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
Patrol officers’ reports are the foundation of the successful investigation and prosecution of a crime, so make sure you’re giving your report the attention it requires
Many officers tend to rest or conceal their hands in or on their outer vest during non-threatening encounters, but does this impact reaction time?
Do you have a leader within your department that’s capable of turning your team into an elite unit? Try looking in the mirror
The April 28 directive expands legal protections, reduces oversight burdens and repositions federal support to strengthen police operations
Choosing the right driver specimen – blood or breath – may be a crucial decision in some cases
Attention to timing, instructions and demonstrations help reveal intoxication clues during pre-arrest screening
Maximize your effectiveness by laying on the charm and practicing patience in this stage