Seeing cops patrolling your neighborhood can feel a little disconcerting for anyone, even if you know you’ve done nothing wrong. But if you’d still like to know exactly what they’re looking for when they do, we’ve got you covered. This list reveals 18 things cops commonly look for when they go on patrol.
Suspicious Behavior
One of the most common things officers look out for is any form of suspicious behavior. This includes people looking into windows or cars, loitering, or walking the other way when they see that cops are around. To avoid accidentally causing suspicion, it’s best to go about your normal activities without letting their presence affect your behavior.
Domestic Disputes
It’s essential that cops look out for and respond to any domestic disputes, as this plays a crucial role in preventing severe cases of violence and abuse. However, as noted by CNN, domestic incidents can be extremely dangerous for officers and even lead to a significant number of police deaths, so it’s important that they approach cautiously and keep residents around them safe.
Unfamiliar Vehicles
Because officers often patrol the same neighborhoods regularly, they can get a better idea of which vehicles may be out of place or suspicious. If they see an unfamiliar vehicle alongside other warning signs, they may decide to check it out to make sure nothing unlawful is going on.
Open Doors and Windows
While people often leave their doors and windows open for innocent reasons, this can also be a sign of a burglary or break-in. For this reason, cops will sometimes stop by properties with open doors or windows to make sure the residents and their homes are okay.
Loud Noises or Disturbances
It’s important for officers to be wary of loud noises such as glass breaking, shouting, or gun-like pops, as they may signal criminal issues such as domestic violence, burglaries, or gun violence. It’s also a good idea to report suspicious noises such as these when you hear them, as this can help officers do their job more efficiently.
Known Offenders
Unfortunately, some neighborhoods have a few regular suspects whom officers will recognize as someone who’s committed offenses before. But the good news is that cops will do their best to keep an eye on these individuals and check them out if they see any signs of suspicious activity.
Traffic Violations
Speeding, running stop signs, and other traffic violations are unlawful actions in themselves, but they can also be indicators of more severe crimes. Because of this, cops will often check to make sure the driver isn’t hiding anything else. Drivers may also be stopped if they seem to be acting suspiciously in other ways.
Unattended Packages or Bags
Bags or packages left out in public may simply be forgotten, misplaced, or in the process of being transported. However, it’s good practice for cops to check them out, as they could contain explosives or other dangerous materials. This is why it’s also recommended for citizens to report suspicious items to the police.
Loitering
The Cornell Legal Information Institute defines loitering as “a criminal offense committed when a person remains in the same place or area for no apparent reason.” While this is not always a sign of malicious intent or criminal activity, it can be concerning in certain contexts.
Poorly Lit Areas
Cops are more likely to hang around dark, dim areas because they understand that criminals may be more attracted to these areas. Their presence there can help discourage criminal behavior. However, it’s best to remedy this issue by improving the lighting in these areas, so residents are encouraged to report places that need more light.
Unfamiliar Faces
As mentioned previously, patrolling cops can become pretty well acquainted with the neighborhoods they frequent. This means that they typically recognize residents and can spot unfamiliar faces. While it’s normal for strangers to visit, they may keep an extra close eye on anyone unfamiliar who appears to be acting strangely.
Damaged Property
Property that has been damaged or vandalized often indicates criminal behavior. For this reason, cops will typically stop and investigate these issues, sometimes questioning residents and people nearby about whether they know how or when the damage occurred.
Trespassing
As you’d expect, any signs of trespassing won’t be left unchecked by patrolling cops. Even if the trespassers don’t have any criminal or malicious intent, it’s still important for officers to investigate and make sure nothing more sinister is going on. Citizens are also encouraged to report any trespassing they see.
Drug Activity
According to the CDC, in 2019, about 13% of Americans over the age of 12 engaged in illicit drug use. So, as you’d imagine, this is a fairly common issue cops look out for when they’re on patrol. If there’s a specific location that’s known for drug trafficking, they’ll make regular visits to check it out.
Unregistered or Stolen Vehicles
Another important job cops have to do is investigate any vehicles that could be unregistered or stolen. If they see a car that looks unfamiliar, out of place, or suspicious in any other way, they can perform the necessary checks to figure out whether it may have been involved in a crime.
Public Intoxication
According to the Alcohol Rehab Guide, being drunk significantly increases your likelihood of committing violent crimes. This is why patrolling cops prioritize keeping an eye on people who are intoxicated and rowdy in public places. If things seem to be escalating, they may step in to diffuse the situation.
Prostitution
Prostitution is illegal throughout America, aside from some parts of Nevada. As such, if cops know that certain areas are hotspots for this offense, they’ll check in regularly for anyone who seems to be loitering. They may also interact with people who could be victims to help keep them safe and get them any support they need.
Noise Complaints
While some noise complaints can be fairly trivial, investigating them is important for restoring public order and peace. Noisy areas may also hide more criminal issues that require the officers’ attention, such as underage drinking, illegal drug use, and domestic violence.
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