Patrol Operations and Tactics Flashcards

During a routine patrol, what is the primary purpose of varying your patrol routes and times?

Answer: To prevent criminals from predicting police presence

Unpredictable patrol patterns deter crime by making police presence hard to anticipate.

What is the recommended approach angle when conducting a vehicle stop to maximize officer safety?

Answer: Offset to the left rear of the stopped vehicle

Positioning the patrol car offset to the left rear provides a protective barrier and better sightlines.

When responding to an in-progress alarm at a commercial building, an officer should:

Answer: Approach quietly and avoid silhouetting against light

A silent, low-profile approach preserves the tactical advantage and reduces officer exposure.

What does the term 'reactionary gap' refer to in patrol tactics?

Answer: The safe distance maintained to react to a threat

The reactionary gap is the distance an officer keeps to have time to respond to a sudden attack.

When patrolling at night, why might an officer drive with reduced or no overhead lights in certain situations?

Answer: To avoid announcing their presence during a stealth approach

Running 'blacked out' can prevent alerting suspects during a covert response.

The concept of 'contact and cover' during a patrol stop primarily serves to:

Answer: Allow one officer to handle the subject while the other watches for threats

One officer focuses on the contact while the cover officer maintains situational awareness for safety.

What is the best practice for an officer when approaching a stopped vehicle at night on the driver's side?

Answer: Use the spotlight on the side mirrors to reduce the driver's rear view of the officer

Aiming lights at the mirrors blinds the driver's rearward view while illuminating the interior for the officer.