What is preventive policing?

Preventive policing refers to proactive strategies and techniques adopted by law enforcement agencies to prevent crime before it occurs. This approach is centered on identifying and addressing potential criminal activities and the underlying social conditions that may contribute to crime. By focusing on crime prevention, law enforcement aims to deter criminal behavior, improve public safety, and foster a sense of security within the community.

The essence of preventive policing lies in its ability to anticipate and mitigate risks associated with crime, often through community engagement, education, and various forms of intervention tailored to specific contexts. This can involve collaboration with community members, mobilizing resources, and implementing programs that target at-risk populations or locations that are prone to criminal activity.

While other options discuss various aspects of policing, such as rehabilitation, solving crimes post-incident, or enhancing community relations, they do not capture the proactive nature of preventing crime that is fundamentally central to preventive policing.