Office Inspection system begun.
 1901 - Department of Public Instruction was concerned with peace and order. Gen. Howard Taft became the first Civil
Governor of the Philippine.
 July 18, 1901 - The PC, better known as the Insular Constabulary, was organized, the first insular police force in the
Philippines, manned mostly by Filipinos but most officers were Americans. Capt. Henry Allen named as the first Chief
of the PC.
 1935 - American Police Force withdrawn with the advent of the Commonwealth. Capt. Columbus Piatt was the last
American Police Chief in Manila. Col. Antonio C. Torres became the first Filipino Police Chief.

With the outbreak of the Pacific War:

 1939 - The Manila Police Department introduced the bicycle patrol.

 Dec. 8, 1941 - Col. Torres declared manila as an open city.
 Jan. 2, 1941 - The first element of the Japanese Imperial Army entered Manila. The Japanese Military Police
(Kempetai) took Chief Torres in custody and rounded the members of the Manila police and ordered them to
cooperate. They were held responsible to maintain peace and order. The MPD was renamed Metropolitan
Constabulary under the Supervision of the Bureau of Constabulary.
 Feb. 7, 1945 - Gen. Douglas McArthur returned to the Philippine. The Battle of Manila ended. The MPD was
reconstituted and placed under American control. Col. Marcus Ellis Jones became the Chief of Police.
Post War Era:

 Mar. 17, 1954 - Automobile Patrol was introduced in Metro Manila. Isaias Alma Jose, the first Chief of mobile patrol of
MPD.
 Dec. 13, 1990 - RA 6975, An Act establishing the PNP under a Reorganized Department of the Interior and local
government and for other purposes.
 1998 - RA 8551, the PNP Attrition Law, “Professionalization Law”

Present Period

The country through the Philippine National Police and the Department of Interior and Local Government in
coordination with other government agencies particularly the Armed Forces of the Philippines, has tapped the involvement of the
community in policing. One of these is the institution of the Community Oriented Policing System or COPS, the Integrated Patrol
System (IPS) and the Patrol 117.

The Role of Police Patrol

The primary law enforcement body of the state is the police. The basic police mission — preserving order by enforcing
rules of conduct or laws — was the same in the ancient communities as it is today in sophisticated and highly urbanized
societies.

Police, the first component of the Criminal Justice System in the Philippine setting is responsible in performing these
fundamental functions.

1. Prevention of crime and repression of criminal activities

2. Preservation of peace and order
3. Protection of life and property
4. Enforcement of laws and ordinances and regulation of non-criminal conduct
5. Investigation of crimes
6. Apprehension of criminals
7. Safeguarding of citizens’ rights and public morals

On Law Enforcement, it embraces crime prevention and crime control, including customary police functions. On the
other hand, peace and order maintenance covers the peacekeeping role and community-oriented services (community service
role). Note that peace and order maintenance has no law enforcement implications. Domestic trouble is a sample situation
wherein police officers must have to intervene although their action is not backed by any specific law or ordinance.
Sometimes on patrol, while performing a mediator’s role in a family squabble, the responding officers may
subsequently take police actions if:

a. the family dispute involves a felony;

b. an offense is committed in the officer’s presence;
c. self-defense is necessary on the part of the police officer.

Why is it that the citizens usually call first the police when a social problem occurs?

Traditionally speaking, these are the reasons: Because the police are constantly available when needed; dependable
when called upon; and capable of providing advice to decide or settle interpersonal conflicts. Thus, there are two broad duties of
police officers while on patrol.
 1. Provide public protection through:
 Preventive Enforcement – progressive and continuous patrolling
 Selective Enforcement –research and investigation

2. Render social services

 information services
 police escort
 assisting other agencies
 serving court notices (warrants)

Patrol and Police Discretion

In police matters, discretion simply refers to the wise use of one’s judgment based on personal experience and
common sense to decide a particular situation. Discretion may also mean the freedom to decide: the freedom or authority to
judge something or make a decision about it.

Police officers are decision-makers and most of their decisions involve discretion. In hostage taking, for example: if
they shoot, they are publicly condemned. But if they hesitate, even for just a second, they are dead.
Police officers, especially those on patrol, must develop the positive side of split-second decision-making. When a patrol officer
confronts a situation, he must immediately decide - that his decision must not only be on time but at its best. It is ironic that an
officer on patrol makes more decisions and exercise broader discretion regarding the people’s life everyday than a judge who
normally decides one or two cases in one day. Note further that no law, no book, no lawyer, no judge can instruct a policeman on
the beat regarding the proper exercise of discretion.

The Nature of Police Patrol

Patrol is the backbone of the police department. The proof to this statement is that patrol force is the only division in
the police organization that cannot be eliminated. This is usually true in small police organization since it cannot afford to create
divisions such as Traffic, Investigation, Juvenile and other specialized areas.
While small police departments grow to keep up with the increasing population, expanding geographical boundaries, and
growing diversity of police jurisdiction, there is a need to hire uniformed and non-uniformed police personnel to take over the
clerical and record keeping functions in order to provide policemen more time for their field responsibilities. Specialized units
such as vice squad, homicide section, child and women’s desk, and others have to be created. But all the while, the patrol unit
continues to exist as the principal functional unit or “backbone” of the police department.

What is the importance of Police Patrol?

Obviously, the patrol force is indispensable unit in every police organization. The following are the specific points that
justify the importance of Police patrol:

1. Patrol is the essence of police operations.

2. The patrol group is the single largest unit in the police organization.
3. Actions taken by the patrol officer have the most direct impact on the citizen’s satisfaction and on the accomplishment
of police goals and objectives.
4. Patrol operation is the most visible form of activity that enhances the welfare and security of the community.
5. Individual patrol officers represent the police department in its contact with the community.
6. Individual patrol officers play a major role in determining the quality of justice in a given community. Errors made by
patrolmen have significant negative effect in the public’s perception and on the other components of the CJS.
7. The patrol officer is the most important human element of the police organization since all police field operations are
supported by the patrol activity.

