CHAPTER I

BASIC FUNCTIONS IN POLICE PATROL

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

 Trace the historical background of the origins of

Police Patrol
 Discuss and summarize the concepts of Functions of
Police Patrol and its significant role in law
enforcement administration
 Demonstrate competence and broad understanding in
Law Enforcement Operation

INTRODUCTION
Patrol (Police Visibility) has been considered by police authorities
throughout the world as the most important component in any police
organization not only because it is the largest but also because patrol is in
direct contact with the public and presents the omnipresence of the police
in the community. To a great extent, the patrol force controls the desire to
commit a violation and discourages the opportunity of committing any
violation of by their presence.
Thus, he serves as the eyes and ears of the police department by
gathering information useful to the administration to the special branches
of police service and to the other city department, patrolman should be
practical social worker and encourages persons to come to them for
assistance and advise when in trouble.
Distress/suffering situation are frequently symptoms of deep-rooted
social ills that, if not corrected, may result in criminal or other anti-social
conduct and thus adversely affect the remainder of the life of the
individual. By giving advice, assistance and sympathy to those in
distress/sorrow patrolman helps prevent wasted life and also wins
friendship and corporation for the department.
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 The patrol force therefore, is considered the backbone or nucleus of
the police service, it is apparent the police patrol service is practically
responsible for the performance of all primary police tasks, it provides a
24-hour watchful vigilance of what is happening in any area anywhere
the patrol force is assigned. All types of police patrol services require
adequacy in manpower, equipage, funding and proper training, all of
which must be addressed by those in authority if the police is expected to
do a good job.
About 80 percent to 85 percent of members of police force in any
given area should be devoted in field patrol. The PNP implemented the
deployment policy in August 1999, yet, police visibility is one thing in
many communities nationwide. It is necessary to support patrol
administration by fielding supervisors to ensure that those assigned in
beats, posts or field patrol are on their twos round the clock not to leave
their assignments.
Patrolling is one of the basic functions of the police. whether in a
community environment or in a peacekeeping mission. Within the
peacekeeping environment, there is a need to carry out a more varied
patrol regime than when carrying out domestic policing, because of the
diversity of potential threats and missions to be undertaken without
having an executive authority.
Preventive patrols are law enforcement efforts to increase police
visibility and presence in a community in an effort to deter and decrease
crimes, enhance the safety perception of citizens, apprehend offenders,
increase perceived satisfaction with law enforcement services, and
recover stolen property.

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 Pre-Test - Multiple Choices
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.____ is a term used in law enforcement for police patrols that are
intended to deter crime by being proactive in nature
a. Preventive Patrol
b. Traffic Enforcement
c. Selective Enforcement
d. Stop and Frisk
e. None of the above

2.____ although highly mobile it cannot cover all areas, hence, patrol to
selectively concentrate where trouble is likely to occur
a. Preventive Patrol
b. Selective Enforcement
c. Traffic Enforcement
d. Stop and Frisk
e. None of the above

3.____ This refers to proper implementation of traffic laws, rules and

regulations along highways, roads, and streets, to control mobility of
vehicles and pedestrians.
a. Preventive Patrol
b. Selective Enforcement
c. Traffic Enforcement
d. Stop and Frisk
e. None of the above

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4.____ To further imprint in the minds of criminals the feeling of fear of
arrest is the application of the strategy of stop and frisk both by the foot
patrol and the mobile crew.
a. Preventive Patrol
b. Selective Enforcement
c. Traffic Enforcement
d. Stop and Frisk
e. None of the above

5.____ Emergency calls for services that are lives threatening. These
calls appear red when pending
a. Preventive Patrol
b. Selective Enforcement
c. Traffic Enforcement
d. Stop and Frisk
e. None of the above

The following are the Basic Functions of Police Patrol

1. Preventive Enforcement
2. Selective Enforcement
3. Traffic Enforcement
4. Responding to emergency calls
5. Routine calls for services
6. Courtesy services
7. General information
8. Preservation of evidence
9. Making reports
10. Stop and Frisk

1. Preventive Enforcement- This will prevent crime to noticeable

presence of uniformed policemen and police vehicles. Preventive
police is that aspect of law enforcement intended to act as a deterrent

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 to the commission of crime. Preventive policing is considered a
defining characteristic of the modern police, typically associated with
Robert Peel's London Metropolitan Police, established in 1829. In recent
years, however, British police have abandoned the idea of preventive
policing in favor of "quick response". Preventive patrol is a term used in
law enforcement for police patrols that are intended to deter crime by
being proactive in nature. It is an attempt by law enforcement to
eliminate opportunities for the commission of crimes.
Preventive patrol is the most basic and oldest function of the police
and historically has been the primary method that the police seek to
prevent crime, maintain peace, and provide general policing services.
Patrol is then immediately available to investigate offenses, apprehend
offenders, and recover stolen property.
Preventive patrols are law enforcement efforts to increase police
visibility and presence in a community in an effort to deter and decrease
crimes, enhance the safety perception of citizens, apprehend offenders,
increase perceived satisfaction with law enforcement services, and
recover stolen property
Imagine that a rash of home burglaries is taking place in your
neighborhood. The majority of residents, including you, are very uneasy
about the increase in crime and fear for the safety of their families. There
is tremendous pressure on the local police department to take action. At
the neighborhood watch meeting, the chief of police mentions instituting
preventive patrols.
Preventive patrols increase the visibility of a police presence. It is
theorized that this presence would deter people from committing crimes
while easing the fears of citizens who live in the targeted area. Going
back to our earlier example, preventive patrols would be assumed to
deter those who are burglarizing homes and therefore decrease the
number of home burglaries while simultaneously allowing neighborhood
residents to feel more secure.
Preventive patrol is a term used in law enforcement for police
patrols that are intended to deter crime by being proactive in nature. It is

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an attempt by law enforcement to eliminate opportunities for the
commission of crimes.

There are five primary objectives for preventive patrols:

1. Deter the commission of crimes
2. Apprehend criminal offenders
3. Satisfy the public's demands for police presence
4. Establish a positive relationship between police and citizens
5. Locate and recover stolen property

2. Selective Enforcement - Although highly mobile it cannot cover all

areas, hence, patrol ghh to selectively concentrate where trouble is
like to occur. To apply selective enforcement, statistical research has
to be relied upon. Now that the geographic distribution of the patrol
force to the various areas of the community has been made,
consideration may be given to their further distribution throughout
the twenty-four hours of the day and the seven days of the week.
More accurately stated, this actually involves a 168-hour distribution
(7 days in the week at 24 hours day). The chronological distribution
of the force is the primary responsibility of the division or precinct
commander.

In either case, the commander is faced with the necessity of

determining the distribution of his particular police problem over the
twenty-four hours of the day and the seven days of the week, in order
that he may establish shift hours and days off which best meet the
patrol needs. Having done this his watch commanders, may then
distribute his personnel throughout his area of responsibility on these
shifts on a proportionate need basis. These hours and this distribution
will vary not only from city to city, but from precinct to precinct or
division to division within a city.

Locations of business, recreation and industrial areas, shopping

districts, financial centers, residential and slum areas, entertainment
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 districts, skid rows, attractive nuisances, and other contributors to the
police problem will tend to affect the chronological as well as the
geographical distribution of the patrol needs. Elementary as this
statement may seem, in a considerable number of cities throughout
the country, shifts are standardized at 8 a.m., 4 p.m., and midnight at
every precinct headquarters. Thus, three times daily, the entire city is
left virtually without police protection for periods up to an hour. The
size of the community and the volume of data involved will
determine the method of collection to be used in assembling the
workload statistics for both the geographical and the chronological
distribution of the patrol force.

Major responsibilities and values of the patrol officer are those of

crime prevention and crime repression. Therefore, it is vitally
important that he should be in the field, during the times and at the
locations where crimes occur.

FACTORS THAT DETERMINE PATROL DEPLOYMENT

1. Resident and transient populations, particularly in the business

sector, the university and tourist belt areas. Some areas my
double its population in the daytime because of the transients
while some maybe virtually empty during working hours on
weekdays.

2. Number and types of crimes and arrest

3. Locations of crimes and arrest

4. Traffic collision/accident statistics and patterns

5. Locations of "frequent incidents" of hazards requiring

concentrated police coverage such sports arenas, stadiums,
popular night spots bars, theaters. transportation terminals, or
other places where people usually gather.
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 6. Disproportionate concentrations of populations such as widely
separated single family versus the heavily concentrated dwellings
in the depressed areas.

7. Socio-economic factors people from the high-income group tend

to stay away from more often that the low-income groups which
has preference or without any choice but to stay at home.

8. Zoning plan of the city (relative locations of business, industrial,

residential other types of zoning.) By their nature certain types of
business and industries call for higher volumes of police service.

RESOURCE ALLOCATION
Traditionally, police resources have been allocated equally over a
twenty-four-hour period of three eight-hour shifts. Example:

1. 8 Α.Μ.- 4 P.M. day shift- falls in between the other two; it is

usually busy; the calls are often minor and none dangerous in
nature.

2. 4 P.M.- Midnight evening or "swing"- tends to have the

heaviest workload with respect to calls for police service.

