DP is defined as a preplanned police activity or service scheduled for completion by a field officer detached from other assignments. DP characteristics mentioned include confinement to special tasks requiring 1-3 hours to complete, which contrasts with the more lengthy tasks routinely conducted by special units. The three basic police methods of responding to problem situations (special units, task forces, directed patrol) are compared according to the quality and quantity of tasks per formed; the overall value of DP is shown to be irrefutable because of the increased number of tasks performed at no extra cost. Improved patrol skills and job satisfaction are shown to be additional benefits of DP. The three major DP components discussed are the DP request, the patrol task schedule, and the DP reporting system. Management standards for DP are discussed; these serve as a management guide to preapproved responses to DP assignments. Examples of DP assignment categories and management standards are listed; DP for juvenile problems is addressed; and management standards for juvenile DP's are described in the areas of prevention, protection, positive contact, enforcement, and intelligence. Appendixes contain DP request forms, worksheets, and patrol task schedules; provide DP request formats; and list resource persons for DP.