What are the patrol functions?

 Based on Section 1 of Rule II of the original Police Manual, the patrol force has the primary responsibility of
safeguarding the community. This can be done through the:

1. Protection of persons and property

2. Preservation of peace and order
3. Prevention of crime
4. Suppression of criminal activities
5. Apprehension of criminals
6. Enforcement of laws and ordinances
7. Regulation of criminal conduct
8. Performing necessary services and inspections

Police departments sometime gain reputation of efficiency and effectiveness based on their vigilance in dealing with
criminal offenses and the establishment of a high state visibility in the community. Criminals usually plan their legal illegal
ventures in areas where police are known to be lax and inefficient. Hence, they purposely avoid communities whereby the police
have established reputation of being extremely vigilant and aggressive in deterring crimes.

In order to realize the above-enumerated functions, the patrol unit has to perform the following activities:

1. Routine Patrol and Observation

2. Benevolent and community services – “called-for” services, inspection services
3. Control of public rallies – preventive attendance & maintenance of order, responding to emergency calls
4. Attending to criminal and civil complaints
5. Conduct preliminary investigation
6. Animal control, traffic direction and control
7. Business and property security
8. Collection and preservation of evidence
9. Arrest of offenders
10. Preparation of reports and testifying in court

What is the Concept of Crime Prevention and Crime Suppression ?

Theoretically, crime prevention involves the suppression of the desire of potential criminals to commit crimes. On the
other hand, crime suppression involves the elimination of the opportunity of criminals to perform acts against the law.

In reality, crime prevention and crime suppression are activities that patrol officers do not bother to distinguish. When
they are deployed at the streets, patrol officers have no time to ponder if what they do is under crime prevention or crime
suppression.

Police Personnel Distribution

The patrol force is an organization within an organization. The patrol force is the nucleus (focal unit) of the department
about which the special services are grouped, and therefore, it shall not be subordinated to any other police unit in the police
department. The operational heart of a police organization is the patrol force to which other departmental divisions relate in a
supportive role. In ordinary police stations, the suggested distribution of police functions is as follows:

Police Activity Percentage

1. Patrol Functions 50%
2. Criminal Investigation 15%
3. Traffic Functions 10%
 4. Vice & Juvenile Related Functions 10%
5. Administrative Functions 10%
6. Auxiliary Functions 5%

Manning Level of Patrol Force

One basis of the effectiveness and efficiency of the patrol force is the manning level or manpower of the police
organization. The patrol unit must get the most number of uniformed personnel. The “ rule of thumb” regarding the manning level
of any police department must be observed.

In the Philippine setting, the rule regarding the manning level of the police is provided under section 27 of Republic Act
# 6975. The standard manning level is 1:500 (1 police officer for every 500 residents). However, in extreme conditions, this
manning level maybe stretched to maximum, which is 1:1000 (1 police officer for every 1,000 resident).

PATROL THEORIES AND PATROL METHODS

A. Fundamental Theories of Patrol

1. Theory of Police Omnipresence - High police visibility discourages criminals. Normally, criminals think twice before
executing their plans if there is obvious presence of police officers. Thus, patrol activity should be carried in a manner
that attracts maximum attention to the police officer or police vehicles. This theory applies the principle of overt
operation or high police visibility.

2. Low Profile Theory - Low police visibility increases the opportunity to apprehend criminals. Deceptive absence of the
police officers will let criminals believe that they will not be detected or caught if they execute crimes that they planned.
In this theory, the objective is to attract as little attention as possible while on the process of patrolling. The officers
should operate in a manner that it would be difficult for either criminals or the public to determine that police are
around. The principle of covert operation is integrated in this theory.
A smart patrol officer should use both approaches depending on the circumstances of a situation. He can make his
presence obvious in a high-crime area to deter criminals by conducting slow motor patrol. In another situation, he may conceal
himself and test the presence of criminals around an area.

The most important role of a patrol officer is to serve as the police organization’s actual field contact with the people.
Thus, the word PATROL is an acronym of: P – oliceman; A – ssigned; T – o; R – estore; O – rder in the ; L – ocality

B. Patrol Methods

Patrol methods are various means of getting from one place to another within a specified patrol jurisdiction. Various methods of
patrol are not intended to isolate the patrol officer from the people he vowed to serve and protect.

Patrol effort made by the police may be in the form of any or combination of the following:

1. Beat Patrol
a. Foot Patrol
b. Bicycle Patrol

2. Sector Patrol (Motorized Patrol)

a. Automobile Patrol
b. Motorcycle Patrol
c. Aircraft Patrol (Helicopter and Fixed Wing)

3. Specialized Patrol Methods

a. Horse (mounted) Patrol
 b. Marine (water) Patrol
c. Canine (K-9) Assisted Patrol
d. Special Terrain Patrol

FOOT PATROL

Foot patrol is restricted to small areas and is used to deal with special situations while maintaining radio contact with
officers in patrol cars. Foot patrol is used to secure 2 types of police geographical units:

1. Post – a fixed position or location where an officer is assigned for guard duty
2. Beat – the smallest area specifically assigned for patrol purposes

Types of Foot Patrol

1. Fixed foot patrol is usually used for traffic, surveillance, parades, and special events.
2. Mobile foot patrol is used where there is considerable foot movement such as patrolling business and shopping
centers, high crime areas, and in places where there are many or multiple family dwellings.

a. Line beat patrol is used in securing a certain portion of a road or street.

b. Random foot patrol is used in checking residential buildings, business establishments, dark alleys, and parking lots.

What are the basic techniques and procedures of Foot Patrol?