3. 8 A.M- Midnight graveyard shift- usually has a heavy

workload for the first several hours normally until 2:00 A.M. to
3:00 AM. and then is reduced to almost zero activity

Manning Level of Patrol Force

"Rule of Thumb" - common practice - a way of proceeding based
on experience or sound judgment, generally reliable method-any
practical, though not entirely accurate, method that can be relied on for
an acceptable result

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Standard manning level is 1:500; extreme conditions 1:1000
3. Traffic Enforcement- This refers to proper implementation of
traffic laws, rules and regulations along highways, roads, and
streets, to control mobility of vehicles and pedestrians.

Selective Enforcement Activities The department will use

available data to assist in the direction of selective traffic
enforcement activities. The ultimate goal of the selective traffic
enforcement is the protection of life and property through the
reduction of traffic collisions. The management of vehicular and
pedestrian traffic requires an effective selective traffic
enforcement program as well as the best practical response to
demands for service. All uniformed personnel share the
responsibility of enforcing traffic laws and regulations. The
specific functions assigned to the Traffic Enforcement Unit may
vary and can be affected by department resources and identified
needs. The Traffic Enforcement Unit will have primary
responsibility for planning, analysis, inspection and coordination
of department traffic enforcement and education efforts.

STANDARD TRAFFIC OPERATIONS- every police agency and

every local government responsible for highway traffic safety should
perform the basic functions of traffic law enforcement, traffic accident
management and traffic direction and control.
1. Every police agency should perform the basic function of traffic law
enforcement- the police activity specifically directed toward
controlling traffic violations through preventive patrol and
enforcement, case preparation. and court testimony. This function:

a. should include line patrol, area patrol, selective location

patrol, and records and logistics, and
b. should be a fundamental responsibility of all uniformed
officers.

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2. Every police agency should perform the basic function of traffic
accident management. This function relates to police activities
connected with traffic collisions. and includes providing assistance to
the injured. protecting the scene, preparing reports, taking necessary
enforcement action, and conducting follow up investigations. The
function should include

a. Initial traffic accident investigation, follow-up investigation,

traffic control at the scene, injury controls enforcement
action, records, reports, and notifications, and

b. On-scene investigations of all accidents involving a fatality,

personal injury, or one or more vehicles that must be towed
from the scene.

3. Every local government with responsibility for traffic direction and

control should perform the basic function of traffic control and
direction which has a direct and immediate effect on traffic flow.
Such activities are those which have an immediate and direct effect.
These activities:

a. May include intersection control, parking control, pedestrian

control, police escort, special event control, and hazard
control;
b. Should not be performed by employees if the need can be
anticipated in advance, and electronic traffic control devices
can be installed, unless employees are cost-effective.

4. Every police agency should develop and implement written policies

governing the investigation of traffic accidents, enforcement of state
and local traffic laws and regulations, and traffic direction. Police
chief executives should insure that these policies are regularly
communicated to all supervisors and line personnel. These policies
should include guidelines on:
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 a. Physical arrests, issuance of warnings and citations, and
transportation of arrestees;
b. Investigation of traffic accidents;
c. Inter jurisdictional responsibility and authority for traffic
supervision; and
d. Ancillary services that have an indirect effect on traffic flow.

5. Every state should assume complete responsibility for licensing all

drivers of motor vehicles, vehicle registration, vehicle inspection,
vehicle weight control. carrier and commercial regulation.

a. Activities that do not require peace officer status should be

assigned to no sworn personnel.
b. Observed failure to comply with driver licensing, vehicle
registration, and equipment and safety regulations, should be
subject to citation or reported to the appropriate agency through
clearly established channels of communication.

6. Every police agency should employ, where necessary, specialized

equipment operated by specially trained personnel to implement
effective traffic programs.

7. Municipal police agencies of a sufficient size should be consistent

with an analysis of need, establish specialized accident investigation
and traffic enforcement units. These units:

a. should be staffed with as few personnel as the local traffic

problem will permit;
b. should be functionally decentralized to the most effective
command level.
8. Every police agency should make assignments for all traffic functions
on the basis of traffic volume, accident experience, violation frequency,
and congestion.

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 1. Selective enforcement techniques should be implemented
through assignment of men and equipment by time and location
on the basis of demonstrated need.
2. The establishment of a selective enforcement task force should
be considered when the state or community accident death rate
exceeds the national average or exceeds the average for the State
or community for the last three years.
3. Every police agency should have access to expertise in highway
safety management.
4. Specialization should be limited according to need, and the major
street traffic duties should be performed by patrol officers.

9. Every police agency should be capable of performing, or arrange the

performance of activities necessary to support traffic line functions.
These activities:
a. May include administration, planning, budgeting, personnel
management., research and analysis, public information, training,
communications. transportation, records and identification,
property control, equipment supply, and laboratory services; and
b. Should enable the police agency to gather and analyze traffic
information and to maintain records to guide the agency in the
safe movement of traffic.
10. Every police agency should periodically release traffic safety
information and traffic safety educational material to the general public,
and should cooperate with appropriate educational institutions in the
preparation and presentation of traffic safety educational programs.

Deployment of traffic enforcement personnel Selective

enforcement activities will be based on an analysis of traffic collision
data, citizen complaints and officer knowledge. Enforcement efforts shall
be directed toward driving behavior that contributes to collisions. These
selective enforcement sites shall not be limited to the enforcement of
speeding violations.
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 These sites will be utilized for the enforcement of violations in
proportion to the frequency with which they occur in collisions and for
responding to traffic-related needs identified in the community.
The Traffic Enforcement Unit may use various enforcement techniques
and procedures to include the deployment of solo or multiple unit
members at high crash intersections.

Stopping/Approaching Officers who stop and approach vehicles will

adhere to the following procedures for:

A. Traffic law violators Officers- shall take appropriate enforcement

action for each violation of traffic law witnessed or reported to them. All
enforcement action shall be accomplished in a firm, impartial and
courteous manner.
B. Unknown risk stops
1. Prior to initiating a traffic, the officer should notify the dower of
the vehicle and provide the following information
a. License:
b. Tag Number
c. Location of the stop.
d. Vehicle description: make, model and color of the vehicle
e. Other Important Information. Le. number of occupants, etc.

2. The officer should signal the violator to stop, utilizing the

emergency lights, hand signals, sounding the horn, and if
necessary, the siren.

3. Once the violator has stopped in an appropriate location, the

officer should position the police vehicle approximately one half
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 to one car length behind the violator's vehicle. Stop when the
violator stops, and be prepared for any action on the part of the
violator. The police vehicle should be positioned at a slight angle
so the left front is offset approximately two feet to the left of the
violator's vehicle and the right rear is near the curb. This position
provides maximum safety to the violator, the officer, and all
other traffic. Alternatively, (i.e. when maximum illumination of
the violator vehicle is required) the police vehicle may be
positioned straight, parallel to the curb, and offset approximately
two feet to the left of the violator's vehicle.

4. The officer shall exit from the patrol vehicle and be continuously
alert for any suspicious movement or actions on the part of the
violator or other occupants in the violator's vehicle

5. The officer will approach from the rear of the violator's vehicle,
checking the trunk lid or rear hatch of the vehicle to ensure that it
is securely closed, looking into the rear seat area, and stopping at
a point to the rear of the trailing edge of the left front door. This
position should be maintained if the only occupants are in the
front seat of the vehicle. From this position, the officer can
communicate with the violator, keeping tam in a slightly
awkward position for officer safety, and at the same time keep all
occupants of the vehicle in view.

6. A right-hand side approach is an acceptable option in those cases

where passing traffic is so close as to constitute a danger to the
officer.
C. Known risk stops- when a vehicle driven by a known or suspected
felon is located by an officer, or when suspected criminal activity that is
of a potentially violent nature, the officer will notify communications
immediately, that the officer is stopping a vehicle, High Risk. The officer
will provide the information listed above. The officer will keep the
suspect vehicle in view and request sufficient assistance prior to making
the stop. The officer will keep support units informed of the location and
direction of travel to facilitate their approach with minimal use of
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emergency equipment The suspect vehicle will not be stopped unless
absolutely necessary until adequate back-up is available and in position.
The following procedures will be used as in effecting a known risk stop:
1. The officer will plan to stop the suspect vehicle in a location
which presents minimal danger to other citizens.

2. The officer will signal the violator to stop, utilizing all

emergency equipment to warn other traffic.

3. The violator will be stopped on the extreme right side of the

road.

4. When conditions are appropriate and back-up units available, the

officer's vehicle will be positioned to the left and rear of the
suspect vehicle and the back-up officer will position their vehicle
slightly to the right of and behind the suspect vehicle, even with
the primary officer's vehicle.

5. When the suspect's vehicle begins to stop, the officer will turn off
the siren and activate the public address system.

6. The officer will park the police vehicle so that it provides

maximum protection and cover for the officer.

7. If possible, additional back-up officers will be used to shut down

traffic near the location of the High Risk stop.

8. All lights, including spotlights, will be focused on the interior of

the suspect's vehicle to the disadvantage of the violator.

9. The officer will maintain adequate cover prior to addressing the

violator.

10. The officer in command will direct the driver to throw the keys
from the vehicle using his/her left hand.

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 11. If commands are not heard, or ignored by the suspect, the officer
will wait for a back-up unit prior to taking any further action.
The officer should not leave a position of cover to approach a
suspect's vehicle until the situation has been thoroughly assessed.

