What Are the Benefits of Police Car Patrols?

Many communities use random police car patrols throughout neighborhoods. There are a variety of benefits associated with police car patrols, positive aspects that have expanded the use of this practice across the United States.

Neighborhood Safety

A benefit of police car patrols is heightened neighborhood safety.

Fast Response

Police car patrols throughout a community ensures more rapid response to a crime scene.

Community Connections

Neighborhoods that enjoy police car patrols have residents with a close connection to law enforcement and vice versa.

Lower Crime Rate

Communities that utilize police car patrols generally have a proportionally lower crime rate than those cities and towns that do not use such a process.

Misconceptions

The most significant misconception is that police car patrols are expensive. The reality is that with reduced crime rates and other benefits, these patrols are highly cost effective.

References

• Police Patrol Operations; Mark R. Miller; 2000
• Advanced Patrol Tactics: Skills for Today's Street Cop; Michael T. Rayburn; 2001
• U.S. Department of Justice: Community Policing

Resources

• Policing.com: Community Policing