What is the goal of proactive policing?

• A. To react to crimes after they have occurred
• B. To prevent crime before it happens
• C. To minimize police presence in communities
• D. To collect community feedback

Answer: (B)

The goal of proactive policing is to prevent crime before it happens. This approach emphasizes anticipating and addressing potential crime-related issues before they escalate, rather than solely responding to incidents after they occur. Proactive policing strategies may include community engagement, crime analysis, and targeted patrols in areas identified as high-risk for criminal activity. By focusing on prevention, law enforcement aims to reduce the overall occurrence of crime and enhance community safety, fostering a positive environment for residents and helping to build trust between the police and the community. This method is contrasted with reactive policing, which primarily deals with incidents after they have happened.