How does data-driven policing inform problem solving?

• A. Data is collected but never used to adjust strategies.
• B. Interventions rely on intuition alone without data.
• C. Data identifies problems; targeted interventions are informed by data; results are measured to refine approaches.
• D. Data collection is optional.

Answer: (C)

Data-driven policing hinges on using information to guide every step of solving problems. It begins by identifying problems through analysis of data—crime incidents, calls for service, locations, and times—to understand where and when issues occur. With those insights, it guides targeted interventions tailored to the specific problem, allocating resources and adjusting tactics based on what the data shows works best. After implementing these actions, outcomes are measured to see if the problem improves, and those results feed back into refinements or new strategies.

This is the best description because it captures the full cycle: data reveals the problems, interventions are informed by that data, and results are continually measured to refine approaches. If data weren’t used to adjust strategies, if decisions were based on intuition alone, or if data collection were optional, the approach wouldn’t truly be data-driven.