Supervision- Session 12 Flashcards
(30 cards)
What is the first step when supervising a newly assigned transfer moved to your unit for non disciplinary reasons?
Find out how much they know
Understanding the knowledge level of the transfer is crucial for effective supervision.
Explaining what your unit does is smart to do but not better than finding out their preexisting knowledge
What is the backbone of any agency?
Patrol
Patrol is often the largest component and serves as the eyes and ears for administration.
What is the relationship between effective patrol and the need for specialization?
Effective patrol minimizes the need for specialized units.
How do attitudes of patrol officers affect public opinion?
They most often shape public opinion of the department
Patrol officers are the most visible representatives of the department and the local government
What are patrol officers responsible for when misconduct (crime) occurs?
Investigate offenses, arrest offenders, recover stolen property
Patrol officers are often the first responders to incidents of misconduct.
What two factors must be present for crime to occur?
Desire to commit misconduct and belief that opportunity is present
If either aspect is unavailable, crime will not result.
What impact does the first officer on the scene have?
Huge impact on the outcome of a case
Information obtained from the crime victim by this officer is also crucial for case solvability.
What is a principal reason for administrative apprehension towards patrol officers conducting follow-up investigations?
They take time and divert the officer from their primary function
Follow-up investigations can reduce the efficiency of patrol duties.
List the fundamental responsibilities of a patrol officer.
- Primary investigation (do we have jurisdiction, delays in response greatly reduce probability of solving cases and apprehending offenders)
- Collecting and securing evidence
- Safeguarding a scene
- Follow-up investigation
Poor report taking and supervisor reviews can hinder these responsibilities.
What is the typical effort of an officer in almost all instances?
Maintain social order
Officers are often tasked with upholding community standards.
What can happen in the absence of an enforcement policy?
Officers use discretion, causing inconsistencies
This can confuse the community and patrol force.
What is needed for enforcement to be most effective?
It needs to be selective
Writing excessive tickets can negatively impact public perception of the department
What are the two main categories of patrol officer activities?
- Calls for service
- Preventative patrol
Calls for service include both criminal and non-criminal incidents (aideds, MVAs)
What is the aim of preventative patrol?
Mitigating non-visible hazards
This includes creating a sense of omnipresence to deter crime.
What are the two forms of specialization mentioned?
- Special skills (e.g., crime analysis, linguistics)
- Specialized units
Specialization supplements where patrol falls short.
What does the patrol officer represent in local government?
The ultimate decentralization
Patrol officers are the most visible symbols of local authority.
What should be avoided regarding the patrol force?
Depletion of the patrol force to staff specialized units
This should only be done if patrol is not overtly negatively affected.
When should patrol officers perform tasks rather than specialists?
When it does not impair their ordinary duties
What are the evils of specialization primarily found in?
Levels of executions
Tasks performed by specialists that should be handled by patrol are improper.
What is an issue with specialists returning to patrol functions?
They are not as aware of current post conditions and community dynamics
If specialists have that availability, then maybe the specialization is not needed at all.
What general approach should be taken regarding specialization?
Don’t overly rely on specialization
Patrol should do as much as possible.
What are some methods of patrol?
- Auto patrol
- Foot patrol
- Bicycle patrol
- Motorcycle patrol
- Special purpose vehicle patrols (scooters, boats, helicopters, K9, horses)
What are some advantages and disadvantages of auto patrol?
Advantages:
* Covers a wide grographical area
* Prompt response to calls for service
* Provides protection from inclement weather
* Provides space to transport people, resources, and materials
Disadvantages:
* Creates an isolation from the community
* Lessens the ability to communicate with people more freely
* Certain types of criminal activity may go unnoticed when traveling at vehicle speed
What are some advantages and disadvantages of foot patrol?
Advantages:
* Easier to establish community relations
* Ability to more easily detect certain types of criminal activity
* Visible crime deterrent value
* More easily able to develop community rapport and information sources
Disadvantages:
* One of the most expensive forms of patrol
* Supervision is difficult due to ability to hide in shops, delis, or other locations
* Largely ineffective at a variety of functions such as expeditions response, traffic enforcement
