Police patrol relates to monitoring of specific geographical areas by police officers. This is achieved through movement within the specified area at regular periods looking for any indications of crime or breach of peace. Patrols are usually conducted by uniformed officers (Ortmeier, 2006). Even though it is not readily highlighted, police patrol may be regarded as the backbone of police work (Stering, 2004). Accordingly, police patrol plays a key role in law enforcement.
There are about eight types of patrols. The first type is foot patrol; this is the precursor to all patrols and is the most readily used. It ...