Which patrol pattern is used most often by police?

• A. Random/sporadic
• B. Fixed patrol
• C. Circular
• D. Grid

Answer: (A)

Unpredictability in patrol presence is the key idea. Patrols that vary in location and timing discourage criminals from learning a routine, making it harder for them to predict where an officer will be. This randomness increases deterrence and helps cover different areas over time. Fixed, circular, or grid patterns produce predictable routes and timing that savvy offenders can map out, which reduces their effectiveness as a deterrent. So, random or sporadic patrols are used most often to keep police presence unpredictable and responsive, rather than following a predictable schedule.