Which of the following is an element of an effective patrol?

• A. Follow procedures exactly
• B. Look for irregularities
• C. Move quickly through hallways
• D. Focus only on alarms

Answer: (B)

An effective patrol hinges on constant vigilance and the ability to notice deviations from the norm. The key element is looking for irregularities—things that don’t fit the usual patterns, such as unattended items, doors left open, unusual activity, or someone lingering in a restricted area. This proactive observation enables early detection and a quicker, more effective response to potential threats or safety issues.

While following procedures is important, rigidly doing everything by the book can limit situational awareness when conditions change. Moving quickly through hallways might cover more ground but often reduces the time you have to observe details. Focusing only on alarms narrows your view and can cause you to miss important context or indicators. So, actively scanning for irregularities best supports a patrol’s purpose: spotting issues early and responding appropriately.