1. Do not establish a set of pattern of patrolling procedure.

 If you patrol your beat along certain streets and make regular stops at specific times and locations, criminals
will learn your habits and take steps to avoid you.
 Turn corners as often as possible to avoid being followed.
 Refrain from taking meal or coffee breaks at the same time and place during your shift.
 Reverse the direction of your patrol route, often and at random.
 Cut through lanes and alleys.
2. Walk systematically (with purpose) on the beat while on patrol.
 Pause often during your patrol and look around you.
 If you are not paying attention to your surroundings, you are not patrolling but you’re strolling.
3. Do not smoke nor drink while on patrol during night or day shift.
4. Walk near the curb during daylight. This technique offers:
 a better view for observing street activity;
 less chance of obstruction by pedestrians on the sidewalk if you are required to take quick action; and
 Higher police visibility, which is effective in crime prevention.
5. Walk near buildings during night patrol.
 Check the window glass of street level stores or offices for cracks or broken glass.
 Avoid looking backwards, unless necessary. Use the reflection in store windows to see your back.
 Move discreetly to avoid tipping off burglars or muggers.
 Pause frequently in shadows to observe without being seen.
 Use convenient light to check doors in case of forcible entry.
6. Do not immediately open the door when intending to get inside. Observe and evaluate first the situation.
7. Check the interiors of buildings and rattle doorknobs to ensure that premises are secure.
8. Watch for persons loitering or hiding in doorways, either ingress or egress.
9. Use fire escapes to inspect building rooftops once in a while.
10. Be attentive or on alert for the sound of breaking glass or any unusual noise that may be caused by criminal activity.

Advantages of Foot Patrol

1. Greater personal contact with the public leading to increased community support for the police. Police becomes closer
to the community residents.
 2. Greater opportunity to develop sources of information.
3. High police visibility. Regular police presence discourages criminals and provides greater sense of security to
storekeepers, females, and elderly persons.
4. Places not accessible by motor vehicles are reached and patrolled. Patrol officers can enter small alleys and side
streets.
5. Easier detection of criminal activities. Foot patrol provides closer observation of the environment and the
circumstances that may require immediate police attention.
6. Easy discovery and familiarization on the layout of the beat. In-depth knowledge of the character and problems of the
patrol area.

Disadvantages of Foot Patrol

1. Low mobility resulting to limited coverage of the patrol area.

2. Low response time to telephone complaints.
3. Foot patrol method involves a large number of personnel, since officers are assigned on small areas of jurisdiction
called posts and beats.

AUTOMOBILE PATROL

The patrol car is the most extensively used and the most effective means of transportation for police on patrol.
Equipped with state-of-the-art police gear, patrol cars today provide a rapid, safe, and efficient means of transportation under
average operating conditions. Automobile patrol has the greatest mobility and flexibility. Most experts on patrol operation agree
that it is the most cost-effective method of patrol.

Features of State-of-the-Art Patrol Cars

1. Reflecting pressure-sensitive film covering rather than mere paint

2. Vehicle-mounted TV – high-resolution video camera with wide-angle lens
3. MDT – mobile data terminal – computer that allow officers in patrol car to access files from Headquarters (HQ) and
other Law Enforcement agencies
4. HELP - high-intensity emergency lighting plan – heavy duty light than can provide 2 million candle power of lighting

General Techniques and Procedures in Automobile Patrol

1. Thoroughly check the patrol car before leaving the garage.

2. Do not establish route patterns in patrolling the area of jurisdiction. Recommended patrol patterns (can be applied in
any of the types of patrol):
a. Clockwise Pattern – usually done during the first hours of patrolling.
b. Zigzag or Free-Wheeling Pattern - start at one corner of the patrol area and work your way diagonally across
it to the opposite corner.
c. Criss-cross Pattern – more or less similar to zigzagging.
d. Straightway Pattern – the easiest to observe because as the name implies, the patrol officer just follow the
length of the street.
e. Cloverleaf Pattern
f. Counter-clockwise – usually done before the tour of patrol duty ends.

CLOVERLEAF – a highway intersection designed so as to route traffic without interference, by means of a system of
curving ramps from one level to another, in the form of a 4-leaf clover. Hence, the cloverleaf patrol pattern follows this pattern of
movement in patrolling.

3. Do not develop the habit of using only the main roads in your area. Most criminal activity occurs at the back streets, out
of sight from the main thoroughfares.
 4. Do not spend too much time in drive-inns or coffee spots.
5. Always take note (jot down) the plate numbers of strange or suspicious vehicles.
6. Get out from the patrol car regularly or frequently to be visible and accessible to the public; and develop personal
contacts in the neighborhood.
7. Set an example to other motorists.
a. Observe/Obey all traffic laws (rules of the road), for both safety and public relation (PR) reasons, unless you
are en route to an emergency or while on pursuit.
b. Always park the patrol car in the legal way.
c. Use seat belts or shoulder straps and other safety devices.
d. Use the proper traffic signal lights and hand signals.

8. Avoid driving too fast on general patrol conditions except during emergencies or in pursuing some criminals/suspects.
Maintain a cruising speed of 20-25 mph during patrol. This is slow enough to make detailed observations without
impeding the traffic flow.
9. When conducting solo patrol, maintain frequent contact with the dispatcher or other communication personnel in the
field or at the HQ.
10. If you are patrolling with a partner, divide the observation area around your vehicle.
a. The driving officer covers at least 100 OC of vision in front. He must not, however, allow his observations to
interfere with the safe operation of the patrol car.
b. The passenger officer should cover a field of view twice more than the driving officer.
c. Both driver and passenger officer must always be on alert for possible informants.

11. Minimize hiding behind hills, curves or signboards to trap traffic violators. This is bad PR and serves to erode
community confidence in the police sense of fair play.
12. Frequently check the potential trouble spots in your patrol area.
13. Stop periodically among parked cars at the entrance of side streets to observe activity on the street.
14. Check the occupants of vehicles that stop beside and behind you at intersections.
15. Regularly check parking lots for abandoned stolen vehicles.
16. In stopping and checking a vehicle, park at the rear side of the suspect vehicle. Leave the door slightly open unless the
area is highly populated.
17. Do not leave the key in the patrol car especially if the place is in a high-crime or congested area.

