How is the patrol function affected by the officer’s shift assignment and the nature of the beat to which he or she is assigned?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Patrol function is affected by shift assignment, as different shifts have different responsibilities. Officers on the day shift have the greatest contact with citizens and provide traffic control, unsnarl traffic jams, and handle school crossings. They participate in school and civic presentations and other such programs. Errands and non-police duties assigned to the police are primarily performed by day shift officers. Evening/swing shift officers handle evening traffic jams, check commercial doors and windows on their beat, handle evening noise complaints, domestic disturbances, and fights at bars and nightclubs. They also may perform crowd and traffic control duties at evening athletic events and concerts. The first part of the night/graveyard shift is very busy, as bars and taverns are closing down and the “night people” begin to come out, including burglars. Night shift officers patrol alleys and businesses and watch residential areas. The shift may slow down around two or three o’clock in the morning and officers must find ways to alleviate the monotony of this shift.

In addition, the beat assignment affects the nature of the patrol officer’s work, as even contiguous beats may vary greatly in terms of structure and demographic characteristics.