What is problem-oriented policing and how does it relate to community policing?

• A. It ignores underlying causes.
• B. A focus on underlying causes of crime and disorder; uses SARA and strong community partnerships to solve problems.
• C. It replaces community policing entirely.
• D. It relies solely on random patrols.

Answer: (B)

Problem-oriented policing is a proactive approach that targets the underlying causes of crime and disorder rather than just reacting to incidents. It uses structured problem-solving steps, especially the SARA method—Scanning to identify problems, Analysis to understand the underlying factors, Response to design targeted interventions, and Assessment to evaluate what works. It also centers on building and using strong partnerships with the community and other stakeholders to implement lasting solutions.

This fits within community policing because that approach emphasizes collaboration with residents to improve safety and quality of life. Problem-oriented policing provides a concrete, evidence-based way to address the issues the community raises, by analyzing root causes and working with partners to implement and assess solutions.

That’s why this answer is best: it clearly describes focusing on root causes and the use of the SARA framework plus community partnerships, which are defining elements of problem-oriented policing. The other options don’t fit because ignoring underlying causes misses the whole purpose of the approach; replacing community policing is inaccurate since problem-oriented policing operates within and alongside community policing; and relying on random patrols does not involve structured analysis or collaborative problem-solving.