ONE IN THE CHAMBER

It’s all part of being patrol ready

With thousands of Vehicle Codes, Health and Safety Codes and Penal Codes, patrol officers must be able to access an enormous amount of information at a moment’s notice. I work in a very busy city. I am continuously measuring the priority of handling calls for service, submitting reports, conducting follow-up investigations and proactively initiating contacts. Of these, my favorite function is self-initiating contacts such as traffic stops and pedestrian stops. So far, the best tool I have in my gear bag for this is the TacBook, because I can review particular laws and initiate a stop within seconds. I have step-by-step DUI procedures at the ready, for example. It is color-coded and numerically organized so when I see a good stop, I can find the applicable probable cause and make the stop with no time wasted. The TacBook is how I get to enjoy the best parts of police work and still get my reports in on time. Like keeping one in the chamber, keep this in your back pocket; its all part of being Patrol Ready. – Marcus