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.
The viral video of a Texas officer helping a job seeker is a reminder that compassion and approachability are powerful antidotes to burnout
Emily Hitchings and Greg Friese explore how misconduct headlines affect uninvolved officers and what leaders can do to steady teams and communities
A rare view of the aurora over Guymon amid dazzling sightings reported across the U.S. this week
Regardless of how long you’ve been doing traffic stops, no two are the same
Investing in the right police gym equipment means more than upgraded workouts — it means preparing officers for survival in real-world encounters
Former officer turned psychologist Dr. Stephanie Conn reveals the habits and mental armor that protect officers from burnout, bad decisions and walking away from the job
“What Cops Want” survey findings reveal major gaps in officer training — from frequency to realism. These fixes can help agencies close the gap and protect both officers and the public
Officers want more frequent, realistic and integrated training, but agencies continue to fall short
Drawing on baseball’s 17-inch rule, Chief Sam DiGiovanna delivers a powerful message about consistency and standards in public safety organizations
Police1’s exclusive companion report to the “What Cops Want in 2025" survey reveals critical gaps in training — and what’s at stake when agencies fail to act
Rahul Sidhu shares what agencies must know about building sustainable DFR programs — and why connectivity and AI will drive the next phase
New York City Police Commissioner Theodore Roosevelt’s words resonate for law enforcement today as much as they did a century ago
DFR is more than a police tool — it’s infrastructure that improves safety, efficiency and trust across city services
Considering the proliferation of law enforcement take-home vehicle programs, it’s no surprise there has been a correlating increase in burglaries to those vehicles
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
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
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- 1,000 cops talk about shift schedules — and what’s not working
- ‘Let’s cruise around and come back': A case study in compassion lost
- On demand webinar: When de-escalation training fails: An insider’s look at why conventional de-escalation training is failing officers
- FAQs: A law enforcement guide to Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs)
- IACP 2025 Quick Take: Gordon Graham’s 10 Fs for a fulfilling police career and retirement