12. The officer in command should give instructions to the back-up

officer, even if not needed, to assure the suspects that additional
support is available.

13. The officer in command should instruct each occupant to exit the
vehicle one at a time and stand facing away from the officers
with the hands held in plain view of the officer. In this manner,
the occupants will not be able to see or predict the movements of
the officers.

14. Each occupant should be instructed to walk backward toward

the sound of the officer's voice until told to stop. Once told to
stop, each occupant should be put into a position of disadvantage
by kneeling or lying on the ground. A back-up officer will then
approach the subject, and apply the handcuffs.

15. The officer making the stop should maintain cover in a position
to direct the movements of the suspects and cover the back-up
officer who will search and secure the suspects.

16. The back-up officer should take voice control when the suspects
are near the point of arrest.

17. Extreme caution shall be exercised by officers not to get within

each other's line of fire.

18. A pat down search will be conducted of all subjects after each
has been handcuffed.

Officer-Violator Relations

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 Sworn personnel NOT IN UNIFORM and OPERATING
EMERGENCY VEHICLE defined as a vehicle which is equipped with
emergency warning lights and a siren, should use discretion when
performing traffic stops, understanding the driver's need to confirm
authority. Once the vehicle is stopped personnel will immediately display
the badge and identify themselves. Once the officer has stopped the
violator and approached to a point where communications begin, the
following procedures will be used by the officer:
1. Be alert at all times for the unexpected, but not be obviously
apprehensive.
2. Be absolutely certain, without reservation, that the observations
of the traffic violation were accurate.
3. Present a professional image in dress, grooming, language,
bearing and emotional stability.
4. Be prepared for the contact by having the necessary equipment
and forms, if they are to be used, immediately available in the
cruiser.
5. Greet the violator with an appropriate title and in a courteous
manner.
6. Ask the violator for driver's license, vehicle registration and
proof of insurance, and accept only these forms; obtain another
document of identification if the driver has no driver license.
7. Inform the violator what traffic law he has violated; the violator
should not be kept in suspense.
8. Exercise control over the violator and other occupants. However,
if the officer has the violator or other occupants exit the vehicle,
ensure that they stay safely off the roadway and not between the
vehicles.
9. Allow the violator to discuss the violation (do not argue, berate,
belittle or otherwise verbally abuse the violator). Either before or
during the interview, decide on the enforcement action to be
taken.
10. Complete the forms required for the enforcement action taken, if
any.
11. Explain to the violator exactly what he/she must do in response
to the action taken.
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 12. Make sure the violator knows where and when to appear if the
enforcement action requires a court appearance. Explain any
options available to the violator. Do not predict the action of the
court.
13. Be alert to any emotional stress exhibited by the driver. If stress
is present, the instructions may have to be repeated or the
violator may need to calm down before resuming driving.
14. Have the violator sign the citation.
15. Return the violator's driver's license, registration, proof of
insurance and the violator's copy of the citation.
16. Assist the violator in safely re-entering the traffic flow.

4. Responding to emergency calls that patrol force being the backbone

and front line in the police service is usually the first at scene, such
as emergencies of fire, accidents, drowning attempted suicides, and
riots, etc. This requires special training at first aid, leadership, and
riot control etc.
Guidelines and Procedures when Responding to Calls for Police
Assistance
a. Gather and note down in your patrol logbook all available data as
to the nature of the calls, date, time and name of the caller. It may
be regular, urgent or emergency in nature.
b. In all cases, the driver of the mobile patrol should avoid reckless
driving.
c. The manner of approach will be dependent on the nature of the
call either with haste/secrecy or with/ without flashing lights and
sirens.
d. Consider the pertinent factors like the time, condition of traffic,
the possibility of greater damage and the neighborhood
characteristics.
e. Stop the car at some distance away from the scene
f. Approach the scene on foot in complete silence and exercising
extreme caution.

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 g. Immediately attend to the injured unless the other members bers
of patrol the are in immediate danger. Focus all efforts to arrest
criminals, however, priority shall be given to aiding the injured.
h. Determine the crime committed, identify and question briefly the
victim/complainant and possible witnesses at the scene.
i. When the suspects or criminals have fled the scene before your
arrival, immediately relay the composition, armament,
appearance, and mode and direction of escape of the suspects to
the Tactical Operation Center (TOC) for the conduct of dragnet
operations.
j. When responding to street fights/brawls, the patrol member
should call for back-up before intervening. If there are no injuries
and insufficient corroborative statements obtained to identify
who started the fight, disperse the crowd and make complete
notes.
k. Never treat calls or complaints of loud noises caused by barking
dogs, drunks, appliances and parties as negligible or a nuisance.
They only need courteous and tactful intervention and not
enforcement actions.
l. When responding to call for police assistance due to planted or
found explosives, never attempt to handle, move or lift the
object. Instead contact TOC and request for Explosive Ordnance
Disposal Team (EODT). On- lookers must be promptly led to a
safe distance.
m. When responding to calls from owners of beerhouses, bars or
inns or any other similar establishments during night time,
request the owner to put the lights on first before entering the
establishments.
n. Do not attempt to arbitrate and resolve conflicts/ differences
between neighbors, landlords/tenants, husband and wife.
However, you should allow both sides to tell their stories.
(Section 4. PNP Manual, March 2010)

RESPONSE TO CALLS- Officers responding to an emergency call

shall proceed immediately. Officers responding to an emergency call

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shall continuously operate emergency lighting equipment and shall sound
the siren as reasonably necessary (ARS 28-624(B))
Responding with emergency lights and siren does not relieve the
operator of an authorized emergency vehicle of the duty to drive with due
regard for the safety of all persons and does not protect the driver from
the consequences of his/her reckless disregard for the safety of others
(ARS § 28-624(B))
Officers should only respond as an emergency call response when so
dispatched or when circumstances reasonably indicate an emergency
response is required. Officers not responding as an emergency call
response shall observe all traffic laws and proceed without the use of
emergency lights and siren.
A priority one call is any life-threatening call which involves the
possibility of death or serious injury, any confrontation between two or
more people that could threaten the life or safety of any person; or any
call in which the delay in dispatch may compromise the immediate
apprehension of a suspect who may have been involved in a serious
crime that was violent or is a danger to the public (domestic violence,
robbery, homicide, burglary, home invasion etc.)
A priority two call is defined as an in-progress or just occurred call for
service that does not pose an immediate threat to a person's life, safety, or
property and where immediate apprehension of a suspect(s) is unlikely or
a delay in dispatch may compromise the immediate apprehension on a
non-violent minor crime (shoplifting, minor theft, trespassing, etc) Also
includes non-injury traffic accidents or those accidents that create a
traffic hazard.
Priority three calls are defined as calls in which there is little or no
likelihood of apprehending a suspect, or where life or property is not
subject to threat A delay in response of an officer will not decrease the
quality of police service but will provide time management of patrol
operations. It is the responsibility of the on-duty Patrol supervisor to
ensure the calls for service are addressed within the established time
frame

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Priority four calls are defined as non-emergency calls for service and
may be assigned to a call-back officer or police services officer.
Generally, these calls will be handled by

5. Requesting Emergency Assistance- Requests for emergency

assistance should be limited to those situations where the involved
personnel reasonably believe there is an imminent threat to the safety
of officers, or assistance is needed to prevent imminent serious harm
to a citizen
Where a situation has stabilized and emergency response is not
required, the requesting officer shall promptly notify Communications
Section. If circumstances permit, the requesting officer should give the
following information:
1. The unit number
2. The location
3. The reason for the request and type of emergency
4. The number of units required
6. Routine calls for services responding to complaint either through the
phone, in persons or in writing or any other means.
Calls for service generally refers to assignments that are typically
distributed to public safety professionals that require their presence to
resolve, correct or assist a particular situation. The calls are generally
initiated by the public and relayed through the emergency telephone
service (such as 9-1-1 in America, 999 in the UK, 000 in Australia and
112 across Europe, or similar) and divulged to the public safety personnel
via a dispatcher by way of radio or some other telecommunication
device. Generally, calls for service relate to the fields of the police, fire
department and emergency medical services.
As it pertains to police work, when the call for service is broadcast
over the radio, it is assigned to an officer who patrols the specific sector
or beat within which the call for service originates. Once assigned, the
officer must respond and issue some type of finality back to the
dispatcher indicating the action taken in order to essentially 'finish' that
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particular call and prepare the patrol shift for the next call Multiple calls
for service may be assigned at once to several patrol beats and,
depending on the severity or urgency of the call, multiple calls may be
assigned to one individual officer or pair of officers.
Call Priority Level - When a call for service is received by a dispatcher
at BOEC, it is assigned a priority level based on the severity of the
incident and is used to prioritize the police response. A call for service
can be escalated to a higher priority before being cleared if the nature of
the incident changes and more police units are necessary.

Priority
Definition
Level
High In-progress events where persons or high-value property are
in immediate danger. Requires a multiple unit response.
Medium In-progress events without an immediate danger to persons
or property. Multiple units may be necessary for these calls.
Low Events that may no longer be in-progress, so immediate
response is not as urgent. Generally, requires a single unit.

