What characterizes 'proactive policing'?

Proactive policing is characterized by strategies aimed at preventing crime before it occurs. This approach emphasizes anticipatory actions and initiatives that focus on identifying and addressing potential risks and issues within communities, rather than simply reacting to criminal incidents after they take place.

Proactive strategies can include community engagement, problem-solving partnerships, and the development of crime prevention programs. The goal is to stop crime before it happens by addressing the underlying factors that contribute to criminal behavior, thereby enhancing community safety and quality of life. This forward-thinking philosophy contrasts with reactive models, which respond to incidents only after they have occurred, often leading to a cycle of crime and response rather than prevention.