Acting as a rapid response policing force in urban settings, patrol troopers were a specialized type of Galactic Empire stormtrooper, essentially the urban counterpart to the scout trooper. As the Empire solidified its control over planets throughout the galaxy, stormtroopers gradually supplemented and ultimately fully replaced local defense forces. Patrol troopers used swift C-PH patrol speeder bikes to traverse the extensive settlements and cities while policing the streets, and they carried EC-17 hold-out blasters as their standard weapon.
By the year 13 BBY, patrol troopers were operating in Coronet City on the planet Corellia. In one instance, a patrol trooper observed Han Solo and his partner, Qi'ra, speeding away in their M-68 landspeeder while being chased by an A-A4B truckspeeder piloted by Moloch, a gangster from the White Worms. The trooper initiated a pursuit of the two landspeeders on his C-PH patrol speeder bike; however, the pursued individuals managed to escape when the trooper crashed his speeder soon after.
In 9 BBY, patrol troopers, including a checkpoint officer, were stationed across Level 2046 of Coruscant. Several patrol troopers met their death at the hands of Cal Kestis, a Jedi Knight, during his mission on Coruscant.
The patrol trooper's armor incorporated a range of advanced technologies designed to enable them to perform their duties within the expansive urban environments of the Galactic Empire. Notably, their helmets featured a larger dome, providing access to enhanced imaging electronics, and the armor's overall design, which bore similarities to that of scout troopers, allowed for greater mobility compared to standard stormtrooper armor. Furthermore, they received real-time traffic updates, construction information, and details on other potential obstacles from their headquarters through an in-helmet connection, which helped them navigate the often-congested urban landscapes. Patrol stormtroopers were equipped with EC-17 hold-out blasters and utilized the C-PH patrol speeder bike. Some patrol troopers also carried an electro riot baton and riot shield. Similar to other Stormtrooper Commanders, patrol trooper officers wore a pauldron.
The patrol trooper originated in Solo: A Star Wars Story, which was written by Lawrence Kasdan and Jon Kasdan and directed by Ron Howard. As one of several new stormtrooper designs created for the film, it received a Black Series figure and a LEGO Battle Pack despite its limited screen time. They later reappeared as enemies in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.