Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

What is a common characteristic of selective enforcement in law enforcement?

1. Patrolling high crime areas for general security

2. Targeting specific traffic violations

3. Conducting random checks without a focus

4. Maintaining a constant patrol in neighborhoods

The correct answer is: Targeting specific traffic violations

Selective enforcement in law enforcement refers to the practice of focusing on specific laws or types of offenses rather than applying enforcement uniformly across all possible infractions. Targeting specific traffic violations is a prime example of this approach. By concentrating efforts on offenses that are most prevalent or pose a significant danger to public safety, law enforcement agencies can more effectively allocate resources and achieve greater impact in reducing crime or improving safety within the community. This approach allows law enforcement to address specific issues that might be contributing to a higher crime rate or to particular safety concerns. For instance, if there is a noted increase in speeding violations in a particular area, officers might selectively enforce speed limits there, thereby aiming to change driver behavior and ultimately enhance public safety. In contrast, the other options reflect different enforcement strategies. Patrolling high crime areas for general security denotes a broader, preventative approach, while maintaining a constant patrol in neighborhoods implies a consistent, non-selective presence. Conducting random checks without a focus suggests a more generalized enforcement strategy without the targeting that characterizes selective enforcement. Thus, the focus on specific traffic violations represents the essential aspect of selective enforcement, where law enforcement prioritizes certain issues over others.