Patrol frequency describes how many times per shift, night, or week a mobile patrol officer checks a given property — for example, four checks per night versus one.
Higher frequency generally increases the deterrent effect and the chance of catching an incident in progress, but also increases cost since it consumes more of a shared patrol route's available time; boards and owners typically balance frequency against budget and observed incident patterns.
Randomizing the timing of visits within a frequency target, rather than patrolling on a fixed predictable schedule, is a common best practice to prevent people from learning and exploiting a routine.
Related entries
Official sources
- [1]CPTED GuidebookDOJ COPS Office
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General industry and regulatory usage — not legal advice, and not an endorsement by BSIS, the Department of Consumer Affairs, or any law-enforcement agency. Statutes, regulations, and local ordinances change; verify current text at the official government source or with your attorney.