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.
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
The 5th Circuit ruled that deputies acted constitutionally in TASER use on an impaired suspect, clearing them of excessive force claims
Prevention begins with leaders who normalize check-ins, support peer networks and address trauma before it becomes tragedy
From recognizing hidden water dangers to planning safe rescue strategies, here are key steps law enforcement officers should take to reduce risk and improve outcomes when responding to floods
Police Sergeant Adam Plantinga draws on two decades in law enforcement to craft authentic, engaging stories that resonate with cops and crime-fiction fans alike
The 9th Circuit upheld a warrantless search of a man on supervised release, emphasizing probable cause based on residence
Explore how SWAT teams are adapting core tactics, team roles and training methods to meet today’s operational, legal and technological demands
How principle-based decision-making can cut through the noise and improve your performance in the moment
Perry County deputies say the man, arrested with meth and cash, escaped handcuffs and stole a marked Charger before being caught after a foot pursuit with Kentucky State Police
Surrey Police arrested 18 people after undercover cops were catcalled, followed and harassed during a plainclothes operation
Las Vegas Metro Police Captain Michelle Tavarez on breaking barriers, leading tough units and why mentorship matters now more than ever
How learning the difference — and the ratio — between brightness and beam intensity can improve your light choice and tactics
Tell us how your current schedule affects your performance, wellness and work-life balance
AI tools like ChatGPT are reshaping law enforcement, but without clear policies, departments risk ethical, legal and operational missteps
Taking prompt action supports officer wellness, preserves investigative integrity and sets the stage for long-term recovery
To avoid being ticketed, the difficult driver will engage in a disjointed combination of negotiations, rebuttals, compliments and insults
Profanity may feel justified in the moment, but it damages officer credibility and community trust
Sports marketer Brandon Steiner spent half a year embedded with officers in Harlem, Brooklyn and the Bronx — here’s what shocked him, what broke him and what every cop should hear
A longtime officer sounds off on the habits that sabotage safety, communication and survival on scene
Police1 readers share their top tactics to reduce risk
Officers trained in this method indicate they achieve a high level of compliance in a short period of time
From hazard mapping to resource deployment, AI is changing the way agencies prepare for major incidents
By integrating DFR operations into its real time information center, Elk Grove PD is enhancing situational awareness, community trust and officer safety
As law enforcement continues to combat the fentanyl crisis, advancements in drug detection technology promise new safety standards for officers in the field
Here are five actionable strategies to use data for officer development, risk reduction and enhanced transparency in your law enforcement agency
The 8th Circuit affirms qualified immunity for officer in shooting of off-duty cop during a chaotic pursuit in St. Louis
Learn how two female officers use leverage, bone structure and distance management to overcome size mismatches on the ground
“We deeply appreciate the honesty and integrity shown by our Lennox community member who acted responsibly and returned the lost rifle to our station,” Capt. Nicole Palomino said
One of the most obvious signs of potential trouble is a subject paying repeated visual attention to an officer’s gun
From grappling to weapon retention, this year’s “What Cops Want” survey responses reveal what skills officers say are missing and how training programs can evolve
Just 30 minutes after completing Axon’s VR TASER training, Lincoln PD Officer Alessandra Winterbauer used her TASER 10 to prevent a suicide-by-cop outcome
