An Examination of Calls for Service Handled by Single- Versus Double-Crewed Patrol Units in Oakland, California

Many police agencies deploy their patrol officers in single-crewed (i.e., one-officer) units. Some police agencies, especially large agencies, deploy their patrol officers in double-crewed (i.e., two-officer) units. Little difference exists among the call-related output (e.g., number of calls for service handled, time on-scene at calls for service, etc.) of patrol units by crewed status. Potential differences may exist, though, in the seriousness of calls for service handled by patrol units. Calls for service data present unique opportunities to retrospectively explore patrol officer activity, however these data exhibit limitations that must be acknowledged when used as part of research projects.