Lesson 1Foot, vehicle, and mixed-mode patrol tacticsThis section contrasts tactics for foot, vehicle, and combined patrols. Participants will choose approaches based on landscape, danger, and objectives, and manage dismounts, drop-offs, and backups to enhance coverage whilst upholding safety and discretion.
Foot patrol formations and spacingVehicle convoy and spacing rulesDismount and pick-up proceduresMixed-mode coverage of large areasTactics for rapid response patrolsLesson 2Route selection: covering patrol trails, outposts, entrance gate, high-value habitat, and access roadsThis section explores selecting and ranking patrol routes over paths, outposts, gates, habitats, and access roads. Participants will weigh coverage, risk, terrain, and duration to create routes that discourage threats and shield vital resources.
Mapping trails and fixed outpostsSecuring entrance gates and checkpointsProtecting high-value wildlife habitatMonitoring access and logging roadsBalancing coverage, risk, and timeLesson 3Designing daily and nightly patrol schedules for a 7-day cycleThis section assists in developing feasible 7-day patrol schedules for daytime and nighttime. It includes shift planning, rest periods, route and role rotations, and incorporating intelligence and community happenings into weekly patrol arrangements.
Defining patrol objectives per weekDay versus night shift structuringRotating routes and ranger rolesIntegrating intel and local eventsReviewing and adjusting schedulesLesson 4Navigation and route recording: waypoint logging, trackback, map annotationThis section imparts practical navigation and route logging with GPS and maps. Participants will record waypoints, save tracks, employ trackback, and mark maps to chronicle patrols, bolster evidence, and refine future route strategies.
Waypoint naming and categorisationRecording and saving patrol tracksUsing trackback to retrace routesAnnotating paper and digital mapsExporting data for reports and casesLesson 5Patrol frequency models: continuous, randomisation, hotspot-focusedThis section clarifies designing patrol frequency patterns to deter criminals and address hotspots. Participants will evaluate continuous, randomised, and hotspot-oriented models and merge them to suit threat intensities and available resources.
Continuous coverage model basicsRandomised patrol timing methodsHotspot-focused deployment plansAdapting models to seasonal threatsEvaluating deterrence effectivenessLesson 6Using simple tech: handheld GPS, VHF/UHF radios, camera traps placement and maintenance, acoustic sensors, drone employment principles if permittedThis section introduces practical application of GPS, radios, camera traps, acoustic sensors, and drones where authorised. Participants will implement straightforward, dependable processes for setup, upkeep, data management, and secure, compliant field usage.
Handheld GPS setup and field useVHF/UHF radio discipline basicsCamera trap placement and servicingAcoustic sensor roles and limitsDrone employment rules and safetyLesson 7Basic patrol equipment checklist: PPE, lights, radios, GPS, first aid, evidence collection kitThis section specifies essential patrol kit, emphasising PPE, illumination, communications, navigation, first aid, and evidence implements. Participants will check preparedness, pack effectively, and service equipment to facilitate secure, legal field activities.
Core PPE for forest patrol dutiesRadio, GPS, and lighting essentialsFirst aid kit contents and layoutEvidence collection kit and sealsPre-departure inspection routineLesson 8Night operations: movement discipline, use of lights, thermal/IR basic conceptsThis section readies rangers for secure, unobtrusive night patrols. It addresses movement control, noise and light management, fundamental thermal and IR principles, and modifying tactics for poor visibility whilst minimising risks to rangers, wildlife, and civilians.
Noise, spacing, and hand signalsUse of white, red, and dimmed lightsAvoiding backlighting and silhouettesBasics of thermal and IR detectionNight risk assessment and abort criteriaLesson 9Patrol team composition: optimal ranger numbers, pairing, lead roles, liaison with policeThis section elucidates structuring patrol teams, allocating leadership, and outlining roles. It encompasses ideal team sizes, pairing methods, task specialisation, and coordination protocols with police and other security collaborators.
Determining optimal team sizeLead ranger and second-in-commandTracker, medic, and radio operator rolesPairing strategies for safetyLiaison procedures with police units