Calls for service are requests from citizens for police assistance. Most
calls for service originate when a citizen dials either an emergency
number such as 911 or a nonemergency number for the local police
department. Calls for service range from minor problems in the
neighborhood (traffic complaints, loud neighbors, and graffiti) to the
most serious crimes (burglaries, robberies, and homicides). The
obligation of a police department is to respond to calls for service in an
efficient and effective manner.
Calls for service include incidents an officer comes across while on
patrol. An officer may directly observe an incident or a citizen may flag
down a patrol car because an incident has taken place in the
neighborhood. These situations fall under the rubric of "self-initiated
activities" because it is the patrol officer who is starting the contact with
citizens. In these instances, a citizen eventually would have called the
police for assistance, and it is in this sense that these activities are calls
for service.
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Analysis of Calls for Service- Police departments depend heavily on
their classifications of calls for service for strategic and tactical analysis.
Analysis inevitably shows that a minority of calls for service are serious
crimes (homicide, sexual assault, aggravated assault, burglary, auto theft,
larceny), reflecting the reality that the daily job of patrol officers’ centers
on problems happening on their beats. Calls for disorderly conduct,
traffic complaints, suspicious vehicles, noise disturbances, disputes
between neighbors, and other non-crime incidents are at the core of what
patrol officers do each day.

PURPOSE
This procedure establishes guidelines for Communications personnel
when initiating calls for service. ensuring calls for services receive the
most appropriate priority, ensuring resources are deployed effectively and
ensuring a timely and efficient police response to provide professional
services to the community.

PROCEDURE CALLS FOR SERVICE

1. Call Takers shall identify the predetermined call type for a call
for service based on the circumstances relayed to them by the
caller. Knowledge of these call types and their specific elements
will define which call type will be used when initiating a call for
service that is appropriate for the incident.

2. Call Takers shall complete thorough and accurate calls for

service with relevant information so responding officers are
informed about the situation Information shall include exact
addresses with calling party's name, unless the calling party
refuses to give his/her name, a phone number if available,
suspect and/or vehicle descriptions and any other pertinent
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 information necessary to complete the call. Call takers will stay
on the line, whenever possible, with callers reporting in progress
crimes who are able to relay updates to the information
previously reported.

3. Dispatchers receiving calls for service shall review the content of

all calls for service prior to dispatching. The dispatcher shall use
his/her discretion on which details of the call should be verbally
disseminated in order to provide the responding officers ample
data to proceed accordingly. Accurate and complete information
is essential to the officers' response and to officer safety.

4. A call pending 30 minutes or longer shall require a courtesy call

to the calling party advising them of an update on the status of
their call. This shall be repeated every 30 minutes until the call is
dispatched and this shall be noted on the call. This task is often
handled by the support radio dispatcher.

DISPATCHING CALLS FOR SERVICE

1. Dispatchers shall clarify all calls for service with the call taker
before modifying a call type and/or call information. Dispatchers
shall be completely clear on the content before dispatching, as
this information must be accurate. Dispatchers shall also take the
initiative to upgrade calls if the incident warrants a more
expedient response. However, a dispatcher shall always consult
with the call taker before downgrading the priority of a call.

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 2. Priority 1 and 2 calls for service shall be dispatched
immediately. These types of calls involve protecting life and/or
property and shall be regarded as a high priority. In this case,
there shall be no regard for district integrity or seniority and the
call for service will be dispatched to any available unit. If no
units are available for immediate dispatch, the dispatcher shall
verbally broadcast the call until units are assigned. If there are
units en route to a non-priority call, they shall be redirected to the
priority 1 or 2 call instead. If all resources have been exhausted a
field supervisor should be advised of the circumstances and
request for the supervisor to clear a unit to respond to the priority
call should be made.

3. Priority 3 calls should be assigned to units from the district

where the call occurs. Follow-up officers may be dispatched
from any district. If circumstances exist that would cause an
undue delay, i.e., district units tied up on a lengthy investigation,
the call can be dispatched to any available units regardless of
district

4. Priority 4 and 5 calls should be assigned to the officers from

the same district as the call, unless circumstances exist that
would cause undue delay, ie., Spanish speaking call with no
Spanish speaking officers assigned to the district.

5. In addition to call priority, common circumstances that may

require an immediate response include but are not limited to:
Preservation of evidence, likelihood of victim/ witness
interviews, and sensitivity of the situation that may dictate a
rapid response by any available unit. In these cases, the
dispatcher shall upgrade the CAD priority to expedite the
dispatch of the call. Examples of these types of situations
include:
a) Child molest reports
b) Domestic violence

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 c) Alarm calls where it is likely the call is valid
d) Suspects in custody of citizens, or citizens in custody of
suspects
e) Robberies reported within a reasonable time of
occurrence
f) Any other circumstances where, in the dispatcher's
judgment, an expedited response is appropriate.
g) Firearms and/or weapons left in plain view on public
property easily accessible for pedestrians/ citizens.

6. If at all possible, calls for service will not be held for the next
shift Officers may be dispatched to calls up to fifteen minutes
prior to the end of their shift. Priority 1 and 2 calls may be
dispatched up to the end of the shift.

CALL PRIORITIES
1. All call types are assigned a predetermined priority by the
computer system. The highest call type priority of I and the
lowest priority call type of 5. Priorities are based on the type of
call and the urgency for immediate police response. Call takers
and dispatchers have the ability to change the pre- determined
priorities if circumstances warrant a change. Priorities are
defined as follows:
(a) Priority 1: Emergency calls for services that are
lives threatening. These calls appear red when pending.
(b) Priority 2: Calls for services that threaten the safety
of citizens and may or may not include threats to
property, calls of serious crimes, which are in progress or
have just occurred. These calls appear yellow when
pending.
(c) Priority 3: Calls for services that are non-life
threatening, non-emergency that require a timely but not

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 immediate response. These calls appear green when
pending
(d) Priority 4: Routine incidents of a non-life
threatening, non-urgent nature that require a police
response for appropriate documentation and/or action.
These calls appear purple when pending
(e) Priority 5: Calls those are routine, non-urgent or
administrative in nature. These calls appear blue when
pending.
7. Courtesy services the reason for this, is the facts that the police
agency is a police agency, examples: assisting a blind person cross
the streets, or providing police escort to VIPS.
The findings indicated that courtesy can serve as a strategic tool
for the efficient and effective use of police power. Because citizens, who
generally only call on police in situations they are unable to handle alone,
define courtesy by how police officers treat them, law enforcement
personnel should be trained to make valuable positive contact with
citizens. These contacts can be classified mainly as good service and
respectful treatment.
Simple courtesy can soften the anger, fear, or embarrassment of
citizens, and can avoid police-citizen confrontations. Citizens usually
vent their dissatisfaction by developing a lack of self-confidence,
registering a complaint with the department, or entering into verbal or
physical confrontations. Courtesy can positively affect not only police-
citizen contact but the department's image and internal management
dynamics as well.

Sworn officers play a vital role in maintaining safety and welfare

at all levels of government and across the country, but law enforcement is
a service career at its core. Policing is as much about helping people and
maintaining community quality of life as it is about enforcing laws.
Those who are looking for a career filled with the type of daily edge-of-

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your- seat excitement depicted on television will be disappointed. While
the dangers of the job are real, and you will be expertly trained to
respond to any situation, the heart of policing lies in daily interactions
with citizens.
Today, many law enforcement agencies subscribe to the
community policing model, which views community engagement, rather
than response to specific crimes or incidents, as the core of police work.
Many of the issues officers face are community problems in need of a
solution often best achieved outside the criminal justice system. By
hearing and understanding the causes of community concern, dedicated
peace officers find workable, sustainable, and cost-effective resolutions
to issues as minor as a noise disturbance or as complex as a mass protest
or demonstration.
Law enforcement officers are the only community servants in
continual touch with the communities they serve. This requires officers
who are adept at fostering relationships and building connections
between people and groups. Today's officers should come prepared to
think and solve problems with a broad community focus.
Law enforcement officers must tend to quality-of-life issues in their
communities. Officers should be connected with the community in a way
that facilitates their ability to collect, analyze, and share critical
information and resources.
Your job as a law enforcement officer puts you in a very important
and responsible position. Law enforcement agencies are the only social
service agency deployed every day of the year and around the clock.
While in uniform, you are the embodiment and face of your community.
You will protect citizens from those who wish to do them harm. While
the responsibility is great, the rewards are unrivaled.

Special considerations for small agencies Although many small

communities are spread over large geographical areas, which can present
community policing challenges for law enforcement leaders, many small
agency executives would nonetheless argue that community policing is
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the very nature of a small-town agency. Law enforcement personnel
routinely engage with residents, often live in the community, and are
active in the community through organizations or youth sports, all of
which create strong relationships and help to legitimize the organization.
Additionally, town governance frequently is very public, with high
attendance at budget hearings, town meetings, and other local functions;
this level of civic participation makes residents the ultimate arbiter of
what constitutes quality policing. This intimacy of small communities
requires law enforcement executives in small agencies to have their
fingers on the pulse of the community, and to identify and address
problems in keeping with its desires.
Smaller communities, like their larger counterparts, have also
expanded law enforcement's mission to focus on quality-of-life issues
and the task of coordinating community services-responsibilities
predicated upon mutual trust and respect. To meet these responsibilities,
smaller agencies should form and strengthen relationships with social
service agencies, nonprofit groups, local faith-based organizations, and
other service providers.
Agencies can establish school resource officers within local
schools to provide coaching, mentoring, and other non-law enforcement
initiatives. Another initiative that may consume little time but provide
significant benefit is holding an annual meeting with a number of
engaged community members
This meeting should be conducted using a SWOT methodology, in
which a facilitator asks those attending to identify the agency's strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and logs them for further
discussion and action. Engaging the community in directing the delivery
of law enforcement services strengthens the relationships necessary to
maintain an atmosphere of legitimacy.

