Which of the following is one of the 12 elements of community policing?

• A. Peace officers who are a service to the community
• B. Compartmentalized specialization with narrow duties
• C. Reactive policing only
• D. Centralized command with no accountability

Answer: (A)

Community policing emphasizes officers being a service to the community—accessible, helpful, and engaged in solving problems with residents. This service-oriented mindset is foundational to building trust, fostering partnerships, and working proactively to address underlying issues rather than just responding to crime after it happens. The option describing peace officers who are a service to the community fits this approach best, because it reflects officers who orient their role around helping people and collaborating with the community.

The other descriptions point to a more traditional or dysfunctional policing model: narrow, isolated duties; only reactive policing; or a centralized structure with no accountability. Those elements clash with the community policing emphasis on collaboration, proactive problem-solving, and accountability.