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
Oracle’s chair and CTO Larry Ellison recently predicted that “every police officer is going to be supervised at all times,” raising questions about balancing enhanced accountability with privacy concerns
Remember to prepare for the conditions you might find yourself outside in for several hours
Exposure to the cold can kill us as fast as any bad guy
When officers had no designated impact tool, necessity inspired officers to use firearms, radios, or flashlights to avoid the use of deadly force
Policing looks different when the guy you arrested at the bar fight last Friday asks if you need help today
Maintaining your situational awareness will provide good judgment, clear analysis, and proper decisions as you face the tactical challenges of a barricaded gunmen
The “3 Cs” can increase the chances of successful decision-making and scene management during these complex incidents