Prepare a traceable assignment
Read the Briefing Board state before sending the unit. Keep a local note of the case and named resources so a later report can identify the assignment rather than only saying that a patrol vanished.
Check the return path
#7 addressed collisions between returning patrols. #13 described a limited near-garage return workaround, while #17 added missing-vehicle corrections and a future garage-return failsafe. Inspect both the garage and the board before creating a new assignment.
Keep ghost patrols separate
#20 addresses new occurrences but explicitly leaves cleanup of existing affected saves ongoing. Do not promise that updating automatically repairs an older empty assignment, and do not advise destructive save editing.
Patch evidence
Updated . Historical demonstrations retain their original dates; a patch label is not a numeric build ID.
Frequently asked questions
Will patch #20 remove an old ghost patrol?
The note distinguishes preventing new occurrences from cleaning affected older saves. Existing ghost patrols remain under monitoring; automatic recovery is not promised.