Advantages of Automobile Patrol

1. High mobility allowing coverage of greater area.

2. Quicker response time to complaints. 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 operations.

Advantages of One Man Automobile Patrol

1. Preventive enforcement is doubled by having twice as many police cars on the street
2. An officer who is alone devotes his full attention to driving and beat observation rather than conversing with his partner
3. Personality clashes are reduced and/or avoided
4. 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
2. Mistake made by one officer may be noticed and immediately corrected by his partner
3. Each officer could get rest and thus perform more effectively since each does not have to drive for full 8 hours of duty
4. Beneficial since two pairs of eyes are better than one.
5. One could operate the radio while the other one drives.
6. Sleeping on duty could be avoided especially for the one who is driving since he has a companion who keeps him
awake

BICYCLE PATROL

Bicycle patrol is growing in popularity because of easy operation and its acceptance by the public, particularly children
who view them as a non-threatening form of patrol. Bicycles are now used in many countries as a simple and inexpensive means
of silent transportation to carry police officers throughout their patrol district. Often, bicycles are used in parks and on beaches
and have many of the same advantages and disadvantages as motorcycles.

Advantages of Bicycle Patrol

1. Lower-cost (inexpensive) to operate as compared to motorcycle and automobiles

2. Areas not accessible by patrol cars or are too wide for foot patrol can be covered by bicycle
3. Increased mobility and stealth since bicycle can be operated quietly and without attracting too much attention. In
Seattle, Washington, for, example, bicycle officers use bikes to whip around corners and surprise drug dealers. This
type of patrol provides the maximum stealth and mobility to patrol officers.
4. Found to be highly effective in combating theft, vandalism in residential areas, parks, shopping malls, etc. The Seattle
City’s 20 bicycle officers have averaged five times the number of arrests made by foot patrols in the downtown area.
5. Effectively used by plainclothesmen for surveillance in high crime areas wherein officers wearing nondescript clothes
could blend with the apparels worn by the criminals

Like motorcycles, bicycles leave the patrol officer extremely vulnerable. Officers should have the proper safety
equipment and follow all basic safety practices while on bicycle patrol.

MOTORCYCLE PATROL

Most police departments have their motorcycles marked with the same insignia as their patrol cars. Motorcycles are
beginning to be a favorite of patrol officers because of the ease and speed of moving around. Motorcycle patrol has many of the
same advantages as automobile patrol, especially in speed and maneuverability. Motorcycles have greater access than
automobiles to some areas and are better suited to heavy traffic, narrow alleys and rugged terrain.

Disadvantages of Motorcycle Patrol

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

Thus, in motorcycle patrol, proper protective clothing and helmets are a must. A motorcycle also offers the patrol officer
much less protection than a squad car should a person in a vehicle being pursued decides to start shooting. Nonetheless, the
ability of motorcycles to maneuver through traffic and their ability to access areas, which squad cars cannot, make them valuable
patrol vehicles.
 A number of American police agencies continue to use two wheel and three wheel motorcycles, especially for traffic
control and special occasions, such as parades and escort duty. In general, however, the use of the two wheeled motorcycle
patrol had decreased in recent years for several important reasons. Departments that have used solo, or two wheels,
motorcycles, have found them to be:

a. costly to operate,
b. hazardous to the driver, and
c. inoperative during inclement weather when the police should be most active in the enforcement of traffic
regulations or readily available for special escort duties.
d. Additionally, the solo motorcycle is tiring for the driver and has no capacity to transport prisoners, other personnel,
or equipment.

However the three wheel motorcycle:

a. can be operated regardless of road conditions

b. is far less hazardous, less tiring to drive,
c. has transportation capabilities. In essence, the three wheel motorcycle has most of the advantages of the solo
motorcycle and
d. greater maneuverability in dense traffic than the automobile.

HORSE PATROL (Mounted Patrol)

Mounted patrol is decreasing in the US but is still used in some large cities for crowd and traffic control. Mounted
officers are usually more acceptable than K-9s as crowd control instruments. Expense is one of the main advantages of mounted
patrol. The greatest advantage is that an officer on horseback is much more effective at controlling a disorderly crowd than one
on foot or in any kind of vehicle (other than a tank). Mounted officers can see up to three blocks away and cover more territory
than officers on patrol.

Horses are useful in patrolling jurisdiction that covers large park areas or similar places where automobiles cannot go
or may be forbidden. Mobile patrol cars cannot be expected to race on grassy fields or wooded areas but horses can.

Mounted patrol is also valuable in search-and-rescue efforts in rural and wilderness areas. Officers on horses have
been called upon to:

1. assist in evidence searches at crime scenes

2. round up straying cattle after a truck has tipped over
3. search for lost children in tall corn or grass where men on foot would be ineffective.

AIRCRAFT PATROL

Among the more recent trends in patrolling is the use of aircraft, either helicopter or fixed-wing. Today, it has become
necessary for the police use aircraft in performing both routine and specialized patrol activities. The use of aircraft is not totally
new. In 1925, the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department has already formed a volunteer Reserve Aero Squadron. Full-time
Aero detail is still an official unit in this police department today.

Before 1929, the New York police department began using aircraft. In 1947, the New York Port Authority began using
helicopters for surveillance, transportation, and rescue. Other cities and state agencies in United States has employed
helicopters, usually during daylight hours. In 1986, the state of California developed an experimental program using helicopters
for police patrolling known as SKY KNIGHT.
 During the latter part of 1959, the Public Safety Department of Dade County in Florida used the aerial patrol concept.
At present, it is effectively utilizing fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters in regular patrols to prevent crime and apprehend offenders
or engage in surveillance activities.

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.
7. Increased ability in conducting searches for missing or lost people suspected offenders and escaping prisoners.
8. Provide a better system of flood lighting areas to be patrolled at night.
9. Capable of broadcasting information to a large area through airborne speakers.
10. Provide rapid emergency transportation of personnel.
11. Added security to patrol officers on foot, motorcycles or in patrol cars through backup offered by aerial patrol.

Disadvantages of Helicopter Patrol

1. Very expensive – high cost of training of pilots/operators, buying, fuel, and special facilities for housing and
maintenance.
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 (Marine/Bay/River Patrol)

Water patrol units are extremely specialized and are not in great use except in areas with extensive coasts or a great
deal of lake or river traffic. The objective was to use the water vehicles in anti-smuggling operations as well as against robberies
committed in warehouses along riverbanks or water ports.

