Which step in the SARA model involves a thorough examination of the problem to determine root causes?

• A. Scanning
• B. Assessment
• C. Analysis
• D. Response

Answer: (C)

The step being tested is the analysis phase, the diagnostic part of SARA. This is where you move beyond just noticing that a problem exists and dive into why it’s happening. Analysts gather and review data from calls for service, crime trends, community input, and field observations to identify patterns and, crucially, root causes and contributing factors. The goal is to translate what’s happening into a clear, causal understanding so you can design interventions that target the underlying issues, not just the symptoms.

Scouting for problems happens first, to spot where issues are occurring. After analysis, you craft and implement responses to address the identified causes, and then you assess the impact of those responses to see if the problem improved and what adjustments are needed.