Understanding Police Patrol Practices: Solo or Partnered Units?

The method by which police officers patrol is often a topic of interest and discussion. Whether officers patrol alone or with a partner can vary significantly depending on the department, policies, and operational requirements. In this article, we explore the common practices and reasons behind these patrol methods in different law enforcement contexts.

Common Practices in Patrols

Most police departments across the world recognize the importance of officer safety and operational efficiency. The decision to patrol alone or in pairs often hinges on several factors, including budget, geographical coverage, and departmental policies.

Depending on the Budget and Department Policies

One of the key factors influencing the patrol unit composition is the financial allocation for police cars. For instance, in many cities, patrol cars are funded through city contracts. Due to budget constraints and the preference for maximizing coverage rather than cost, departments may choose to fund more single officer cars over dual officer cars. This strategy allows the department to patrol a larger area with the available resources, although it also means officers need to rely more heavily on communication and coordination with other units.

Practices in Different Countries and Regions

In some regions, like Germany, the approach to patrolling is quite different. Typically, you will seldom encounter a single officer in a patrol car. Instead, there is often a structured approach for backup and coordination. For example, K9 officers work alone but not in isolation, with a secondary officer in the car for assistance and guidance. During incidents, there can be multiple patrol cars responding, ranging from two to five, leading to a significant number of officers involved.

Individual and Departmental Practices

From personal experience, I have patrolled alone for many years. The nearest backup was over ten miles away. I eventually received a second car for backup to enhance officer safety. However, today's "Road Deputies" still patrol in single units, but departments take care of each other through mutual support agreements and inter-departmental coordination.

Initial Training and Probationary Periods

For new officers, there is often an initial period where they are paired with a senior officer during their Field Training Officers (FTO) program. This training period is crucial for understanding departmental procedures and building a foundation of safety and confidence. After the FTO program, it's common for officers to patrol solo in marked squad cars, although they may still patrol in pairs on foot, often working in pairs to cover ground and enhance visibility.

Department-Specific Practices

The specific patrol methods can vary significantly from department to department. For instance, the first department I worked after academy training had shifts with both two and one-man patrols. The 7 am to 3 pm shift was single rider, while the 11 am to 7 pm shift was also single rider. The 3 pm to 11 pm shift was double rider, and the 7 pm to 3 am shift was double rider as well. Although not every shift required double riders, a significant number did, especially in the FTO program.

After completing the FTO program, I was assigned to a double rider car for three years before transferring to my current department. In the small department I now work for, there are typically single rider patrol cars unless it's a special assignment or part of the FTO program. We are a small department of 15 sworn officers with only 4-5 officers on duty at a given time, covering a vast area, making single rider patrol necessary due to the limited number of officers available.

Conclusion

Patrol methods in law enforcement can vary widely depending on the specific department and operational needs. Whether officers patrol alone or with a partner, the goal remains the same: to ensure the safety of the community and officers while maintaining effective law enforcement. Understanding the factors that influence patrol practices is crucial for enhancing safety and efficiency in policing.