Which term describes policing that analyzes underlying causes to prevent crime?

• A. Community Oriented Policing
• B. Problem Oriented Policing
• C. Exclusionary Rule
• D. Threshold Reasoning

Answer: (B)

This describes focusing on the root causes of crime and taking proactive steps to prevent it. Problem-Oriented Policing centers on identifying the underlying problems that generate crime or disorder, analyzing why they persist, and then designing targeted interventions to reduce or eliminate them. It often uses the SARA approach—Scanning, Analysis, Response, and Assessment—to understand patterns (like repeated burglaries in a neighborhood), figure out contributing factors (such as poor lighting, lack of guardianship, or opportunities for theft), and implement specific fixes (improved lighting, targeted patrols, or community partnerships) with follow-up to see if crime decreases.

Community Oriented Policing, by contrast, emphasizes building relationships and partnerships with the community to address concerns, which is related but not defined by the problem-analysis and preventative actions that tackle root causes. The Exclusionary Rule and Threshold Reasoning aren’t about preventing crime through root-cause analysis.