Like aircraft, boats are expensive to buy, operate and maintain. Further, those who operate them must have special
training. Nonetheless, boats are the best means to effectively control violators of water safety regulations as well as to
apprehend drug and gun smugglers. They are also valuable in rescue operations during times of flooding as well as in dragging
operations for drowning cases.
Winter or summer, the water patrol is responsible for:

1. search and rescue/recovery for drowning victims

2. routine patrol
3. buoying and marking
4. removal of navigation hazards
5. water safety inspections
6. water accident investigations
7. deterring boating law violations such as reckless operation
8. checking fishing licenses and catch limits

What are PWC?

A new trend in water patrol is the use of PWC or Personal Watercraft. Among the earliest manufacturers of this type of
vessel was the Yamaha Motor Corporation (1990). The reason why PWC became popular was that the company began a loan
program wherein law enforcement agencies can obtain free use of Yamaha PWC during the boating season. These vehicles
have very shallow draft, high maneuverability and stability. They are also very easy to operate. The 2 models most frequently
used were the: Wave Runner LX (for 2 people) and the Wave Runner III (for 3 people). The front compartment allows for storage
of ticket book, high-powered binoculars and a portable breath test. Many are equipped with public-address systems, sirens, and
lights.

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

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

CANINE (K-9) ASSISTED PATROL (Dog Patrol)

As earlier mentioned, the Egyptians were the first to use dogs in patrolling. In the US, dogs have been used in police
patrol since 1900. In April 1957, Baltimore was the only American police force that used trained dog handler teams on patrol. As
of April 1968, about 200 police agencies used a total of 500 man dog teams in police patrol work.

Police dogs are especially useful in high crime areas, in dangerous search situations, in dealing with street gangs, in
dispersing a crowd, in taking fleeing suspects into custody, in guarding suspects, in searching alleys, parks, schools, and other
large building. A most recent use of police dogs is in the search and detection of drugs in packages or on suspects. The K-9
assisted patrol is becoming more popular, with even smaller departments beginning to establish K-9 units. According to James
C. Spurlock in his article “K-9” in Law and Order issue of March 1990: “ Along with mainframes and microchips, the small-to-
medium-sized police department shopping for the latest in cost-effective high-tech law enforcement might want to consider the
four-legged, cold-noised variety”

A K-9 corps is essential for most medium size and large police departments but careful planning and research must
first be completed to determine the specific numbers and need for police dogs. Dogs must be housed, transported then trained.
Their handlers must be carefully selected and trained.

Uses of Dogs or K-9s in police operations

1. Provide great assistance in search and rescue as well as in smelling out drugs and bombs.
 2. Provide protection for 1-officer patrol. Officer/s assigned to a high-crime area has little to fear with a well-trained canine
at their side.
3. Great value in crowd control since:
a. properly trained dogs are virtually fearless; and
b. totally loyal to their handlers have a significant psychological effect on would-be trouble makers
4. Extensively used in international airports to detect narcotics and bombs because of their keen sense of smell. A dog is
capable of recognizing an odor 10 million times better than a human can.
5. Specially trained dogs are extremely effective in finding bodies – dead or alive, just buried or buried for years.
6. Locating trapped people during emergencies.
7. Can be an asset to public relations efforts.
8. Well-trained police dogs can be used for demonstrations in public affairs, schools, or parades.

What breeds of working dogs are best suited for police works?

1. German Shepherds – the most frequently used and highest-scoring dog for police work
2. Black Labrador retrievers
3. Giant Schnauzers
4. Rottweilers
5. Doberman pinschers
6. Bouviers
7. Newfoundlands
8. Airedale terriers
9. Alaskan malamutes

Disadvantages of using K-9

1. Most police dogs work with only one handler.

2. K-9, like most dogs, is territorial, and its handler and its K-9 cruiser are part of its territory.
3. Dog training is expensive. Dog training usually takes 10 to 12 weeks.
4. Police department that initiates a K9 section is vulnerable to law suits.

WOLVES – It stands for Wireless Operational Link and Video Exploration System; the system of attaching a miniature camera
and transmitter to a search dog; this equipment make man’s best friend and even better friend, because the dog can now be the
eyes and ears of his handler in situations where saving life is paramount objective.

Bloodhounds – These tracking dog; 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 – The patrol officers’ job starts even before they are in their respective area of responsibility
(AOR) because they need to prepare the following that are necessary in the performance of their routines:

Equipment check

 Police uniform
 Weapons
 Watch
 Money, including change for pay telephones
 Flashlight, spare battery and bulbs
 Notebook with ample supply of blank paper
 Forms re reports, traffic violations, etc.
  Current list of stolen and wanted vehicles
 Portable radio and other equipment as required

Information Check – Prior to actual patrolling, the police officers should:

 Secure and review descriptions of missing and wanted persons.

 Arrange any follow-up work from previous shifts.
 Check with the officer being relieved for any problems requiring your attention during the shift.
 Check patrol area log for problem areas requiring extra surveillance.

Vehicle Check – In case of patrol officers assigned on mobile cars (prowl cars), they should:

 Check the inside of your patrol car, paying particular attention to the rear seat.
 A prisoner may have hidden a weapon or evidence in the vehicle during the previous shift.
 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.
 Record the condition of your vehicle’s interior in your notebook for possible latter use as evidence.
 Check your vehicle’s siren, roof light, radio and other equipment to ensure that they are in proper working order. Note
any damage or mechanical problems.

PATROL CONCEPTS

The following are simple but vital questions in the management of a patrol unit in your own department or in any police
department:

What is reactive Patrol?

It is 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.

What is proactive Patrol?

It is the more economical alternative patrol system, which has an objective approach against criminality as much as
practicable. It addresses crime at its very root before it is able to develop into a felonious act.

What is participative law enforcement?

