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.
From patrol bags to medical kits, here are the essential accessories every officer should keep in a new take-home car
The 8th Circuit upheld an extended traffic stop and cell phone seizure, affirming the trooper’s actions did not violate the suspect’s rights
The 5th Circuit ruled that deputies acted constitutionally in TASER use on an impaired suspect, clearing them of excessive force claims
Residents talked about increasing partnerships with neighborhood associations and community groups to create safer youth activities in the summer evenings
The survey comes as the NOPD appears poised to begin a process to leave behind federal court oversight after more than a dozen years
Writing a police report is not just an exercise in documentation, it is also an opportunity for evaluation
Just because a person suddenly reports chest pain or breathing problems doesn’t mean they are faking
The suspect, who is considered a delinquent felon under Florida law, was booked into jail with no bond and is facing several felony charges
The motive for the proposed new citation is to help Seattle police crackdown on large street racing events, giving police tools to “hold vehicle owners accountable”
‘There’s no playbook for this': Philadelphia police district will triple with arrival of 75 recruits
Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said the new officers will patrol the Kensington area on foot and bicycle, and begin enforcing stricter drug laws this summer
NYPD officers patrolling Queens were attacked by a man and a woman after questioning them about why several children under 10 were out alone late at night
Explore the evolving tactics, training and technology reshaping SWAT teams today with the National Tactical Officers Association’s Thor Eells
Body armor can mean the difference between life and death for officers, but the process to purchase it has some major challenges
Nye County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jason Ruesch said he needed the assistance and would like to express his appreciation to the unidentified bystander
Parents sue for excessive force based on “officer-created danger,” but qualified immunity granted based on suspect’s manifest intentions
If the first time you meet your community is after a tragedy, it’s too late
Preparation is key; your life and the lives of your colleagues depend on it
Wear your helmet. It could save your life.
Sometimes the best decision is the hardest decision – just walk away
The potency and availability of fentanyl pose significant challenges for law enforcement, with overdose deaths continuing to rise
The future of drone programs in law enforcement
These little extras can make a big difference in the quality of your police life
Know these common scenarios that can cause cops to lose situational awareness – and avoid them!
When you absolutely need to write something down make sure you have a weatherproof Rite in the Rain notebook
We should consider how our actions will “look” and what “they” will say about them
First responders need to become students of history, because it’s one of the easiest ways to avoid becoming the subject of history repeating itself
Written for officers at all levels, this book discusses proper note-taking at the scene of a crime, different elements of police reports and compliance writing
If you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all
The spread of rumors within police departments compromises investigations and shatters morale
DFR provides considerable promise for increased safety, reduced response times and improved de-escalation capabilities for public safety agencies
An exercise involving the Atlantic City FD and PD, U.S. Coast Guard and the N.J. State Police Marine Services Bureau demonstrates how drones can enhance public safety
Advanced body-worn camera technology plays a crucial role in enhancing officer safety and strengthening the bond between the police and the community
Leaders should be alarmed by this data, which indicates widespread issues affecting morale irrespective of location, suggesting systemic problems within departments
MOST POPULAR
- When training gets real: Lessons from force-on-force scenarios
- Resilience is survival — and the key to keeping cops in the fight
- ‘Overworked, undertrained and outnumbered': Staffing, safety risks called out in ‘What Cops Want’ survey
- Why everyone should be a recruiter in public safety
- Suicide in law enforcement: Why police leaders must confront myths and change culture