Which statement about problem-oriented policing emphasizes solving underlying social problems?

• A. Police respond only to reported crimes.
• B. Police focus on general problem solving and social issues.
• C. Police act independently of community input.
• D. Police rely solely on deterrence without engagement.

Answer: (B)

Problem-oriented policing centers on identifying and addressing the underlying social problems that contribute to crime and disorder, rather than simply reacting to incidents. The statement that emphasizes solving those underlying social problems is the one that says police focus on general problem solving and social issues. This captures the essence of POP—working proactively with the community and other agencies to reduce root causes through tailored interventions. In contrast, simply responding to reported crimes is reactive, acting without community input ignores collaboration, and relying only on deterrence without engagement misses the broader effort to solve social problems through partnerships.