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.
Profanity may feel justified in the moment, but it damages officer credibility and community trust
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
Week-by-week tallies show the officer also put in for OT on days he called out “sick in family” and “sick with pay”
Remember to follow three simple principles: preparation, organization and clarity
How agencies can move beyond tech hype, integrate smarter systems and give officers real-time intel when they need it most
A survey of 200 officers reveals critical gaps in interview and interrogation training, exposing struggles with question formulation, rapport-building and overcoming resistance
Common errors that will get your report rejected by your supervisor or the courts
In many cases, victims of domestic violence stay because they sense the ever-present specter of their death
By empowering officers at every level, Hermosa Beach PD turned its staffing crisis into a leadership success story — proving that recruitment and retention aren’t about incentives, but about culture
Here are some pointers to help every new cop on their way to a successful law enforcement career
Follow this comprehensive guide to being an effective courtroom witness
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