Smaller agencies are saddles with real challenges surrounding de-

escalation tactics. Specifically, frontline personnel from these agencies
may not have had exposure to an extensive training regime beyond what
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is provided at the state academies. However, these agencies also enjoy
advantages related to de-escalation. For example, employees at small and
rural agencies often do not have the luxury of immediate backup to assist
them in tense situations.
While this reality places significant pressure on a lone responder, it
may be an advantage for the agency: first responders who understand that
backup is some distance away tend to practice strategies designed to
lessen the tension of the situation. In small towns, first responders are
also more likely to know and recognize the people they deal with on calls
for service; that familiarity is also an asset in de-escalating a crisis
situation.
And building relationships with all segments of the community can
be easier when the community is small. Developing a philosophy
regarding the delivery of law enforcement services is critical for all sizes
of agency, but small agencies can embrace this philosophy quickly and
efficiently due to their size and flatter organization. Because executives
of smaller agencies tend to have more contact with all personnel, they are
more able to drive culture change, and instill a guardian mentality.
By meeting the community with courtesy, respect, and
professionalism, small agencies can influence public safety behaviors,
rather than rely on force for control. Although residents of small
communities may not describe police activity in terms of procedural
justice, they nonetheless understand police authority to be derived from
delivering the services the community expects in the manner they expect
to receive it. When the guardian mentality permeates the entire
organization, the community will perceive the difference.
8. General Information- assisting a tourist in locating a friend.

This page from our English for Police section covers language
police need when interacting with tourists in an English-speaking
context.

Example Sentences
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 Questions tourists ask police
I'm lost. Can you help me find the Pacific Hotel?
I'm looking for the American Consulate / Embassy.
My luggage/suitcase was stolen. What should I do?
Who can we trust to exchange our money?
Where is the bad part of town?
Please help us. Our child is missing
Questions police ask tourists
Which hotel are you staying at?
When did you lose your wallet?
How much money was in your purse?
What did the thief look like?
What was the man wearing?
Did he have a weapon?
Where/When did you last see your child?
How old is your child?
What was your child wearing?
Comforting a tourist in distress
Please stay calm. I am going to help you.
We will do everything we can.
I'll give you a map of the city.
Try not to panic.
I can give you a ride to the hospital.
The ambulance is on its way.
Don't worry, everything is going to be okay.

Sample Conversation
A Spanish police officer helps a British woman to find her missing
child...
Woman: Help! Police!
Police: What's wrong?
Woman: My daughter is missing. I can't find her anywhere!

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Police: Okay. Calm down. I'm going to help you find her. What's her
name?
Woman: Erica. She's only five. She doesn't know how to speak Spanish!
Police: Okay. What does Erica look like?
Woman: She has brown curly hair. She's skinny and small for her age.
Police: Okay. What is she wearing today?
Woman: Blue shorts and a pink T-shirt. She has a hat on too, I think.
Police: How long ago did she go missing?
Woman: I've been looking for her for almost an hour now.
Police: And where did you last see her?
Woman: We were just shopping in turned around and she was gone. the
vegetable section. 1
Police: Don't worry, everything is going to be okay.
Woman: What should I do?
Police: Stay right at the front of the store in case she comes looking for
you. We'll start looking for her now.

9. Preservation Of Evidence - protecting crime scene before formal

investigation is done It is the responsibility of the responding officer
on scene (first officer on scene) to take steps to properly secure the
crime scene and to protect the area to the greatest possible extent.
However, priority must be given to medical assistance for the injured
(whether victim or suspect).

Barricade tapes along with strategic positioning of perimeter

guards will prevent unauthorized access into the area. Media
personnel must not be allowed to enter the primary crime scene
(media must have a designated location for interviews and snap shots
to avoid crime scene contamination).

Remember that every person that enters the scene is a

potential destroyer of physical evidence. Once the crime scene has
been secured, the lead investigator will start evaluating the scene.
The perpetrators initial path of entry and exit must be established by
the lead investigator. All obvious items of crime scene evidence must
be documented and photographed. An initial walk through must be
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 initiated to have an overview of the situation to develop a strategy for
systematic examination and documentation of the entire area.

1. Take control of scene on arrival if there are personnel injured

whether they are in serious or not serious condition, all injured
personnel will be immediately transported to the hospital.

2. Determine extent to which scene has thus far been protected.

3. Ensure adequate scene security.

4. Obtain information from personnel who have entered scene and

have knowledge relative to its original conditions document who
has been at scene.

5. Take extensive notes do not rely on memory.

6. Keep out unauthorized personnel - begin recording who enters

and leaves.

The officer who is the first to arrive at a crime scene must

appreciate the importance of preventing or controlling any changes in the
crime scene. The two critical factors most likely to change the crime
scene are people and the weather The first factor is the most amenable to
officer control First. the officer must ensure that he/she does not
introduce change into the crime scene.
The patrol car should be parked away from the crime scene, both
to prevent impacting evidence left by the suspect and to prevent any
suspect still on the scene from observing the officer. Officer and citizen
safety are of primary concern when entering a possible crime scene, even
if it may mean compromising some evidence.
The search for a perpetrator may inevitably involve officers
leaving some of their own trace evidence at the crime scene. While
making a search, officers should limit touching objects and places at the
scene. When it is clear that the scene poses no danger, officers should
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cordon off any area of the scene likely to contain evidence from the
crime. This can be done with crime-scene tape and the posting of one or
two officers at strategic spots.
No unauthorized personnel, including police officers, should enter
the scene. In securing the scene, officers should be careful to observe and
avoid disturbing any possible evidence. The names of possible witnesses
should be obtained, but officers should avoid interviewing a witness or
suspect at length. This should be left to follow-up investigators First
responding officers should document in writing every action and
movement that they take, keeping in mind that this is likely to be
Crime scene investigation has got to be the most exciting, if not
glamorized, part of policing-after all, countless movies and TV shows
have been made inspired by it. In real life, it entails stringent measure
and attention to detail to control the crime scene ensuring all evidence
and elements stay intact.
To walk us through the detail-oriented process of crime scene
investigation are this course's instructors, Michael Delaney and Gregory
McDonald Mike is a retired homicide investigator with more than 28
years in the law enforcement field with an established track record of
success in solving complex crimes. Greg is a sergeant with the George
County (Maryland) Police Department, which he's been serving in the
past 28 years. He's held various roles including investigative supervisor
and homicide detective.
On this webinar. Greg and Mike goes through the basic principles
associated with crime scene investigation from a patrol officers point of
view. Some of the areas they delved into include:
1. Crime scene basics: its definition, classification, and types
2. A step-by-step look into responding to crime scenes that
considers:
a. The nature of the call whether it is routine or priority,
and which types of calls are considered as such.

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 b. Safety as the foremost guideline when responding to
prevent from accidents that require deploying g
additional units.
c. The significance of constant communication between the
responding officer and dispatch.

3. Priorities in the crime scene that highlights:

a. Safety where the officer approaching the scene must scan

for visual, auditory and olfactory cues that determine
whether the location is dangerous or safe.
b. Prompt coordination with dispatch if anything unusual,
suspicious or dangerous is detected.
c. Rendering immediate medical attention to surviving
victims or communicating the need for emergency
medical personnel
d. Capturing statements from injured victims particularly
dying declarations.
e. Preserving evidence in its original state by documenting
it through notes, photo/video and/or communication with
the dispatcher and securing the area with crime scene
tape or other officers.
f. Identifying and separating witnesses such that interviews
may be conducted individually.
g. Broadcasting lookout information to dispatcher related to
the crime. the
h. Determining the suspect's entry and exit paths and
ensuring that these areas will not be contaminated and
request canine units to conduct a track.
i. Providing a safe path for authorized personnel to enter
the crime scene.
4. Methods to secure a crime scene that may employ crime scene
tape, vehicles and officers in position, or blocking off an area or
a building.

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 5. Dealing with family members of individuals involved in the
crime and keeping them from contaminating the scene.
6. Standard operating procedures when collecting and handling
physical evidence at a crime scene including weapons, shell
casings, blood, and electronic devices, as well as preserving and
protecting them from weather damage.
7. Preventing crime scene contamination at all costs prior handoff
to the investigators and the common culprit of crime scene
contamination.
8. Proper note taking and documentation, the various means to
document elements of the crime scene, transmitting the
information to dispatch for entering to CAD, and the importance
of maintaining a crime scene entry log sheet.
9. Protocols when relinquishing authority of the crime scene that
includes briefing between the officer and the investigator, walk
through items of evidentiary value, and submitting notes and
written statement.
10. Other tasks that the officer may assist with after relinquishing
authority to the investigators.
11. During the Q&A, Mike and Greg clarified inquiries from the
course participants on:
a. Using body-worn cameras to record conditions of the
crime scene for both the officer and the forensic
technicians.
b. Capturing dying declarations.
c. Using the officers' personal cell phones to take photos,
videos or record audio notes.
d. Officers asking questions to and capturing statements
from the suspect.
e. Working with multiple crime scenes.
f. How officers documented photos, videos, and notes are
discoverable and may be used in trial. g. Getting a
witness to make a written statement.
The First Responder - the First Responder is the first official person
(coroner, law enforcement, emergency medical technician or fireman) to
arrive at the scene. The First Responder is the key to the successful
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recognition, collection and preservation of physical evidence. Generally,
once physical evidence is destroyed or altered it cannot be restored or
corrected.

