Which patrol type is most associated with deterrence by visible police presence?

Which patrol type is most associated with deterrence by visible police presence?

• A. Random
• B. Proactive
• C. Selective
• D. Preventative

Answer: (D)

Deterrence through visible presence relies on officers being highly visible in the community to create the impression that crime will be noticed and stopped. Preventive patrol is the patrol type designed to keep officers visible across the beat, using that constant presence to discourage potential offenders. The idea is that people think twice about committing offenses when they believe they’re likely to encounter an officer. While random patrol aims for unpredictability, proactive patrol targets initiative and response to crime, and selective patrol focuses on specific problems. Among these, preventive patrol best embodies deterrence by visible police presence.

Deterrence through visible presence relies on officers being highly visible in the community to create the impression that crime will be noticed and stopped. Preventive patrol is the patrol type designed to keep officers visible across the beat, using that constant presence to discourage potential offenders. The idea is that people think twice about committing offenses when they believe they’re likely to encounter an officer. While random patrol aims for unpredictability, proactive patrol targets initiative and response to crime, and selective patrol focuses on specific problems. Among these, preventive patrol best embodies deterrence by visible police presence.