What is an example of a proactive policing strategy?

A proactive policing strategy focuses on prevention and aims to deter criminal activity before it occurs rather than simply responding to incidents after they have happened. Increasing patrols in high-crime areas serves as a clear example of this approach. By enhancing police presence in locations where crime is more likely to occur, law enforcement can deter potential offenders and reassure the community, thereby reducing the likelihood of crimes happening in those areas.

This strategy is grounded in the idea that visible police presence can act as a deterrent, as potential criminals may think twice about committing a crime if they know that law enforcement is actively monitoring the area. It also fosters community-police partnerships and can lead to increased reporting of potential criminal activity, helping to address issues before they escalate.

In contrast, simply increasing daytime patrols in wealthy neighborhoods focuses on a specific demographic rather than addressing areas with higher crime rates. Conducting traffic stops randomly does not align with the proactive intent since it serves more to react to infractions rather than prevent crime. Finally, waiting for crimes to occur before responding is inherently reactive and does not involve any preventative measures whatsoever.