NCJ Number
100069
Date Published
1985
Length
34 pages
Annotation
Using a random stratified sample, this research compares the activities of 16 foot patrol officers with 16 motor patrol officers in Flint, Mich., for October 1983 and May 1984.
Abstract
Begun in 1979, Flint's Neighborhood Foot Patrol Program departs from both preventive patrol and traditional foot patrol models. In addition to providing law enforcement services, foot patrol officers are catalysts in forming neighborhood associations which articulate community expectations of the police, establish foot patrol priorities, and initiate community programs. Officers cooperate with community organizations and individual citizens to deliver comprehensive services through referrals, intervention, and links to governmental social agencies. Flint motor officers continue to provide traditional crime control reactions after crimes occur. In comparing the two forms of patrol, this research categorized and tabulated officer activities recorded on daily report forms. Although motor and foot officers performed similar activities, foot officers had a more varied work schedule. Foot officers have more information exchanges with citizens and are involved in more nonadversarial situations. Foot and motor patrol should be viewed as complementary police activities. Foot patrol will always be a support service for motor patrol, given the automobile's ability to cover more area and respond rapidly to serious situations. Tabular data and study forms are provided.