A patrolman’s primary responsibility is to keep an eye on his assigned area for any signs of suspicious or illegal activity. It is also the patrolman’s responsibility to respond to any civilian calls for assistance and apprehend any criminal suspects found within his jurisdiction. During the patrol, the officer should keep track of any suspected criminal activity as well as any details relating to a criminal’s pursuit. Patrol officers are expected to help citizens in any way they can, including providing roadside assistance if necessary. Patrol officers are also in charge of law enforcement education for both youth and the general public.
A patrolman’s job is to keep an eye on a specific area of his precinct’s jurisdiction. Patrols can be conducted on foot or with the assistance of a motor vehicle; in some areas, patrolmen ride horses to perform their duties. If a patrolman is given a vehicle or mount to help him on his patrol, he is also responsible for maintaining it.
Officers are given equipment to assist them in apprehending criminal activity that has been detected in their areas. Patrolmen may be given firearms for this purpose, depending on the laws in their area. Any potentially lethal weapon, on the other hand, should be used only as a last resort in stopping criminals, and a patrolman is responsible for upholding this philosophy and ensuring that all other officers do as well.
If suspicious or criminal activity is detected while on patrol, patrol officers should assess the situation to see if direct confrontation is the best course of action. If an officer determines that a confrontation is likely to endanger citizen safety, it is his or her responsibility to contact authorities and request assistance. The officer should investigate the subject’s activity and intentions if the situation can be approached safely and without the need for backup. In either case, the patrolman should keep a detailed record of everything that happens, including the date, time, and location of the incident.
Patrol officers are frequently called upon to assist citizens who require extra assistance in their endeavors. A responsible patrolman sees fit to assist within his capacity, but is aware enough of his priorities to decline assistance if it interferes with his ability to perform his primary responsibilities. In general, a patrol officer’s job is to keep the community safe by maintaining a law-abiding environment. He is also responsible for educating citizens about the law when necessary.