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

Which of the following is an example of a directed patrol strategy?

1. Patrolling randomly throughout a city

2. Focusing on areas with a high incidence of crime

3. Conducting community outreach programs

4. Chasing a suspect who fled

The correct answer is: Focusing on areas with a high incidence of crime

Focusing on areas with a high incidence of crime exemplifies a directed patrol strategy because this approach is designed to allocate law enforcement resources more efficiently by targeting specific locations where crime is more prevalent. By concentrating efforts in these high-crime areas, officers can deter criminal activity, respond more quickly to incidents, and engage in proactive measures that address underlying issues leading to crime. This method enhances the effectiveness of policing by using data-driven insights to inform patrol patterns instead of relying on random or broad-based tactics, ultimately leading to a more strategic and impactful presence in communities.