Police Sergeant Practice Exam

Which of the following does NOT characterize traditional policing?

1. Crime prevention through social programs

2. Reactive responses to incidents

3. Patrol strategies for deterrence

4. Laws enforcement through visibility

The correct answer is: Crime prevention through social programs

The characteristic that does not align with traditional policing is crime prevention through social programs. Traditional policing primarily focuses on responding to crimes after they occur, rather than proactively preventing them through community-based initiatives. In traditional policing, the emphasis is largely on enforcing laws, maintaining order, and reacting to incidents as they happen. This often manifests in patrol strategies aimed at deterring crime through a visible police presence, where officers patrol neighborhoods or specific areas to prevent criminal activities. The approach is typically reactive, meaning that police respond to incidents rather than working to prevent them through engagement with the community or social initiatives. In contrast, crime prevention through social programs is more representative of community policing or modern policing strategies, which seek to address the root causes of crime by fostering community involvement, enhancing social services, and implementing programs designed to mitigate factors that lead to criminal behavior. This proactive approach is a departure from traditional models, focusing instead on building relationships and partnerships within the community.