NCJ Number
172557
Journal
Law Enforcement Quarterly Volume: 26 Issue: 3 Dated: (Fall 1997) Pages: 16-19,37
Date Published
1997
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Case examples are provided to illustrate how police officers should not jeopardize their own safety and that of cover police officers by handling patrol situations alone and to show communication before and during contacts with police officers in other patrol areas is important in situations where no partner is available.
Abstract
Radio traffic and dispatched calls can forewarn of hazardous situations. In such situations, police officers should be aware of the environment so that good cover items are identified, watch the hands of subjects, place subjects at a tactical disadvantage, arrive at a call prior to the cover unit, and take a safe position while waiting for the cover unit's arrival. In addition, police officers should know the location and distance of the cover unit and consider the impact of traffic conditions, environment, and other circumstances that affect driving time. Communication is a critical ingredient in the successful employment of contact and cover. Police officers should be aware of potential danger signals at all times in the course of their patrol duties and should not be deceived by compliance or friendliness on the part of suspects. 4 photographs