Thus, it is highly important that the first responder be

knowledgeable of how to recognize and protect physical evidence. If the
first responder is also the primary investigator, it is also important to
know how to collect and preserve physical evidence. In this section, we
will discuss the duties of the first responder.
It is important that every investigator know the basics of
evidence recognition, collection and preservation. Every coroner or law
enforcement officer, will at one time or another, have to do each of these
tasks. It is extremely important that these tasks be done right the first
time as, normally, there is no second chance.

Duties of First Responder

The duties of the first responder include:
1. Rendering aid
2. Securing the crime scene
3. Recognizing and protecting evidence
4. Apprehending the suspect(s)

The order these duties are performed is dictated by the conditions

encountered at the crime scene. Frequently. these duties will be
performed in order presented, but they are highly dependent on the
circumstances facing the first responder. Clearly, other duties cannot be
performed if the suspect is present and threatening victims or destroying
evidence. Weather conditions may dictate that obvious evidence be
protected before the scene can be completely secured.

Render First Aid

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 Every coroner or law enforcement officer responding to a crime
scene, or possible crime scene, is to render aid to the victim(s). This aid
may vary from calming an emotionally distraught victim to calling for an
ambulance and/or the services of an Emergency Medical Team (EMT).

The rendering of aid must be done with the idea that the first
responder has other duties at the scene. Therefore, every attempt must be
made to avoid disturbing the scene any more than necessary. The
preservation of life should remain the key duty of any investigator
responding to a scene in which a victim has suffered a life-threatening
injury.

Secure the Scene

Securing the crime scene is crucial. Every second the crime scene
is unprotected could mean valuable evidence is destroyed. All unessential
personnel should be excluded from the scene. This includes law
enforcement officers. rescue personnel, medical personnel, relatives of
the victim. witnesses, and reporters. Every time someone enters the
scene, evidence can be altered, destroyed, or contaminated.
Everyone should be excluded from the scene unless his or her
presence is essential. Securing the crime scene often requires some
ingenuity. Seldom does the first responder have all the equipment and
personnel to properly secure the area. First responders need to take
advantage of natural barriers and be creative. It is also important to
secure the entire crime scene including points of entry and escape routes.
The Roles of Police Officers and Coroners more is learned about
the crime, it is easier to contract the size of the scene than to expand it. It
is better to secure too much than too little. By the time investigators
determine the crime scene is larger than first anticipated, the unprotected
portions of the scene are probably contaminated. A coroner or law
enforcement officer does not know, in every case, if he or she as
responding to a crime or not.

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 On many occasions it is learned that the victim, if there is one,
suffered an accident. Also, many unknown death calls, result from natural
or accidental causes. If this is the case. no further action is required of the
law enforcement officer or agency. However, every call should be
handled as a crime until it has been determined that no crime has
occurred.

Recognize and Protect Evidence

The first responder needs to recognize and protect known or
potential evidentiary items or materials. Every investigator should be
capable of recognizing evidence and be knowledgeable of how to protect
such evidence until it can be properly collected and preserved. Thus, the
uniformed patrol officer plays a key role in the proper handling of
physical evidence in many, if not most, crimes. In many, if not most
death cases, the uniformed patrol officer will be the first responder.

Apprehend Suspects
It is the duty of the first law enforcement officer at the scene is to
apprehend the suspect(s) of a crime or potential crime (Remember it is
not always clearly understood if a crime has been committed or not). An
officer must be flexible in carrying out this duty. In many cases the
apprehension of the suspect(s) may come first
This is particularly true if the suspect is still at the scene, if a
violent struggle is in progress, or if the officer encounters a suspect
before getting to the crime scene site. Caution Coroners of their deputies,
should not normally apprehend a suspect in a violent crime. This task
should be left to trained law enforcement officers.

First responder
The officer who responds first to the scene has the responsibility
to protect the public and the crime scene and control the changes made to
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3955
the crime scene to the best of their ability. The first responsibility of a
first responder after making sure that they themselves do not introduce
change to the scene is public safety
This means the safety of the officer as well as the citizens. To
protect themselves and the citizens, it is important for the first responder
to park away from the scene. This is so that if there is still a suspect at the
scene, the presence of an officer will not be obvious and will not make
matters worse. Also, for public safety reasons, it is important for the first
responder to search the scene for a suspect. Doing this search might
involve the police officer leaving some traces of their presence.
However, this should still be minimal, and the first responder
should try to limit what they touch and where they go. Once the scene is
deemed safe, the officer must secure the scene. The steps are as follows:
A. Rope off a very large area around the scene.
B. Keep everyone out and away from the scene.
C. Ensure that only authorized persons are allowed inside the crime
scene.
There are two factors that could potentially change the crime
scene: people and the weather. People can be controlled by keeping
everyone who is not law enforcement away from the scene. When people
do enter the scene, it is important to keep a log. The log should include
the following:
A. The name of each person entering the scene
B. The date and time each person entered the scene
C. The reason for each person entering the scene
D. The date and time each person exit the scene
This log is necessary so that any additional evidence that could be
left inside is recorded. If this additional evidence is examined in court,
there are records to show that this person entered the crime scene for a
particular reason and that they were rightfully there because the first
responder gave them the okay.

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 The final job of a first responder is to interview and question
potential witnesses and potential suspects. It a important to keep in mind
that a first responder should not interview or question at length.
Questioning at length should be left for follow-up officers, because your
main duty as a first responder is to secure the scene and to protect the
scene and the people.

10. Making reports- gathering and reporting information regarding

criminal activities, missing persons, recovered articles, etc. A report
is a document that presents information in an organized format for a
specific audience and purpose Although summaries of reports may be
delivered orally, complete reports are almost always in the form of
written documents

It is used to create a police report, a document that details all of

the facts, circumstances, and timeline of events surrounding an
incident. The report is written by the responding officer and is turned
into the department for revies and filing once completed. A police
report is the physical record of an incident deemed to be illegal or
potentially illegal. It is taken by a representative of a police
department and filed according to said department's procedure. It is
also known as an "incident report.

Nearly half of a police officer's work involves writing and

because of this, the best arrests will go unprosecuted if the reporting
officers do not have the necessary writing skills in record their
actions in a case clearly, concisely, and accurately, with sufficient
detail. An officer's report must document every incident in a
complete, clear, and concise manner.

Any arrest, follow up investigation, prosecution. or

administrative action that is to be taken as a result of the report must
be initiated, supported, ог justified by the information contained
solely within the body of the report.
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 Consequently, every police report must be able to withstand
critical review and legal scrutiny, and must be truthful, unbiased, and
unprejudiced. Moreover, police officers have a moral and legal
obligation to investigate all crimes that are reported to them.

Report writing is the last of the ten functions and activities a

patrol has to perform. basic police

To many law enforcements officers, whether performing patrol

work or investigative functions, report writing is a dilemma when they
enter police service, they have only the vision of activity and excitement
pursuing criminals and solving crimes. They do not realize the amount of
paper work involved; that for every police action there must be a report-
writing reaction.
In a police organization, reports are the source of planning, for
policy formulation, for decision making and for operation. Since the
patrolman, by the nature of his patrol work, is primarily the contact man
of the department with the community, his observation of persons, things
and happenings must be properly documented by means of carefully
prepared report

How to File a Police Report

Whether you've just been in a car accident, witnessed a crime
occurring or discovered someone has stolen your credit card information,
you need to file a police report. A police report is the official
documentation of the incident and may be used to spur further action by
police, to track criminal trends in a community or as evidence for
insurance claims or in court filings.
In a smaller town, the method of filing a report with the police is
likely the same no matter what infraction occurs, but in a big city, there
are many avenues for filing a police report you can initiate a police report

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with an officer at the scene, by going in person to a police station, over
the phone or online. The method you choose will depend on the incident
What is police report writing?
Police Report Definition It is used to create a police report, a
document that details all of the facts, circumstances, and timeline of
events surrounding an incident. The report is written by the responding
officer and is turned into the department for review and filing once
completed

What is the purpose of this report?

The Purpose of Reports. Reports communicate information which
has been compiled as a result of research and analysis of data and of
issues. Reports can cover a wide range of topics, but usually focus on
transmitting information with a clear purpose, to a specific audience.
Why is a police report written?
Report writing is very important in the police field. An officer
must be able to accurately record information regarding those activities
and present it to those who were not there while also doing their job well.
All officers need to write police reports. Police Officers are evaluated
based on their written report.
What is police blotter and its purpose?
The daily written record of events (as arrests) in a police station.
synonyms: blotter, charge sheet, day book, rap sheet. type of written
account, written record. ord. a written document preserving knowledge of
facts or events.
What are the 3 main purposes of a report?
Formal reports may be used to convey information, analyze an
issue or problem, and provide a recommended course of action.