It is a system where the citizenry and the police work together to reduce crime, prevent juvenile delinquency and
criminal behavior, maintain the peace and reduce local problems which are the mutual responsibility of the police and the people.

What is the difference between prevention and repression of criminal and delinquent behavior?

Prevention is the objective aimed towards ways and means to reduce the desire of the human being to commit crime.
Repression, on the other hand is the act of preventing the actual commission of crimes. Repression is leveled on the prevention
of the very act itself which constitutes crimes.

What is Police Omnipresence?

 It is a crime repression activity of the police which is accomplished by making their presence known in such a way that
even if they are longer present in a certain location, would be criminals would still have the impression that they are still around
and would therefore refrain from committing an offense.

What is the meaning of the acronym COPS?

The acronym COPS refers to Community Oriented Policing System. It is the deploying of policemen in police blocks to
provide police and public safety services. It also involves 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.

What are the objectives of the PNP’s New COPS?

1. To enhance police visibility in order to reach out to the community to serve the resident a policing out.
2. To improve police community relation to gain public acceptance, build mutual respect and trust and promote
cooperation.
3. To attend sustained and integrated police-community participation, in crime prevention and suppression.

What is police block?

This is 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 assistance whether in person by radio or telephone.

What is the so-called “House Visitation”?

It is a 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.

What is the so-called “Street Questioning” method?

It is a 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.

What is the police social service of the PNP?

It is a project that concerns a wide variety of activities such as physical fitness and sports development and formation
and education and livelihood projects. The following are some of the benevolent services performed by the police patrol:

1. Midwife duties for childbirth.

2. Render first aid to accident victims.
3. Get relief assistance to disaster victims.
4. Mediate in family quarrels.
5. Delivery of death messages.

What do you understand about the concept of “Team Policing”?

It is a grass root approach undertaken to bring the people and the police together in a cooperative situation. Its
distinguishing feature is the establishments of neighborhood crime watch groups to encourage the people to report crimes and to
assume greater interest and responsibility in crime prevention and suppression.
What is the purpose of police uniform?

As with any other occupation, the police uniform is intended 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.

Give the four kinds of inspections conducted by policemen on patrol.

Policemen may conduct building inspection, crime prevention follow-up, house inspection and miscellaneous
inspection.

What is Patrol Hazard?

This is a term used frequently to describe a specific condition or place that requires a patrol officer’s special attention.

What is the importance of Vehicle inspection for patrol?

The emergency nature of police work demands that the vehicle they use be in the best condition as possible not only
for routine patrol driving but also for pursuit operation. Hence, there is a need for regular vehicle inspection.

What is the purpose of the District Orientation Tour in preparing for patrol?

Its purpose is to familiarize and orient a policeman about the patterns and characteristics of his patrol area before he
conducts actual patrol.

What is police surveillance?

It is the process of keeping under observation a person; a place or an object to obtain information material to the
solution of a case. It is also use to detect some forms of criminal behaviors.

What is the purpose of the police at the scene of civil disturbance?

During civil disturbances, the police: protects lives and properties of everyone at the scene; enforces the law; and
restores peace and order.

What are the objectives of the police at the scene of unlawful assemblies?

The objectives of the police at the scene of unlawful assemblies like riot (these are discussed in Chapter 4 – Crowd
Control and Riot Prevention): Containment; Dispersal; Prevention of reentry or entry; Arrest of law violators; and Establish
priorities.

State the essential steps that must be taken by the police during a disaster response.

1. Assess the nature and extend of the disaster or calamity.

2. Communicate information in the fastest means available.
3. Administer urgently needed first aid and rescue activities.
4. Establish a command post.
5. Contain the area.
6. Maintain open emergency lanes/streets.
7. Evacuate survivors and people from danger area.
8. Provide public information services.
 9. Establish coordination with other government agencies.
10. Provide access area for authorities.
11. Record the events.

What are the 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.
What are the primary line units concerned with the accomplishment of the police operational tasks?

The primary line units in the police include patrol, investigation, traffic, vice and juvenile patrol .

What are the secondary or auxiliary units concerned with the service tasks?

The secondary or auxiliary units in the police include the records, property custodian, jails, crime laboratory services,
transportation, and communication.

What are the administrative or managerial units?

The administrative or managerial units in the police include personnel, intelligence, planning, budgeting, and training in
community relations.

Why participation of patrol in vice control necessary?

Patrol participation in vice control is necessary in order to lessen the force needed in the vice-division; to increase its
efficiency; to conserve time and energy of its members; and to focus its attention to the more serious vice violations.

What are different types of calls response by the police patrol?

ROUTINE CALL – Under this category, the mobile car is required to observe all traffic laws and rules and does not
normally use its flashing lights and siren while on its way to the scene. This includes when the police responds to:
 Provide police car transportation.
 Obtain reports about offenses discovered after the criminal has left and which does not involve injury.
 Obtain information the nature of which is not given.
 Investigate apparently abandoned vehicles.
 Obtain damage reports.
 Provide additional traffic control and direction.

URGENT CALL – This is similar to the routine call, which also requires the responding police car to observe all traffic
rules and does not use its flashing lights or siren. However, it proceeds directly to its destination and does not stop unless an
incident of far more serious nature occurs. This includes when the police responds to investigate:
 Trouble of unknown nature.
 Shoplifter complaint.
 Vehicular accidents in which there are no physical injuries.
 Prowler complaints.
 Lost children complaints.
 Report of mob activities.
 Reports of domestic or tenant-landlord or neighbor conflicts.

EMERGENCY CALL – In most cases, this category requires the use of the flashing light and fluctuating siren although
there are exceptions which include the attempt to surprise criminals in the act. It is permissible in this case for the responding
police car to violate traffic laws provided that extreme care is exercised while driving at high speed. This includes when the
police responds to:
 Investigate a crime in progress.
 Investigate a traffic accident in which people are injured.
 Rescue or assist another patroller in trouble.
 Aids an injured person.
 Pursue or apprehend suspected criminal/s.
 Assist in firefighting.
 Stop an ongoing fight in progress.

