The main and primary purpose of a patrol is:

• A. To maximize surveillance time
• B. To train staff
• C. To deter crime and observe and report
• D. To collect tolls

Answer: (C)

The main idea behind patrolling is to deter crime and to observe conditions and report any issues. The visible presence of a patrol makes potential offenders think twice, reducing opportunities for crime. While patrolling, continually scanning for hazards, security breaches, or changes in the environment allows you to detect problems early. Reporting ensures that incidents, anomalies, or maintenance needs are documented and can be addressed promptly, helping to keep people and property safe. The other options miss the core purpose: maximizing time spent surveilling isn’t the goal, training staff is a separate duty, and collecting tolls isn’t part of security patrols.