In the context of community policing, which statement best describes proactive policing?

• A. Proactive responds to incidents after they occur
• B. Proactive engages with community to prevent crime and address underlying issues
• C. Reactive policing is unrelated to community partnerships
• D. Proactive reduces the need for partnerships

Answer: (B)

Proactive policing in community policing means taking initiative with the community to prevent crime and solve problems before incidents occur. It focuses on building trust and collaboration, working with residents, businesses, schools, and local organizations to address underlying issues that contribute to crime—such as lighting, housing, youth opportunities, and social services—so the neighborhood stays safer over time.

That makes the statement describing proactive policing the best fit: it emphasizes engaging with the community to prevent crime and to address root causes, not simply reacting after something happens.

The other ideas miss the mark because they describe reacting after incidents, or imply partnerships aren’t needed, or suggest reactive approaches are unrelated to working with the community. In proactive policing, partnerships are essential to identify problems early and create lasting solutions.