Which policing approach requires police and citizens to partner in identifying and solving the causes of crime?

• A. Community policing
• B. Traditional policing
• C. Problem-oriented policing
• D. Tactical

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is community policing, which treats the public as a partner in identifying and solving crime and its underlying causes. In this approach, police and community members work together to understand local problems, share information, and develop solutions that address root conditions—like violence hotspots, lack of opportunities, or poor neighborhood cohesion—not just to respond after crimes occur. It involves ongoing trust-building, open lines of communication, and joint decision-making, often through regular meetings, neighborhood partnerships, and visible, problem-solving leadership. This contrasts with traditional policing, which tends to be reactive and enforcement-focused; problem-oriented policing emphasizes analyzing specific problems and crafting targeted interventions, sometimes led primarily by police; and tactical approaches center on rapid enforcement and operations without the sustained community collaboration that characterizes partnership-based strategies.