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.
From managing parking and monitoring street flooding to responding to wildfires and terrorist attacks, RTCCs are helping agencies tackle a wide range of public safety challenges
Court reaffirms Graham totality standard giving officers legal clarity
The 11th Circuit affirms an officer’s shooting of an armed bystander during an active shooter incident at an Alabama mall
First on the list: “You need to find some real criminals!”
In Stapleton v. Lozano, the 5th Circuit ruled officers were not deliberately indifferent after a drug user died in custody
Experience builds instincts, education sharpens strategy — both shape great cops. How can agencies balance real-world grit with academic insight to recruit and train the best officers?
Hesitation, communication struggles and fear of looking inexperienced — here’s how to tackle these challenges head-on and build real confidence in the field
Tough shifts demand tough feet — fix the pain now or it’ll take you out later
Police departments are expanding their leadership teams beyond sworn officers; here’s what it means for the future of public safety
Drones can deliver lifesaving devices in as little as 70 seconds; in critical situations like overdoses, cardiac arrests or drownings, those seconds can mean the difference between life and death
Do the excuses you’ve heard on patrol top the head-scratching claims we’ve heard
Many times officers deny the stress they are experiencing for fear of being viewed as weak or not being able to handle their job
Consider the following quotes and how they may help guide you in your police career and in life
Policies help foster accountability in public safety and in our personal lives; effective policies foster success in all areas of life
I preferred the night shift because there was great camaraderie among the ranks – but I paid the price for being a night owl
Dive into these captivating stories and real-life experiences shared by law enforcement officers
From odor-fighting sprays to heavy-duty hangers, discover the tools that make maintaining your gear easier and more effective
Discover how the Glendale Police Department is using cutting-edge tech to solve crimes faster, boost community safety and lead the charge in modern law enforcement strategies
A sharp-eyed police officer interrupted a mailbox break-in outside a post office, uncovering a potential identity theft scheme and saving hundreds from becoming victims
The Supreme Court’s ruling in Barnes v. Felix could help resolve whether use of force should be judged by the moment of threat doctrine or the totality of the circumstances
From dispatch and investigations to community outreach and emergency management, campus police agencies offer diverse roles in a “city within a city”
“I’m the one that hired you!” Councilman Theodore D. Holloway yelled at the police officer after asking why he was stopped
The most relevant and important human factors that every investigator, administrator and trainer should understand when conducting use-of-force investigations and reviews
In Rucker v. Marshall, the court ruled body-worn camera footage supported qualified immunity for officers accused of unlawful arrest
Amid high-profile risks, Chuck Andrews explores the critical skills and strategies for transitioning from law enforcement to corporate security, enhancing executive safety
Bodycam footage lays bare two officers’ shocking inaction during a man’s final moments, exposing a profound betrayal of their duty to protect life
The following 10 points are what I have used in my tenure as chief of police
In choosing a career in law enforcement we have chosen a life which presents challenges that often will take us to that mud room between life and death
San Antonio Police said their investigation found the suspect allegedly shot himself in the head while running from officers into a drainage ditch
Behavioral threat assessment and management (BTAM) is a multidisciplinary approach to identify and mitigate threats before they escalate
Make 2025 the year you take control. These 25 steps will help you grow, give back and thrive — for yourself, your family, your team and your community
An officer’s raw, heartfelt poem sheds light on the silent battle with PTSD — read how one LEO found healing and hope through the darkest nights
From search-and-rescue operations to traffic monitoring, here are 11 innovative uses of drones in modern policing.
MOST POPULAR
- Tactical emergency care for law enforcement: Wound packing
- Police jobs: The A-Z guide to law enforcement careers and titles
- Policing homelessness: Lessons from California’s evolving approach
- First Amendment ‘audit’ leads to suspension of Conn. officer
- American State Nationals: The newest group of sovereign citizens