Which statement about using analytical inquiry in problem solving is true?

• A. The key to problem solving in a community policing environment involves an analytical inquiry before devising solutions.
• B. Community problem solving is consistent with traditional incident-driven policing.
• C. An assessment (evaluation) should not be conducted until all aspects of response implementation are complete.
• D. To be effective, responses to a problem must impact all three sides of the problem analysis triangle.

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is that problem solving in a community policing framework relies on a thorough, data-driven analytical inquiry before deciding on and implementing solutions. This approach means you start by collecting and analyzing information about the problem—what, where, when, who is affected, and why it’s happening—so you can target interventions effectively and avoid just reacting to symptoms. That’s why the statement is true: it emphasizes conducting the analytical inquiry first, which guides what actions will actually address the root causes and fit the community’s needs.

Contrast helps clarify why the other statements aren’t correct. Traditional incident-driven policing tends to focus on responding to events after they occur, rather than building solutions from a solid analysis of underlying causes, which makes that option inconsistent with a problem-solving, analytical approach. Evaluation should be an ongoing part of the process—collecting feedback and assessing impact during and after implementation—not something saved until everything is finished. And while addressing all elements of the problem analysis triangle can be beneficial, the core idea of analytical inquiry is about structuring the problem-solving process through analysis first, rather than asserting that every response must touch every part of the triangle.