Patrol Response to Contemporary Problems

Book excerpt: This textbook instructs patrol officers in their roles and responsibilities as first responders, with attention to new and evolving threats and responses to incidents that have broadened the scope of responsibility of the patrol officer. The first of the five parts of the book contains four chapters on patrol officer's preparation and conditioning. These chapters focus on the importance and features of mental and physical fitness and preparing for various police encounters, some of which may involve a fight for survival. The four chapters of Part 2 address training and equipment. The chapters discuss the principles of combat shooting, the specifications of intermediate rifles for use in patrol work, specialty impact systems that can be used as less-lethal force options, and first responders' recognition of explosives. Part 3 consists of three chapters on various types of patrol procedures: the use of police dogs in patrol operations, vehicle stops, and building searches. The four chapters of Part 4 consider patrol responses to critical incidents. One chapter instructs patrol officers in the responsibilities of first responders at the scene of a hostage/barricade/suicide incident. A second chapter describes the tactic of "immediate action/rapid deployment," which is recommended for patrol officers who are the first responders to a violent attack in progress that involves multiple actual and potential victims. A third chapter describes the planning and implementation of procedures for a unified command when multiple agencies are responding to a mass disaster. A fourth chapter focuses on knowledge and procedures used by first responders in their handling of disasters caused by terrorists' weapons of mass destruction. The three chapters of Part 5 instruct patrol officers in preparing for civil litigation that alleges violations of constitutional rights due to officer actions.