Patrol: Page 54

Dangerous Shifts

Besides having to deal with larger numbers of intoxicated drivers, officers working graveyard have to worry about some of the less obvious dangers of disregarding the body's natural schedule.

Be Thankful!

"We cops have the best job in the world!" How many times has each of us said this to someone during our careers? However, when was the last time you stopped to consider all the other "forgotten" benefits of this job?

Greener Pastures

In looking back, I have the advantage of hindsight, some maturity, and greater objectivity. I recognize now that the more I wanted something, the more disappointed I tended to be when I got it.

The Bicycle Thief

Fortunately, some of these hustlers on Huffys give telltale clues to their criminal activities.

Lead Them Not Into Temptation

If you’re ever away from your patrol car and find yourself inordinately concerned about the articles therein, then that hunch is telling you to take some corrective or preventative measures. Often, it comes down to simply not leaving anything in your car that you don’t have to, especially overnight.

Speaking Up

Cops can resent other cops giving them orders. But while it's inevitable that we will occasionally step on some toes, people generally take lesser exception if it doesn't hurt them—certain alpha types included. So tread lightly on the radio while still communicating what needs to be said—before they get more than their feelings hurt.

Don't Get Blind Sided by a Car Crash

It's a recipe for disaster—two patrol cars approaching an intersection on convergent paths. Both have their lights and sirens activated; each expects the other driver to yield; neither can discriminate between their own siren and that of another car.

Case Rejection Protection

The D.A.’s office will give you an explanation for your case’s shortcomings, thereby providing you a means of staying out of the judicial slush pile.

Want to Really Help an Officer in Trouble? Then Keep Your Cool and Maintain Your Professionalism

In the aftermath of a deputy-involved shooting, deputies ran around like chickens with their heads cut off, not communicating anything about the suspect’s description and failing to establish a command post or containment. Meanwhile, precious minutes ticked off, giving the suspect more time to put distance between himself and his would-be pursuers.

The Importance of Backup

Having a second officer on scene when things are apparently "code 4" can prevent, or at least mitigate, unfortunate surprises. Little things like having a prisoner slip out of your backseat while your nose is buried beneath the front seat of his POV.

Fit for Duty?

Picture this: the pursuit ends with the suspect bailing out and running. You and your fellow officers set your perimeter and give chase. The bad guy gets away, and you and your buddies return to the cars to swap excuses about how you could have caught this guy "back in the day." Sound familiar?

Tricks and Treats

Duct Tape Guy
Dispensing with the fig leaves, this robber stuck with duct tape—enveloping himself with it before pulling off a robbery. Unfortunately, he was so wrapped up in the stuff that he neglected to refrain from leaving incriminating fingerprints on discarded pieces of the tape.

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