Which factor is said to support expansion of community policing?

• A. Decreased line officer responsibility.
• B. Increased centralized control.
• C. An increase in line officer responsibility and leadership skill.
• D. Reduced autonomy.

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is that empowering officers on the front lines drives the growth of community policing. When line officers have more responsibility and leadership skills, they can actively engage with the community, identify local problems, and take initiative to design and lead solutions. This frontline authority is essential for building trust, coordinating with residents and partners, and sustaining problem-solving efforts that are core to community policing. Centralized control or reducing officer autonomy would slow or weaken these local, responsive efforts, while simply removing responsibility from officers would remove the very capability that makes community policing work. So, increasing line officer responsibility and leadership is the best fit because it directly enables the collaborative, proactive approach community policing requires.