What are the two schools of thoughts regarding the best means of approaching any scene where a crime is believed to be in
progress?

First is to approach the scene with lights and siren flashing and to pull on directly at the scene of the reported crime.
The idea here is to frighten the criminal in order to prevent him from completing his criminal act.

Second is to approach the crime scene as inconspicuously as possible in order to use the advantage of surprise in
apprehending the criminal or preventing his escape.

What are the factors to be considered by the patroller in choosing the manner by which an approach to a crime in progress is to
be made?

These are the factors of: time and day; condition of traffic; possibility of ongoing physical assault; and the
neighborhood characteristics.

Why is the police force organized along semi-military lines?

It is due to the nature of work they perform, the manner in which they are expected to perform their duties, and their
close adherence to a rigid chain of command with specific assignment of duties and responsibilities and functional job
descriptions that distinguish between line and staff authority.

What is the distinction between line and staff functions?

Line functions such as patrol and criminal investigation are those that are directly responsible for accomplishing police
goals and objectives.

On the other hand, staff, auxiliary or support functions are those that are designed solely to support and enhance the
operation of line units. They usually include records, communications, personnel, training, property maintenance and the like.

THE INTEGRATED PATROL SYSTEM (IPS) OF THE PNP

The Integrated Patrol System (IPS) of the Philippine National Police is a concerted effort of the whole PNP
organization with other government agencies. The purpose is for the effective performance of the general role of the PNP which
is to deliver the basic public safety services to the community.

What are the Three (3) Public Safety Bureaus?

In the Philippines, there are three separate line bureaus created under the Department of Interior and Local
Government. They are responsible in the protection of the community against criminality, destructive fires and calamities and
protection by confinement and correction of convicted criminal perpetrators. The three bureaus are:
 PNP – Philippine National Police
  BFP – Bureau of Fire Protection
 BJMP – Bureau of Jail Management and Penology

What are the Basic PNP Functions?

As stated earlier, the basic functions of the PNP are: Crime Prevention – including crime suppression; Crime Solution –
covers investigation of crimes; and Traffic Management – covers direction and control, and traffic accident investigation.

Crime Prevention – the basic police function; the technique of eliminating the desire of the people to commit crime. It
can be done through Police Visibility. Crime Deterrence is actually the essence (real meaning) of Police Visibility because:

1. In crime prevention, the psychological tool of the police is VISIBILITY and OMNIPRESENCE; and
2. Visibility and omnipresence is applied by the police for the purpose of:
a. making their presence felt;
b. giving a feeling of security to law abiding citizens; and
c. providing a feeling of fear to would be offenders.

What is the General Objective of Patrol Activity?

The general objective of patrol activity is to prevent the commission of crime by destroying the opportunity of potential
offenders thru constant and alert patrolling.

With these, patrol officers should have a detailed understanding of the anatomy of crime or what makes up a criminal
act. The anatomy of crime states that: crime takes place if the three (3) elements or ingredients are present at the same time
and place which are: Instrumentalities, Motive and Opportunity. To explain further:

1. Instrumentality – the means or instrument used in the commission of crime such as: firearm; fan knife; poison (or any
obnoxious substance); Hammer; motor vehicle; a document, etc.
2. Motive – the reason or cause why a person or group of persons will perpetrate a crime or the purpose or aim of doing
something. Examples are: economic gain; jealousy; covetousness/greediness; revenge; gratify desire; and win a
competition.
3. Opportunity – It refers to the chance or twist of fate; consist of the acts (whether by omission or commission) by a
person (the victim) that enables another person or group of persons (the offenders) to perpetrate the crime.
Opportunity is synonyms with carelessness, acts of indiscretion, and lack of crime prevention or lack of consciousness
on the part of the victim. Illustrative examples are:
a. Leaving ones’ home or car unattended for a long time
b. Walking all alone in a well-known crime prone alley
c. Wearing expensive jewelries in slum area
d. Readily admitting a stranger to one’s residence and the like.

Further, once crime took place, it can be further explained by using the interaction of these three (3) factors: Criminal
Tendency, Total Situation, and Resistance to temptation. Criminal tendency is innate to every human being. Total situation
speaks of the environmental circumstances. Resistance to temptation could also be innate to a person which could be attributed
to his cultural and educational upbringing.

What is a Freak Crime Accident?

There are situations when all the three elements of the crime are present and merged at the same time and the same
place; however the victim is not the intended one due to error in persona (mistaken identity). This is called a freak crime
accident. Similarly, the public still need to be protected against these kinds of crimes.
How Police Visibility is attained?

Police visibility can be done in three (3) ways: physical presence by being visible as police and easy to locate police
units; patrolling scheme through mobile, integrated, and widespread, supportive, and redundant coverage; and response which
should be proper, adequate and timely (ideal is 5 minutes response time).

Further, the Police Visibility Program of the PNP can be accomplished thru the use of the Integrated Patrol System
(PNP-IPS). The PNP-IPS has the following features:
 Pre-emptive
 Widespread and Forward Deployment
 Force Mixture (complementary & supportive)
 Cross checking of Deployment
 Force Multiplier
 Supports the COPS

What are the Components of the IPS?

A. Fixed Components – These include the following: Police Station HQ; Police Community Precincts (PCP); Traffic Posts; and
Visibility Posts – police outposts

Station Desk (SD) – plays the most important role in the implementation of the police mission – to serve end protect
the community. Further, it serves as the 3 Cs of the police force: communication; coordinating; and center/command post.
Being the 3 Cs of the police force, the SD serves as:
a. Nerve center of the IPS
b. Transmitter of the police station
c. Police station’s administrative nerve center
d. Disaster Coordinating Council (DCC)
e. Showcase of the Station’s efficient operational capabilities.
f. Monitoring assistance center during elections and other political events

To ensure proper response to calls, the Police Station should equip the SD with the following communication facilities:
a. Mobile radio base set – at least 3 sets
b. Telephone line – landlines and cell phone lines
c. Fax Machines
d. On line computer system
e. Several television sets

Situation/Locator Map (w/ magnetic equipment) – also called spot map; the key-point in the Police Station Desk;
capable of providing a visual IPS situation because it shows the: area of responsibility (AOR); Real Time Current Situation; and
Real time Status of the IPS. The importance of the Situation/Locator Map (S/LM) are for OTS (on the spot) assessment of the
situation; and for OTS shifting of patrol forces to deal with a situation

PCP – Led by a police commissioned officer with a rank of Chief Inspector or Superintendent with a minimum of 30
personnel including the PCP Commander divided in 3 shifts of 8-hours duty. More often, it is headed by Senior Police Officers
(SPOs) due to lack of commissioned officers.

