Patrol Issues
The Patrol Issues topic page offers news, commentary, analysis, and tactical tips that will help prepare police officers for life on the thin blue line.
Experts cautioned agencies to vet AI-driven tools carefully, ensuring transparency, accountability and ethical use remain at the core of every decision
The 6th Circuit ruled vague reports of domestic violence do not automatically justify warrantless entry into a home
Lawsuit examines law enforcement liability when deputies allowed intoxicated juveniles to drive away, resulting in multiple fatalities
Defense attorneys have no obligation to present the truth and I continuously see officers shocked when they learn this in court
From sleep divorce to sleep apnea, Dr. Leah Kaylor explains how cops can fix hidden sleep killers that put safety and performance at risk
Master the critical skills, tactical strategies and interagency coordination needed to respond effectively to active shooter incidents
Stress inoculation, memory science and scenario realism can reshape how officers perform when it matters most
From room clearing to stress inoculation, these quick, affordable drills help officers build critical skills even when training time is short
Force-on-force training exposes the limits of static drills and builds the confidence and competence officers need to prevail in real encounters
Creative scheduling, partnerships, technology and grants can help agencies train more officers more effectively — even when budgets are tight
The T4E TC 68 rifle mirrors patrol rifle handling, offers flexible power and ammo options, and keeps scenario training safer and more affordable
Veteran firearms instructor Todd Fletcher explains why minimum-standard training is dangerous and how agencies can build realistic, effective police training programs
Any line officer or front-line supervisor arriving first on scene to a multi-vehicle collision is faced with a multitude of initial scene management procedures
In U.S. v. Glover, the D.C. Circuit ruled ambiguous references to “warrants” may have led to involuntary consent for a home search
In United States v. Moses, the 3rd Circuit ruled a police officer did not violate the Fourth Amendment by walking onto a driveway
Bots, deepfakes and foreign influence are driving false narratives that target personnel and disrupt operations — making early detection, rapid comms and digital footprint defense essential
NFL great Tamba Hali and Jiu-Jitsu black belt David Smarr demonstrate a simple, effective tactic for responding when a subject grabs an officer’s outer vest
At NASRO’s National School Safety Conference, a new checklist and real-world lessons gave schools and police practical tools to respond to threats
Here is a short list of how life will now change
Patrol officers are uniquely positioned to take the first investigative step in threat assessment, turning early warning signs into prevention
After attending “too many” police funerals, LAPD homicide detective Pierce Brooks compiled a list of errors that were being repeatedly committed in officer-down cases
While there isn’t a safe place to stand when dealing with vehicles, there are tactics you can use to reduce risk
The difference between a lawful seizure and unconstitutional conduct often hinges on how courts view an officer’s intent in high-risk vehicle encounters
In U.S. v. Walker, the 7th Circuit ruled a lifted mattress was unjustified under the protective sweep doctrine exemption in Maryland v. Buie
Untraceable firearms are endangering officers and communities, requiring stronger regulation, smarter detection and coordinated enforcement to improve safety
Expert strategies for optimizing your Drone as First Responder program as it scales, from staffing and policy to technology integration and community engagement
Regardless of how long you’ve been doing traffic stops, no two are the same
Investing in the right police gym equipment means more than upgraded workouts — it means preparing officers for survival in real-world encounters
Former officer turned psychologist Dr. Stephanie Conn reveals the habits and mental armor that protect officers from burnout, bad decisions and walking away from the job
“What Cops Want” survey findings reveal major gaps in officer training — from frequency to realism. These fixes can help agencies close the gap and protect both officers and the public
Officers want more frequent, realistic and integrated training, but agencies continue to fall short
Drawing on baseball’s 17-inch rule, Chief Sam DiGiovanna delivers a powerful message about consistency and standards in public safety organizations
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