What is meant by 'proactive vs. reactive' policing?

The concept of 'proactive vs. reactive' policing is essential in understanding law enforcement strategies. Proactive policing involves anticipating and addressing potential issues before they escalate into more significant problems. This can include community engagement, crime prevention initiatives, and the use of intelligence to thwart criminal activity. By being proactive, law enforcement can work to prevent crimes before they happen, thus contributing to overall community safety.

In contrast, reactive policing is characterized by responding to incidents after they occur, often based on citizen complaints or reports. This type of approach focuses on addressing issues that have already manifested rather than taking preemptive measures.

The choice that explains this distinction effectively emphasizes the anticipatory nature of proactive policing and the responsive nature of reactive policing, thus illustrating the differences in overall strategy and philosophy in law enforcement practices.