Which term best describes policing that centers on collaborating with the community to prevent crime by addressing underlying social issues?

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

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is that true crime prevention comes from working with the public to address conditions that allow crime to occur. This describes community policing, which treats partnerships with residents, businesses, and social services as a central tool for preventing crime. By collaborating to identify recurring problems—like unsafe neighborhoods, youth disengagement, or substance abuse—and implementing joint solutions, police can reduce opportunities for crime and build trust with the community. Traditional policing tends to be reactive and enforcement-focused, problem-oriented policing concentrates on analyzing and solving specific problems (often with analysis and targeted interventions) but not always through broad, ongoing community partnerships, and tactical policing prioritizes rapid, specialized operations over long-term community engagement.