Prepare for the Criminal Justice Test with our study materials. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Ace your exam confidently!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


Which of the following actions is primarily emphasized in proactive policing measures?

  1. reacting to crimes after they occur

  2. developing community programs to reduce crime

  3. increasing penalties for criminals

  4. reducing traffic stops to focus on serious crimes

The correct answer is: developing community programs to reduce crime

Proactive policing measures focus on preventing crime before it occurs rather than simply responding to incidents after they have happened. Developing community programs to reduce crime plays a crucial role in this approach. Such programs often involve community engagement, education, and collaboration with local organizations to address the root causes of crime. By fostering strong relationships between law enforcement and the community, proactive measures aim to deter criminal activity, promote public safety, and encourage residents to take an active role in crime prevention. In contrast, simply reacting to crimes after they occur is characteristic of reactive policing, which can lead to a cycle of crime without addressing underlying issues. Increasing penalties for criminals may deter some offenses but does not actively prevent crime from happening in the first place. Lastly, reducing traffic stops to focus on serious crimes does not inherently support proactive strategies; it may merely shift focus without enhancing preventive measures. Therefore, the emphasis on community programs is integral to a successful proactive policing strategy.