What is reactive patrol? How does reactive patrol differ between proactive patrol? What would happen if policing agencies adopted just one of the previously mentioned patrol styles? Reactive patrol is when a law enforcement officer/s responds to certain requests from a citizen in the community which requires an immediate response to a distress call and follow-up on investigations. Law officers perform reactive patrol on a constant basis by inspecting their particular area through out their shift. To be reactive means that no action can occur without through out their shift