Optimal scheduling for police patrol duties

In recent years, governmental agencies have issued various types of information about criminal activity. The police department can strengthen crime prevention in high-crime areas by mapping hotspots. However, a shortage of manpower can make it difficult to set up adequate patrol schedules. To overcome this lack of systematic planning, this study utilizes a mathematical programming method to construct both individual and integrated planning models designed to satisfy practical patrol requirements in individual areas and to consider the integration of patrol areas through coordination between police stations, with the objective of minimizing total officer patrol time. To evaluate the performance of both models, a case study is examined and sensitivity analysis is performed based upon real data obtained from a local police department. The results show that the integrated planning model significantly outperforms the individual planning model. These models and results can be useful references for police patrol planning.