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
From detectives to K9 handlers, this guide breaks down police job titles and law enforcement career options, offering insights into responsibilities and qualifications
A good cleaning and shine will minimize wear and tear on your patrol boots and keep your feet comfortable
Jared Reston’s (a cop who’s ‘been there’ repeatedly) 10 fundamentals to help any cop win a gunfight
Knowing your role as a cover officer will help you stay in your lane, and make my contact safer
Are officers expected to give their lives in the line of duty? A look at societal expectations, training gaps and the harsh realities of policing
If you want to be the kind of officer that others respect and want to emulate, this is what it takes to get there
Successful police departments place officer safety concerns and winning on the street at the forefront of their mission