NCJ Number
95383
Date Published
Unknown
Length
324 pages
Annotation
Results are presented from the Sacramento Police Department's (California) implementation of a prototype Managing Patrol Operation Test Design.
Abstract
The design called for a shift from a random patrol concept of mobile police units to a more directed patrol which targeted specific crime, traffic, and community problems. Background information is provided on Sacramento, its population, its police department, and police personnel. The project's primary objective, which was to 'enhance the capability of police departments to achieve patrol performance objectives' is examined. Resource allocation is considered in terms of optimizing existing resources to workload conditions. In addition, data access, data collection methodology, and a multilevel plan for dealing with the application of computer software programs are described. The police department's approach to managing the service calls is reported, as is the development of the police crime analysis capability. Sacramento's approach to directed patrol is described, with the following aspects addressed: decentralization of operational planning to the patrol team level, 'beat profiling' as a basis for establishing base line information for directed patrol planning, substitution of team conferences for the traditional roll calls, and use of crime suppression teams. Training courses undertaken by supervisors and police officers are discussed. Evaluation results indicate that patrol operations improved markedly. Numerous figures and tables are provided.