Which statement about crime control and public support is accurate?

• A. Given appropriate resources, the police can control crime without public support.
• B. Public support is unnecessary if resources are available.
• C. With adequate resources, public support remains essential for effective crime control.
• D. Public support never influences crime control outcomes.

Answer: (C)

Effectiveness in crime control hinges on both having adequate resources and securing public support. Resources such as personnel, equipment, and training enable police to investigate, deter, and respond, but without public support—trust, legitimacy, and cooperation—the impact of those resources is undermined. When communities view policing as fair and legitimate, people are more likely to report crimes, provide tips, and cooperate with investigations, which boosts the accuracy and speed of enforcement. This cooperation helps convert available resources into real reductions in crime. So, even with ample resources, public support remains essential for achieving effective crime control. The other views overlook how legitimacy and community cooperation amplify or sustain enforcement efforts, making them incomplete descriptions of how crime control works in practice.