Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

Which type of patrol is typically unassigned and based on officer discretion?

1. Directed Patrol

2. Sole Responsibility Patrol

3. Self-initiated Patrol

4. Community Engagement Patrol

The correct answer is: Self-initiated Patrol

Self-initiated patrol is characterized by the officer's discretion in deciding how and where to patrol. Unlike directed patrol, which follows specific assignments or objectives set by a supervisor, self-initiated patrol allows officers to identify areas of concern or interest based on their experience and intuition. This type of patrol empowers officers to respond proactively to situations, engage with the community, and address issues that may not have been flagged by a centralized command. Officers can also utilize their knowledge of the community and potential crime hotspots to prevent criminal activity and enhance public safety. Through this autonomy, officers can adapt their strategies to the real-time needs of the community they serve, fostering a responsive and effective law enforcement presence.