Which patrol type involves patrolling with no fixed pattern to keep criminals unsure of officer location?

• A. Proactive
• B. Preventative
• C. Selective
• D. Random

Answer: (D)

Unpredictability in patrol patterns is used to disrupt criminals’ planning. When officers patrol with no fixed pattern, offenders can’t reliably predict where or when an officer will be, which raises the risk of being spotted or caught. This uncertainty reduces the opportunity for crime and makes choosing targets less appealing. That’s why this patrol approach is described as random patrol—routes and times are varied without a clear routine to keep criminals guessing.

Other patrol approaches have different aims: proactive patrol involves taking initiative to address crime through planned actions; preventative patrol emphasizes a visible, steady presence to deter crime; selective patrol concentrates resources in high-crime areas or times based on data. But none are inherently built on complete unpredictability in pattern like random patrol.