Random Patrol Scheduling Under Operational Constraints

Abstract

Random patrol scheduling is somewhat unique as an area of scheduling because it introduces uncertainty rather than avoid it or merely live with it. The purpose of the randomness is to make the patrols more unpredictable and hopefully more effective. However, certain practical constraints related to sensible use of patrol equipment and the ways in which police patrols operate need to be considered before random patrol scheduling can be considered for actual use. This paper describes the utilization of simulation to determine how well the random patrol of a network can be effected in the absence or modification of some of the theoretical requisites for random patrol.