In the Scanning stage of SARA, what happens?

• A. Identify the problem and gather data.
• B. Develop a plan of action to eliminate the problem.
• C. Measure results and adjust the strategy.
• D. Engage the community in the analysis phase.

Answer: (A)

In the Scanning stage, the focus is on spotting and defining the problem through data. Officers review sources like calls for service, crime statistics, reports, and community concerns to look for patterns, determine where and when the issue happens, and identify who is affected. This step establishes whether there’s a recurring problem that warrants a problem-solving approach and sets up the information needed for deeper analysis.

That’s why identifying the problem and gathering data best fits Scanning. The other actions belong to later steps: developing a plan of action to eliminate the problem comes in the Response phase, measuring results and adjusting the strategy occurs in Assessment, and engaging the community in the analysis phase is part of Analysis.