NCJ Number
91686
Date Published
1983
Length
336 pages
Annotation
Directed patrol appears to have substantial benefits, although it takes at least 2 years after establishing the system for its full effects to be realized.
Abstract
Study data came from a literature review and from a national survey of 170 police agencies on central issues of patrol management and directed patrol. Additional data sources were a qualitative overview of the operational characteristics of directed patrol programs: intensive case studies of the directed patrol programs in the Oxnard and Sacramento, Calif., police departments: comparative analysis of the two programs: and identification of recommendations for further and/or related research. Almost 80 percent of the police agencies responding to the survey had implemented or planned to implement formal or informal directed patrol programs. The overall evaluation results suggested that the need for at least 2 years to realize effects resulted from the necessity of devising improved methods for providing enough time to permit basic units to undertake proactive and preplanned, analysis-based, directed activities. Directed patrol's main advantages over the traditional model of preventive patrol appear to be more in the area of improved management of the patrol force than in impact on crime, despite some program examples to the contrary. Such a program, if carefully planned and managed, should not degrade police capabilities for responding to calls for service. The split-force approach to directed patrol together with a coordinated program for basic patrol units appears to be the most appropriate method to use. Data tables, a list of 113 sources, and appendixes presenting study instruments and related data are provided.