why do cops in some states patrol in two's and others patrol alone?

Two man patrols are definitely safer for both officers. But like other people have said, budget reasons most of the time force officers to ride single in some cars.

Many areas may have single officer patrol cars during the day and afternoon and switch over to two man patrol during the night.

My department, like many other smaller-mid sized departments only does singles unless an officer is in training or some circumstances require two man patrol. It's all about economics and man power, in any given night shift, there is me and four officers working, if I put them two to a car...I only have two cars on patrol.

Not ideal...but it's what we have to work with.

Economics.

It is cheaper to put one cop in a patrol car than it is two. I can spread my limited manpower to cover more patrol territory with one man patrols. It is cheaper to buy an extra patrol car than it is to hire another officer.

Above is the reasoning the bean counters use to justify the dangerous one man patrol.

Like some of the others have stated its really about economics and manpower..

Its cheaper for the municipality to put one officer in a car than it is two...and its cheaper to buy another car than it is to hire, train and equip another officer..

It also has alot to do with manpower and patrol area that has to be covered...

My jurisdiction has always had one man patrols unless you have new officers in training or special assignments that would require two officers...But every officer on our department also has take home vehicles ...

You forgot the ones that prefer to patrol with a dog, than a companion.

Seems the town saves money supporting a dog with all expenses paid and giving it as a pet to the trooper

My boyfriend is a cop in Cleveland, Ohio and they always ride with a partner...Once in a while they ride alone. Thanks to Mayor Jackson, this may be all changing... What a shame... Putting these fine men and women in such a dangerous situation.

This all comes down to money. Of course a monkey can see that it would be safer to pair officers up, but financial resources don't always make that possible in every jurisdiction.

usually in bad neighborhoods they patrol in twos.

Maybe its just some of them fellers is askeered of the dark!!!

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I know the only thing cops are afraid of is a diet book!!!!!

there partners were shot and no money to get new ones yet

It's all about budgets...