Location-allocation models for the traffic police routine patrol vehicles on an interurban network

Covering a road network within a pre-specified time frame is the primary objective of any emergency service, including ambulances, firefighters and police. This research investigates the traffic police routine patrol vehicle assignment problem on an interurban road network. The difference between this and other emergency services is the need to consider additional requirements beyond the calls for service. The patrol vehicles must be dynamically located for presence and conspicuousness, in particular at hazardous spots and on roads with heavy traffic volume, in order to prevent traffic offences. Therefore the location choices are of importance in their own right, providing general benefits beyond that of ensuring that the legal requirements for service coverage are fulfilled. In addition, allocation is of importance and may not follow the shortest path condition, rather a cost-benefit analysis, for example, excessive congestion. We develop integer linear programs and apply them to a case study of the northern part of the interurban road network of Israel, using a geographic information system to map the illustration. Finally, the results of the models are compared and contrasted to the locations currently chosen.