Which statement best defines selective patrol?

Which statement best defines selective patrol?

• A. Deals with broad, street-level patrols across all areas.
• B. Deals with specific violations or circumstances and is basically reactive.
• C. Proactively seeks out potential crime before it occurs.
• D. Is used only during emergencies.

Answer: (B)

Selective patrol focuses resources on particular problems—specific violations, places, or times—based on information about where issues tend to occur. It’s a reactive approach: officers respond to incidents or conditions as they arise rather than trying to blanket all areas with equal, continuous presence. This contrasts with broad patrol, which covers all areas more generally, and with proactive patrol, which aims to prevent crimes before they happen. It’s not limited to emergencies, but applied routinely to address known issues.

Selective patrol focuses resources on particular problems—specific violations, places, or times—based on information about where issues tend to occur. It’s a reactive approach: officers respond to incidents or conditions as they arise rather than trying to blanket all areas with equal, continuous presence. This contrasts with broad patrol, which covers all areas more generally, and with proactive patrol, which aims to prevent crimes before they happen. It’s not limited to emergencies, but applied routinely to address known issues.