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The easiest way to remember the four types is to focus on what the
officer does:
1. Type 1 Records the facts
2. Type 2 Records the facts and investigates
3. Type 3 Records the facts, investigates, and takes action
4. Type 4 Initiates police involvement, records the facts,
investigates, and takes action
5. Here are the four types of police reports:

Type 1: You simply record the facts. There is no police investigation, and
you don't make an arrest. Type 1 includes incident reports, missing
persons, and many non-violent offenses, in most cases you'll obtain the
facts from witnesses, victims, and suspects. It's usually a good idea to
write a separate paragraph for each person you talk to.
Type 2: In addition to recording the facts, as in Type 1, you add your
own investigation: Looking for footprints, fingerprints, the point of entry
or exit, or other types of evidence. is more complex. Now the officer is
also an investigator. After a break- in, for example, you might look for
the point of entry, take fingerprints, and question neighbors about what
they saw or heard
In this type of report, you have to record what you did and what you
found. You also have to demonstrate that you followed procedures
effectively. The key factors here are that you didn't solve the crime and
didn't make an arrest.
Type 3: The additional factor here is that you become part of the story-
you might break up a fight, chase a suspect, find a missing child, or make
an arrest. In most cases you'll begin your report with witness, victim, and
suspect statements about what happened before you arrived. Then you'll
explain what prompted you to get involved (probable cause) and what
you did.

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 It's important to be specific: "Gordon slapped Fitch's right cheek"
is better than "Gordon became aggressive." the officer becomes a
participant. You might intervene in a domestic dispute, settle a fight in a
bar, chase a person suspected of robbing a convenience store. Now you
have to report not only what others did, but what you did. Often, you'll
make an arrest; other possibilities are calling for a backup or medical
assistance. You might also ask protective services to get involved.
The complication here is the back story-what happened before you
arrived that has to be coordinated with your story. Another challenge is
demonstrating that you followed procedures and guidelines.

Type 4: What is different about a Type 4 report is that you're not

dispatched to the scene-you make your own decision to get involved. For
example, you might see a car driven recklessly or a man battering a
woman. This is the most complex type of report because it requires you
to establish probable cause for becoming involved.
Again, it's important to be specific: Not "reckless driving" but "the
car crossed the center line three times in thirty seconds." The more details
you provide, the less likely you are to have to defend your report in court.
The officer sets the story in motion. There's no back story. You see a
crime in progress and intervene. For example, you might see an erratic
driver and make a traffic stop. Since you set the investigation in motion,
you have to be particularly careful to establish probable cause for getting
involved.
These four types of reports all share some common
characteristics, but they also have special requirements Understanding
these four types and challenges will build your confidence and help you
write more effective reports.

USES OF POLICE REPORTS Police reports have many different uses,

both within the criminal justice system and beyond

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Identification of Criminals Police reports assist with the identification,
apprehension and prosecution of criminals by serving as a source
document for filing criminal complaints. by providing a record of all
investigations, and providing a basis for additional follow up
investigations.

Investigative Record Police reports aid prosecutors, defense attorneys,

and other law enforcement agencies by providing records of all
investigations and serving as source documents for criminal prosecution,
as well as documenting agency actions

Court Preparation Police reports assist officers prior to or during court

appearances by refreshing the officer's memory before testifying, or
preparing to provide hearsay testimony at preliminary hearings.

Civil Liability Assessment Police reports are essential for risk managers,
insurance companies, and civil litigation attorneys for use in determining
potential civil liability by documenting events such as accidents or
injuries on city, county, or state property, workman's compensation type
injuries, as well as to presenting justification for an officer's behavior or
actions in a civil complaint or lawsuit against the officer.

Statistical Analysis Police reports assist police and civilian

administrators as well as the campus community by providing statistical
information for analysis of crime trends, equipment needs, manpower
issues, continued professional training requirements, and assist in the
evaluation of officer performance.

CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EFFECTIVE POLICE REPORT

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 On a daily basis, police officers are faced with a variety of
events and incidents. At each one, officers are required to make
significant decisions, oftentimes without delay, and while under stress or
the benefit of all the facts regarding the situation. For this reason, crime
and incident reports must reflect the details of the specific crime or
incident for further reference and use. While the details of every incident
or crime report will likely vary, there are six characteristics that all
effective reports have in common.
An effective police report is always:
1. Factual. A police report is an objective accounting of the
relevant and observed facts of the case, and any conclusions
made by the reporting officer must be supported by
articulated and documented facts. Unsubstantiated opinions
or conclusions are never to be included in an effective report
2. Accurate. The decisions and actions taken as a result of the
report must be supported by accurate information contained
in the report. If any information is inaccurate, the credibility
and reliability of the report will likely be jeopardized.
Accuracy is achieved by carefully, precisely, and honestly
reporting of all relevant information.
3. Clear. A police report speaks for the reporting officer when
he or she is not present. There should be no doubt or
confusion regarding what happened during an incident or
crime, based upon the content of a police report. Clarity in
report writing is achieved by clear and logical organization
of information, the judicious use of simple, common, and
first-person language, and effective writing mechanics.
4. Concise. Reports should be brief but also contain all relevant
information necessary for a complete understanding of the
crime or incident, without additional explanation. Brevity
should never take precedence over accuracy, completeness,
or clarity in report writing.
5. Complete. A complete report will contain all the relevant
facts, information, and details that the reader will need to
have in order to have a comprehensive understanding of the

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 crime or incident described in the report. The report is
complete when it is a complete word picture of the incident,
there are no questions left unanswered by the reader, officer
actions are explained and justified by the contents of the
report, and both supporting and conflicting information is
included.
6. Timely. No decisions can be made or actions taken regarding
an arrest or request for follow up investigation if a report is
not submitted in a timely fashion.

FIELD NOTES- An officer's field notes are the original source

documents used to write a police report. For this reason. if field notes are
incomplete, poorly organized, or illegible, they will be of little use to the
officer in writing the resulting police report. For this reason, field notes
should always be taken at the scene, especially when interviewing
suspect, victims or witnesses, and whenever the officer wishes to
remember specific details at a later time.
Every event, incident, and crime is different, and for this reason, the
facts and information needed by the officer to write a police report is
different. However, field notes should always be able to answer the
questions what, where, when, who, how, and why regarding the incident.
Regardless of how the individual officer decides to take field notes, the
following information is a snapshot of the items that should be included
in field notes.

11. Stop and Frisk- To further imprint in the minds of criminals the
feeling of fear of arrest is the application of the strategy of stop and
frisk both by the foot patrol and the mobile crew. When patrol
officers are observed stopping persons on the street whose behavior
is suspicious, detaining them briefly by questioning and frisking
them for concealed weapons, the action of the police heighten the
effect of high- visibility patrol.

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 The stop and frisk, and street interrogation procedure is a
common patrol practice, particularly in high crime areas-persons
whose behavior is suspicious are accosted/ approached on the street,
interrogated and frisked. The method of frisking is to pat/touch down
the outer clothing of the suspect for any concealed weapon or
contraband. Frisk is not search because the officer does not insert his
hand inside the pockets of the suspect. Instead, it is the suspect who
produces from the, pocket, as requested by the officer, the object or
article in question.

A stop is different from an arrest. An arrest is a lengthy

process in which the suspect is taken to the police station and
booked, whereas a stop involves only a temporary interference with a
person's liberty. If the officer uncovers further evidence during the
frisk, the stop may lead to an actual arrest, but if no further evidence
is found, the person is released.

Frisks and Searches

Police officers are allowed to stop someone they reasonably
suspect of criminal activity. They may follow up the stop with a frisk (or
pat-down) if they have reason to suspect that the person is armed and
dangerous. A frisk in this context is supposed to be a limited search of the
person's outer clothing-for weapons.
An officer conducting a proper frisk who feels something that
seems to be a weapon may reach into the suspect's clothing to seize it. An
officer who feels something that is clearly contraband may seize that, too.
An all-out search, on the other hand, involves the officer probing for
evidence. The officer isn't confined to screening for weapons

Frisk and Search Examples

Example: Officer Mace stops a man on the street that resembles a person
wanted for bank robbery. Officer Mace frisks the man. He feels a soft

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4955
packet in the man's back pocket. With the packet still in the man's pocket,
Mace pokes a finger through the packaging into the packet, rubs powder
from the packet onto his finger, removes his finger, and decides from the
powder's appearance and smell that it is an illegal drug. Officer Mace
removes the packet and arrests the man for possession of illegal drugs.
The contents of the packet are not admissible in evidence. The
officer probably had reasonable grounds for detaining and frisking the
man (a potentially armed and dangerous suspect). But he didn't have
probable cause for arrest or a full-blown search. Therefore, all Officer
Mace could do was frisking the driver and seize either a weapon or
contraband in plain feel. Because the soft packet could not reasonably
have been mistaken for a weapon, and Officer Mace had to manipulate
the packet before believing it contained illegal drugs, the frisk became an
illegal search
Example: Same case, except that Officer Mace, when frisking the man,
felt, then seized. a packet of little pebbles that felt like rock cocaine.
Under these circumstances, the rock cocaine is likely admissible in
evidence. The officer could tell from a plain feel that the packet
contained illegal drugs.

Getting Professional Help

Whether an officer's probe is a mere frisk or a more invasive search
depends on the facts of the case. Plus, the law can vary somewhat from
one jurisdiction to another. If you have a case, make sure to consult an
experienced criminal defense lawyer, who should be able to explain the
applicable law and guard your rights.

