Intermediate Public Safety Course

Introduction

The Intermediate Public Safety Cadet Course is designed to provide you with information on 3 subjects related to the Public Safety Corps as well as one subject related to the ROTTWEILER Corps to give you the information you need to be successful as a ROTTWEILER Public Safety Cadet. The information provided on this page will prepare you for your course test.

Each lesson below will cover one of the 4 subjects and there will be questions on the test which reflect on each lesson, so make sure to pay close attention. 

Once you are ready click on the TAKE THE TEST link, and you will be directed to the Intermediate Public Safety Cadet Course Test. 

When you have completed the course test you will be notified by email of your results on the test and whether or not you have passed. In order to pass the test you must get a minimum of 7 out of the 10 questions correct.

In order to be promoted to Constable (Cons), you must pass this course, complete a level 1 trade and have 14 days time in rank as a Cadet.

Lesson One: Patrolling

Going on patrols is a very important aspect of a police officer's and Public Safety Officer's duty. We will be looking at the different types of patrols and some patrol techniques.

Types of Police Patrols:

1. Foot Patrol: Officers walk through a designated area, engaging with the community and responding to incidents.

2. Vehicle Patrol: Officers use cars, bikes, or other vehicles to cover larger areas and respond quickly to calls.

3. Bike Patrol: Officers use bicycles to patrol areas with heavy pedestrian traffic or where vehicles can't easily access.

4. Horseback Patrol: Officers use horses to patrol areas like parks or beaches.

5. Aerial Patrol: Police use aircraft or drones to monitor and respond to incidents from the air.

Patrol Strategies:

1. Random Patrol: Officers randomly patrol areas to deter crime.

2. Directed Patrol: Officers focus on specific high-crime areas or hotspots.

3. Community-Oriented Policing (COP): Officers build relationships with the community to identify and address underlying issues.

4. Intelligence-Led Policing (ILP): Officers use data and intelligence to target specific crimes and offenders.

5. Problem-Oriented Policing (POP): Officers identify and address specific problems, like noise complaints or drug activity.

Effective Patrol Techniques:

1. Visibility: Officers should be visible and approachable to deter crime and build trust.

2. Proactive Engagement: Officers should engage with the community, ask questions, and gather information.

3. Situational Awareness: Officers should be aware of their surroundings and potential threats.

4. Adaptability: Officers should adjust their patrol strategies based on changing circumstances.

5. Technology: Officers should leverage technology, like mobile data terminals and body-worn cameras, to enhance their patrols.

Challenges and Controversies:

1. Resource Allocation: Limited resources can make it difficult to maintain effective patrols.

2. Community Relations: Tensions between law enforcement and the community can impact patrol effectiveness.

3. Officer Safety: Patrol officers often face dangerous situations and must prioritize their safety.

4. Privacy Concerns: The use of technology, like surveillance cameras, raises privacy concerns.

5. Accountability: Officers must be held accountable for their actions during patrols to maintain trust and ensure justice.

Additional Points and Reminders on Effective Patrol Strategies:

1. Know your beat: Familiarize yourself with the area, including crime hotspots, community concerns, and local businesses.

2. Stay alert and observant: Continuously scan your surroundings, paying attention to suspicious behavior, vehicle traffic, and potential hazards.

3. Build community relationships: Engage with locals, listen to their concerns, and provide helpful information to build trust and gather intelligence.

4. Use all senses: Don't just rely on sight; listen for unusual sounds, notice unusual smells, and trust your instincts.

5. Be proactive: Anticipate potential problems, intervene early, and take initiative to prevent crimes.

6. Stay mobile: Vary your patrol routes and times to avoid predictability.

7. Use technology: Leverage tools like mobile data terminals, license plate readers, and body-worn cameras to enhance your patrol.

8. Prioritize situational awareness: Continuously assess your environment and potential threats.

9. Stay fit and prepared: Maintain physical fitness and ensure your equipment is in good working order.

10. De-escalation techniques: Use communication skills and crisis resolution training to diffuse tense situations.

11. Document thoroughly: Accurately record incidents, observations, and interactions.

12. Collaborate with colleagues: Share intelligence and coordinate efforts to maximize effectiveness.

13. Stay up-to-date: Continuously update your knowledge of laws, policies, and procedures.

14. Use cover and concealment: Utilize the environment to your advantage, using cover and concealment to stay safe.

15. Trust your instincts: If a situation feels off, trust your instincts and take appropriate action.