7 Responsibilities and Duties of a Patrol Officer

Have you ever come across a random police car patrolling the streets? Maybe it was your first time, or maybe you’re used to seeing a patrol officer driving by your neighborhood every now and then. Regardless of where you’ve seen them, it’s the thought of what they do that’s intriguing. After all, not many people know the real responsibility of patrol officers.

Considering how they are usually seen roaming the streets, people believe their duty is to always be on the lookout for crimes. And while that may be true, patrol officers have a lot more going on than you might think. In this blog, you will learn about their duties and responsibilities, so make sure to keep on reading.

What Role Does A Patrol Officer Play?

If you’re curious about patrol officers and want to know more about their role, take a look below.

1. Ensure Traffic Rules Are Being Followed

   While this may not seem like a big deal, it is up to patrol officers to maintain traffic rules and regulations. They must be able to track down someone who is driving over the speed limit or someone who might be driving drunk and take the necessary precautions according to the scenario.

2. Safeguard Neighborhoods

   Often wealthy neighborhoods hire patrol officers to keep tabs on their streets. This is to dispel any criminal from breaking into someone’s house and causing an unnecessary commotion in the middle of the night.

3. Control Crowd and Traffic During Public Events

   In case of a festival or public event, a patrol officer is in charge of keeping the streets clean. This concept is based on reducing traffic and controlling hoards of people to avoid a stampede crush from taking place.

4. Take Charge in Case of Emergencies

   Most patrol officers are trained for emergencies. They can control a situation and prevent it from spiraling out of hand. Usually, patrol officers answer emergency calls as first responders on site.

5. Arrest Criminals

   While the job of a patrol officer might seem boring, it is anything but. Catching a criminal on the run is also one of their major duties, which is why you’re bound to find them high-tailing a culprit in hopes of arresting them and taking them to jail.

6. Patrol The Streets for Suspicious Activity

   When you think of patrol officers, you probably imagine a police car drifting along the streets, maintaining peace. That is because patrolling an assigned area and actively looking out for criminal activity is one of the most fundamental tasks of a patrol officer.

7. Investigate Accidents and Collect On-site Evidence

   In case of car accidents and highway mishaps, a patrol officer is required to investigate the occurrence. From interviewing eyewitnesses to collecting evidence, they are liable to help other officers solve the issue at hand.

Final Takeaway

In summary, patrol officers don’t just cruise along the streets, dispelling suspicious activities, but they’re also responsible for maintaining traffic rules and regulations. To boost block’s security, contact Main Security & Investigations today at (281) 574-1871 or drop by our headquarters at 11221 Richmond Avenue, Suite C103, Houston, Texas 77082, United States, opposite Vino Graphix, for more information.