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.
Learn what police officers can and can’t do in five common situations, from traffic stops to public filming, and understand the laws that protect your rights
The best cops develop their cop instincts and then learn to trust them. If something feels wrong, it usually is wrong.
Cellebrite’s 2025 annual industry trends survey reveals how law enforcement agencies are embracing new technologies to tackle growing digital evidence backlogs and investigative challenges
The museum, which was built by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), features immersive, interactive exhibits
The mobile crisis teams, which are staffed by police officers and mental health professionals from the Affiliated Sante Group, currently operate only from 9:30 a.m. until 1 a.m.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is defined as a multi-disciplinary approach to deterring criminal behavior through environmental design
Some departments are purchasing drug scanners to help officers safely identify substances
With an effective homeless outreach team, your law enforcement agency can deploy strategies to solve chronic homelessness
Jim and Doug discuss the difficulty with detecting and enforcing impaired driving as a result of marijuana intoxication
The shooting occurred after a struggle during a traffic stop, officials said
Never assume that because you know a person, they will not be aggressive toward you
Do not treat subjects with a mental delay or handicap any differently in a call for service where they appear to be suspect
Voluntary, non-disciplinary officer safety initiative allows law enforcement personnel to read about and anonymously share stories of close calls
Officers often share their near misses with their close friends, but rarely are these stories, and the lessons learned from them, shared with officers across the country
Officers need to consciously evaluate the threat presented and the distance available, and prioritize what they need to do first
The shooting is another example of “too many guns on the street,” Police Commissioner William Gross said
Purchasing a digital evidence management system is a significant investment for PDs, so ensuring both the software and the vendor are the right fit for your agency is key
Jim and Doug discuss the failed strategies that have led to widespread chronic homelessness, and offer some new ideas to fix the problem
Officials say the officer was returning to his vehicle when he collapsed due to a medical issue
“On this street corner, I encounter all types and the only type that’s ever purposely intimidated me is [the police],” the owner wrote online
Texas officers were responding to a suspicion call when they found the woman in a stolen car
The former officer reportedly called police saying he “wanted to fight” officers
The man was swaying side to side and pushed the officer repeatedly
The on-duty officer was patrolling the airport when the semi-automatic rifle went off
Cops would not have to fill out a use of force report, but supervisors would have to review the gun-pointing incident
The jury deliberated for only about three minutes before they reached a verdict
Surveillance footage showed suspect telling employee he was “ready to die”
The pursuit began when officers responded to a larceny call
The gun fell to the feet of the store clerk, who picked it up while the man ran away
Suspect hid in water for half hour before officers finally found him
Officers found drug paraphernalia and 12 ounces of marijuana wrapped in packages
Video shows the former LAPD officer struggling with several teens before incident
Officer: “[The birth mother] said, ‘I want what’s best for her’” before asking cop to adopt her daughter
