Several police departments in the United States engage in foot and other forms of patrols with bicycles and horses. This paper will review the three police departments: Berkeley, Wayne State University (WSU), and Detroit. The Detroit police department has 2200 officers whose task is to police the region of 139 square miles (“Police department” b). The WSU police department was established in 1966 and serves the diverse college campuses in Michigan (“Police department” c). Moreover, the Berkeley police department is relevant in the issue of foot patrol (“Police department” a). The evidence on their respective websites shows that all three have foot patrols. When site visitors search for foot patrol, they are directed to related news or documents. Moreover, outside evidence, such as the University of California Berkeley one, points to the fact.
One of the reasons for police foot patrols is to eliminate the actual chance or belief that a person can successfully commit a crime within the department’s jurisdiction. One study conducted by the University of California Berkeley found that after the redeployment of 70 ununiformed officers to uniformed foot patrols, there was a reduction in certain crimes within two months. In addition, the patrol is essential in promoting activities on community relations and responding to any complaints that the people may present to the police (“Berkeley, police”). For instance, the citizens can learn to approach the police and ask them questions or give information about their safety. Thus, foot patrol is the best way to deter criminal activities while at the same time establishing much-needed friendly relations with the people.
Furthermore, foot, bicycle, and horse patrols are sustainable measures with positive results. Particularly, they are cost-effective and environmentally friendly compared to motor patrols (“Specialized patrols”). The implication is that it enhances the image of the police department through the proper utilization of public resources.
The use of foot patrols breaks the barriers to accessing the police, especially for people from a low socioeconomic background. The people can see that the police are willing to interact with them at a personal level by removing the power distance created by motorized patrols. At the same time, the foot and bicycle patrols enhance the health and fitness of the police officers as it is a form of exercise. Therefore, there is a dual benefit as people perceive the officers as being servants to the people while they reap the benefit of exercise during the patrols.
Foot patrols provide the best grounds for building on a case by gathering information. According to the Detroit police department, the patrol helps in collecting evidence from the community in a discreet manner. Some individuals with vital information about a crime may be afraid to report it to the station. However, if they see a police officer walking, they can approach them and talk about their experiences. Thus, the officers understand their community better when they get hints about some known criminals.
In conclusion, foot patrols are becoming more common for police departments in the United States. While the uniformed police officers walk and interact with the locals within
their jurisdiction, they deter potential criminal activities. Yet, the cost of facilitating such programs is relatively cheap and sustainable. The interactions can build strong relationships that remove stereotypes and misconceptions, making citizens help the officers curb crimes and establish justice. Thus, more departments of police should consider adopting the strategy and realize the many benefits.
Works Cited
“Berkeley, police transparency hub.” Police Transparency, 2022.
“Police department.” Police and Campus Safety, 2019.
“Police department.” City of Detroit, 2022.
“Specialized patrols.” Police and Campus Safety, 2019.
University of Carlifornia Berkeley. “UC Berkeley study: To cut crime, put city police on foot patrol.” Berkeley News, 2018.