If the police approaches and questions you

 Police can lawfully ask you questions if you're in a public place.
You don't have to answer their questions.

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  You should ask "am I free to leave?" If the officer says yes,
you can walk away calmly. If the officer says no, ask "why" but
don't leave.
If the police stops you
 What is a "stop"? When police acts in a way that would make a
reasonable person feel not free to leave, for example, by ordering
you to stop or physically halting you, that is considered a "stop"
under the Fourth Amendment.
 To clarify whether you are being questioned, stopped, or
arrested, ask "am I free to go?," and, if the officer says no, ask
"am I under arrest?"
 Is the stop legal? Police can stop you only if they have
"reasonable suspicion that you're involved in a crime.
Reasonable suspicion must be based on specific facts. For
example, police can stop you if you match the description of
someone who just committed a crime. Police cannot stop you for
a vague reason (because you just "look suspicious") or for a
biased reason (because you are, for example, Black or
transgender).
 Police can ask questions. They even can lie to extract
information. You don't have to answer their questions and can
say "I don't want to talk to you" or "I don't want to answer that."
 If police ask for ID: MPD officers cannot force you to show ID
(except for a driver's license if you're stopped while driving).
However, federal immigration officers can force you to show
immigration documents and disclose your immigration status.
 If police ask to search or take a look at your person or
belongings, you don't have to consent and you should say "I
don't consent to this search." Note thar even if you refuse to
consent, officers may still have authority to search you (see next
section).
 If you are arrested, ask to speak with a lawyer.

If the police frisks you

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  A frisk occurs when the police pat or sweep the outside of
someone's clothes to check if they have weapons.
 Police can lawfully "frisk" you if you consent, or even without
your consent if they have "reasonable suspicion (that is, a
specific, fact-based reason to believe) that you have a weapon.
 Police can't reach into your pockets and clothes or squeeze your
body or pocket contents while frisking. unless they feel
something like a weapon, or something else that is obviously
illegal, based solely on their touch. Without your consent or
"probable cause" that you have committed a crime, police can't
go beyond a frisk to search your bags, pockets, or underclothes.
 You should repeat, "I don't consent to this search," but to stay
safe and avoid escalating the situation, you should physically
cooperate with the officers.

If your rights are violated

 Ask for, and write down, the officer's name and badge number.
Other helpful information includes: the officer's patrol car
number the name and phone numbers of any bystanders, and any
pictures of or medical records about any injuries you suffer. File
a complaint with the court of competent jurisdiction and/or with
the proper disciplinary authority within 90 days of the incident.
 If you are arrested, ask to speak with a lawyer.

Remember
When interacting with the police, you shouldn't lie physically resist,
run away, or threaten to file a complaint These types of acts could
escalate the situation and/ or result in your arrest. You can’t fight police
misconduct on the street: it’s safer to comply a challenge the officer’s
action later.
He notes that the key point of the fourth is that all searches and
seizures without judicially issued warrants are unreasonable and
therefore unconstitutional One exception to this rule is the stop and frisk
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case. In Terry v. Ohio, the Supreme Court rules that stop and frisk' fell
under the fourth amendment decrees in that citizens have a right to walk
freely without being stopped by the police.
However, the Court recognized that stops and frisks are significantly
less intrusive than full-blown searches and seizures and that standards
must be developed for stops and frisks. The Court recognized the dangers
of a broad stop and frisk law, especially regarding minorities and the
poor. but felt that police should have this investigative right as it serves
as part of their preventive function.
Stop and frisk law must be based on more than whimsy but less
than probable cause, it must be based on (1) reasonable suspicion, (2)
good cause to believe, and (3) articulable suspicion. In Terry v. Ohio, the
Court ruled that officers have the right to stop and pat down a suspect if
they have reasonable suspicion that the person may be armed.
The basis for this decision was officer safety as was the case in
Sivron v. New York, in which the Court ruled that police officers must
articulate their fear that the suspect is armed in order for the stop and
frisk case to be valid. The Court also set scope limitations of the stop. It
cannot be a full-scale seizure of a person, it must be within reach, and it
must last only a little while. Similarly, police officers can frisk a suspect
only for what is absolutely necessary (e.g., looking for a weapon), and
the risk must be a limited search (a pat down of the exterior clothing of
the suspect).
The police must have a flexible set of escalating responses
beginning with an articulable suspicion and extending to a reason to
believe that the suspect is armed. If a frisk reveals that there is a weapon,
then the police officer any arrest and search the suspect.
Legal Definition of stop and frisk statute
A state law that allows a police officer to stop any person
without making an arrest based on a reasonable suspicion that the person
has committed or is about to commit a crime.

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The twelve (12) operational support units and their 15 responsible to
respective functions are as follows:

6. Maritime Group (MG) This group in perform all police functions

over Philippine Territorial waters, lakes, and rivers along coastal
areas to include ports and harbors and small islands for the security
and the sustainability development of the maritime environment.
7. Intelligence Group (IG) This group serves as the intelligence and
counter-intelligence operating unit of the PNP.
8. Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG). This group
provides security to government vital installations, government
officials, visiting dignitaries and private individuals authorized to be
given protection.
9. Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) This group
monitors, investigates, prosecutes all crimes involving economic
sabotage, and other crimes of such magnitude and extent as to
indicate their commission by highly placed or professional criminal
syndicates and organizations. It also conducts organized crime-
control, all major cases involving violations of the revised penal
Code, violators of SPECIAL LAWS assigned to them such as Anti-
hijacking, Anti-Carnapping and Cybercrimes among others and
atrocities committed by Communist Party of the Philippines
(CPP)/New People's Army (NPA)/ National Democratic Front
(NDF).
10. Special Action Force (SAF). This group is a mobile strike force or a
reaction unit to augment regional provincial, municipal and city
police force for civil disturbance control, internal security operations,
hostage-taking rescue operations, search and rescue in times of
natural calamities, disasters and national emergencies and other
special police operations such as ant-hijacking, anti-terrorism,
explosives and ordnance disposal. On a special note, the PNP Air
Unit is placed under the supervision of SAF.
11. Aviation Security Group (AVEGROUP). This group provides
security country. to all airports throughout the country.

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12. Highway Patrol Group (HPG). This group enforces the traffic laws
and regulations, promote safety along the highways, enhances traffic
safety consciousness through inter- agency cooperation concerning
Police Traffic Safety Engineering, Traffic Safety Education and
Traffic Law enforcement functions and develops reforms in the crime
prevention aspect against all forms of lawlessness committed along
National Highway involving the use of motor vehicles.
13. Police-Community Relations Group (PCRG) This group
undertakes and orchestrates Police Community Relations program
and activities in partnership with concerned government agencies,
the community, and volunteer organizations in order to prevent crime
and attain a safe and peaceful environment.
14. Civil Security Group (CSG). This group regulates business
operations and activities of all organized private detectives,
watchmen, security guards/ agencies and company guard forces. It
also supervises the licensing and registration of firearms and
explosives.
15. Crime Laboratory (CL). This group provides scientific and
technical, investigative aide and support to the PNP and other
investigative agencies. It also provides crime laboratory examination,
evaluation and identification of physical evidence gathered at the
crime scene with primary emphasis on medical, biological and
physical nature.
16. PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG). This Group serves as
the primary unit of the PNP in addressing kidnapping menace in the
country and in handling hostage situations. And
17. PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP- ACG). This Group is
responsible for the implementation of pertinent laws on cybercrimes
and anti-cybercrime campaigns of the PNP

For the main PNP operating units, there are seventeen (17) Police
Regional Offices nationwide which correspond to the Regional
subdivisions of the country. Directly under the Police Regional Offices
are seventeen (17) Regional Public Safety Battalions (RPSB), eighty (80)
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Police Provincial Offices which correspond to the number of Provinces
in the country and twenty (20) City Police Offices (CPOs) in highly
urbanized and independent cities, which are equivalent to a Provincial
Police Office.
The Police Provincial Offices have their respective Provincial
Public Safety Companies (PPSC) which is utilized primarily for internal
security operations (ISO). The number of platoons in a Provincial Public
Safety Company is dependent on the existing peace and order situation in
the province concerned.
Finally, a total of 1,766 Police Stations are established
nationwide and they are categorized as follows: 90 Component City
Police Stations and 1,507 Municipal Police Stations under the Police
Provincial Offices, 131 Police Stations under the City Police Offices, and
38 Police Stations/City Police Stations in the National Capital Regional
Police Office which serve as the main operating arms of the PNP for the
anti-criminality campaign.

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. When interacting with the police, you shouldn't lie, physically
resist, run away, or threaten to file a complaint
_____2. Police officers are allowed to stop they reasonably suspect of
criminal activity someone
_____3. There are two factors that could potentially change the crime
scene: people and the weather.
_____4. Whether an officer's probe is a mere frisk or a more invasive
search depends on the facts of the case.
_____5. A stop is different from an arrest. An arrest is a lengthy process
in which the suspect is taken to the police station and booked, whereas a
stop involves only a temporary interference with a person's liberty.
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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!_____________________________________________
Iin a groups of three, 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
functions 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.
c. Think of a possible game that will show an interaction among
your selected characters: the criminal, law enforcers and
community. Identify the game mechanics.

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