Optimizing Police Patrol Beats: A Practical Framework for Enhanced Efficiency in Determining the Patrol Beat Borders Using the 'Need for Patrol Presence Score'

Abstract Preventive patrol, integral to modern policing since 1829, faces challenges in optimizing resource allocation. This manuscript proposes a practical strategy for redesigning patrol beats, ensuring balanced workloads and efficient response to calls. Unlike previous models, this approach, named "Need for Patrol Presence Score (NPPS)," integrates evidence-based policing, accounting for call types, priority levels, and risky locations. Using Computer Assisted Dispatch data, the model partitions the jurisdiction into beats, maintaining flexibility for dynamic policing needs. The study explores two beat design algorithms, demonstrating stability through Jaccard indices. Implementation can enhance police response, workload distribution, and community safety, providing a valuable tool for police departments seeking efficient patrol beat structures.