Foot Beat...

[aikido kid]

Questions for all you street coppers out there, LITERALLY.

Does anyone still walk their beat? I mean, your regular assignment has you walking a beat. And I don't mean, drive a patrol car someplace and park it. I mean you're walking...

Well, I do. There's something about walking down the sidewalk after dark with my stick out twirling it around. Make you feel like a police man in the old fashion kinda way.

I gotta work on my Irish accent. . .

"I need 2 sets of numbers."

"ok officer, what's your car number?"

"haha, size 10 in a half."

[redbird07]

My beat comprises 1/3 of the county, so NO I dont walk my beat.

[Kieth M.]

Today, even our footbeat units usually drive.

I started out walking a beat, downtown on Skid Row, 30 years ago. About four years ago, as a patrol sergeant, I made a decision to pull my hat out of my locker, put it on, and walk for at least one hour of my 12 hour shift. Since I had no partner, I stayed on the sidewalks, always visible to passing black and whites. I wouldn't penetrate any park or building without advising communications.

You, and your bosses, may be very surprised by the response that you get from local business owners. Good luck.

[aikido kid]

yeah, a lot of people are surprised to see a cop walking by when they're standing on a corner waiting for a bus or whatever. I did it for a few months a little while ago, then I bidded out to another shift, but now I'm back.

[taz1802]

My "Beat" is a Community College Campus.

I do alot of walking, in and around the buildings, visit the smoking areas, down to the outdoor basketball court, and occassionally to the aquacenter ponds.

I like the idea of community policing, meeting and talking with the kids and adults who attend the College. Get a feel of what's going on (they know each other better than I do). As I do my "rounds" try and talk to everyone I meet, even if they don't want to talk to me. (that's the fun part hehehe ). Make myself visible to these people.

Don't do it 100% of the time (weather gets real hot). Great weight loss program (hmmm although I haven't lost much lol)