From pre-shift setup to end-of-day reset, this practical checklist helps officers build safer, more consistent patrol habits from inside the vehicle
PATROL FOCUS
Wichita Police officer and FTO Jennifer Zinkhon shares practical advice on how officers can use in-car time between calls to write reports, stay alert, manage distractions and make safer decisions on patrol
From managing radio traffic to weighing pursuit risks, officers must balance speed, safety and situational awareness on every call for service
FROM SEAT TO STREET: PATROL LESSONS FOR OFFICERS
From calm presence on scene to shared accountability, patrol officers quickly recognize leadership that supports rather than disrupts
Follow these steps to prioritize officer safety on every shift
Fight complacency caused by the “routine” by establishing a “tactical routine” oriented toward personal survival
Regardless of how long you’ve been doing traffic stops, no two are the same
A volatile roadside encounter turns into a fight inside a moving vehicle — where instinct and decision-making collide
Police1’s exclusive companion report to the “What Cops Want in 2025" survey reveals how officers combine awareness skills and new tools to stay safe
ADDITIONAL PATROL NEWS & INSIGHTS
The Worcester City Council voted 8-2 on a resolution opposing any pursuit or consideration of a 287(g) agreement between the city and ICE
A dissenting judge warned the ruling could undermine road safety, saying, “People who traverse our Florida highways are entitled to share the roads with sober and safe drivers”
Extremist tactics, sniper attacks and online incitement are reshaping the threat landscape, leaving officers with shrinking windows to respond
Defense attorneys have no obligation to present the truth and I continuously see officers shocked when they learn this in court
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
Patrol officers are uniquely positioned to take the first investigative step in threat assessment, turning early warning signs into prevention
While there isn’t a safe place to stand when dealing with vehicles, there are tactics you can use to reduce risk