The main functions of the police include patrol work and crime prevention. Patrol work is considered the backbone of policing, as patrol officers interact with the public throughout their shifts; while crime prevention includes activities to keep the citizens safe and is a catalyst to improve the public–police relationship.

Imagine you are a criminal justice professional asked to give a presentation for a town council meeting to introduce the town members to patrol work and crime prevention strategies employed to maintain public safety.

Assessment Directions

Create an 8- to 10-slide presentation detailing the basic operational policing functions. In your presentation: 

  • Explain the difference between patrol and other roles within a police department. What are 3 functions of patrol work as outlined by Sir Robert Peel? Provide an example of each.  
  • Describe different types of patrol and how each affects crime and community relations.  
  • Identify at least 2 improvements or innovations that have been incorporated to aid in patrol. How does each improve police patrol work? 
  • State the difference between reactive and proactive crime prevention strategies used by the police.

Include a title slide, a reference slide, and detailed speaker notes with at least 50 words per slide. 

Cite at least 2 peer-reviewed, scholarly, or similar references.

Format your citations and references according to APA guidelines.

Submit your assessment.

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