B. Patrol Components – The patrol components of the IPS are: Air Patrol; Line Beat Patrol; Mobile Patrols; Motorcycle Patrol;
Bicycle Patrol; Reaction Unit Patrol (SWAT); and Detective Repressive Patrol.
 Police Beats (PBs) – These are consist of any contiguous or adjacent area defined by identifiable boundaries within the
AOR of a PCP where an officer can effectively patrol during his tour of duty; it is an area that can be effectively patrolled on foot
and police officers can respond to calls for police assistance within a matter of minutes. PBs has the following identifications
(ID):

PBs for the NCR Police Offices:

 Identifiable by a 5-digit number; the 1st digit refers to the numerical number assigned to the district.
 2nd refer to the number assigned to each of the cities/municipalities/stations within the district.
 3rd digit refers to the number assigned to particular PCP.
 4th and 5th digits refer to the numbers assigned to a particular beat.

PBs for Regional Offices:

 Identifiable by a 7-digit number
 First 2 digits refer to the number of the region
 3rd digit refer to the # assigned to a particular province within the region
 4th digit refer to the PCPs
 5th and 6th referring to the beat

Mobile Patrol (MP) – The SOPs are similar to the earlier discussions under the AUTOMOBILE TYPE of patrol. In
cases where a vehicle is stopped, the following 10 Rules in Stopping Vehicles should be applied:
 During daytime, select the widest portion of the road where to stop a motorist.
 Signal the motorist to pull closer to the right side of the curb with the patrol car parked behind the violator’s
vehicle.
 Observe flow if traffic coming from behind before opening the door and alighting from the patrol car.
 In issuing a citation, occupy the right side of the vehicle using the hood to accomplish the citation.
 At nighttime, select a well-lighted place to stop a motorist.
 Never stand to do anything in front of a stopped vehicle with its engine running and its driver still at the
vehicle.
 Never stand to do anything between the stopped vehicle and the patrol car if the driver of the stopped vehicle
is at the wheel.
 Never stand on the way of the door of the stopped vehicle especially if he is ordering a suspicious driver to
get out of the vehicle.
 Never allow a person being interrogated to stand on the firearm side.
 Never allow an apprehended suspect to sit inside the patrol car on the side where the policeman’s f/a is
tucked.

Detective Beat (DB) or Detective Beat System (DBS) - DB is a contiguous area where a team of police investigators is
assigned with a specific task of conducting follow-up investigation to all complaints, reports, referrals, and other requests with the
end-in-view of full compliance and/or the filling of a case.

The Purpose of DBS is to provide the police organizational and operational framework in truly effecting mechanisms
towards enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the PNP’s investigation capability.

Nature of DBS:
 DB is concerned with the crime solution angle while the PB has the primary role of crime prevention and control.
 DB maybe different from PB but the former complements the latter in serving and protecting the community.
 PB occupy a particular AOR while the detectives have the primary responsibility of 1 st response in all cases reported
for investigation purposes.

Composition of DBT (detective beat team) in area is of 2 officers:

 Detective In-Charge (DIC)

 Investigator/Detective – the principal character
Duties and Responsibilities of the DBT
  Assume primary responsibility or jurisdiction in conducting CSO within their AOR unless otherwise directed by
competent authorities for special cases requiring intervention of specialized PNP units.
 Investigator/Detective is responsible for case build-up, filing criminal charges, arrest of offender, monitoring/tracking of
cases and court appearance.
 Perform all other duties and function to accomplish their assigned tasks.

Operational Guidelines for the conduct of Patrol

The following are the guidelines normally observed by the PNP in the conduct of patrolling not necessary under the
IPS:

1. Pre-patrol (Pre-deployment phase)

a. Fall-in- information in ranks
b. Roll-call- accounting of patrol elements by the patrol commander (PC)
c. Inspection of uniform, appearance & equipment by the PC
d. TI & E (Troop Information and Education) and dissemination of instructions/orders by PC
e. Reading of assignment of PBs by Sarhento de Mesa or field duty officer (FDO)
f. Issuance of equipment to POs (Patrol Officers) and PTs (Patrol Teams)
g. Report to higher headquarters (HQ) by FDO

2. Deployment Phase:
a. Report to SD by the POs (Patrollers)
b. POs make patrol plan and follow patrol procedures
c. Adopt the buddy-buddy system
d. Make situation report on an hourly basis or upon reaching the end of their line beat
e. Report and/or record in the PSR (patrol sheet report) all unusual incidents.

2. Post-Patrol (Post-deployment Phase):

a. Regrouping and formation
b. Accounting
c. Inspection
d. Debriefing/submission of DPR (daily patrol report)
e. Recall of equipment issued
f. Dismissal by the PC

After which, the patrol commander collects the DPR and submits it to the HQ for consolidation and reference.

C. Auxiliary Components - In the Philippines, the police are the members of the PNP with two (2) statutory characteristics -
National in scope and Civilian in character

Who are the members of the Auxiliary Police (or Auxiliary Components of the IPS?

a. Private Security Guards

b. Traffic Enforcers and Aides
c. Junior Police and Law Enforcement Services Cadets
d. Barangay Chairman and Tanods (Barangay Public Safety Officers (BPSO))
e. Civilian Volunteer Organizations (CVOs) such as civilian volunteer radio communications, and volunteer public utility
vehicles (PUV) drivers and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs.