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
Proposals addressing housing, childcare, healthcare and collective bargaining remain stalled, despite their potential impact on retention and job satisfaction
A veteran officer’s perspective on perception, movement and survival when a vehicle accelerates toward police
Some adrenaline rushes fade. Others stay with you for life. A veteran cop explains which moments never leave — and why they matter
Excessive radio chatter isn’t harmless — it clogs dispatch, weakens decision-making and can put officers at risk when the air should be clear
As one St. Paul officer exited the cruiser, the other fired through the windshield when the armed man pointed a gun at them
Effective instructors require ongoing development, real-world problem-solving skills and legal articulation — not just a certificate on file
A retired patrol officer breaks down the gear he carried on duty — and explains how preparation, not equipment, still makes the difference on the street