Criminal Justice Practice Exam

A practice where an entire patrol station is instructed to make numerous traffic stops is referred to as ___ patrol.

1. aggressive

2. foot

3. directed

4. preventative

The correct answer is: aggressive

The term "aggressive patrol" refers to a policing strategy where law enforcement officers are instructed to conduct a high volume of traffic stops within a specific timeframe or area. This approach aims to deter crime and enhance police visibility and interaction with the community. The philosophy behind aggressive patrol is that by increasing the number of police encounters with the public on the roads, officers can potentially discover illegal activities, enforce traffic laws, and address other concerns such as driver behavior and safety on the roadways. In contrast, foot patrol involves officers patrolling on foot, often in neighborhoods, to foster community relations and deter crime through a visible presence. Directed patrol relates to focusing police efforts on specific areas or activities based on intelligence or crime trends, rather than a blanket increase in traffic stops. Preventative patrol generally refers to routine patrols designed to prevent crime through visibility and deterrence, but without the focused intensity and volume of stops characteristic of aggressive patrol strategies. Thus, "aggressive patrol" specifically captures the essence of prompting numerous traffic stops as part of a concerted law enforcement effort.