In the Team Oriented Policing model, what are the key benefits of permanent zone assignments?

• A. Expanded patrols without community involvement
• B. Information sharing and familiarity with the community
• C. Less information sharing due to siloed teams
• D. More reactive than proactive policing

Answer: (B)

Permanent zone assignments work because they let officers develop sustained relationships with people and places in their area. When officers stay in the same neighborhood, they learn the routines, key individuals, recurring problems, and the overall context, which makes it easier for residents, business owners, and schools to share information openly. That continuous flow of information helps officers spot patterns early, coordinate with community partners, and address issues before they escalate. In short, this approach strengthens information sharing and builds familiarity with the community, supporting proactive rather than purely reactive policing. The other options clash with this idea: expanding patrols without community involvement misses the partnership piece; siloed teams hinder information sharing; and being more reactive contradicts the proactive, relationship-based focus of permanent assignments.