Investigations and arrests that occur after a crime has been committed are categorized as what type of response?

Investigations and arrests that take place following the commission of a crime are categorized as a reactive response. This type of response occurs after an event has happened, meaning that law enforcement is responding to the situation rather than trying to prevent it from happening in the first place. Reactive policing focuses on responding to incidents as they arise, solving crimes, and making arrests based on the evidence and information available once the crime has been reported or discovered.

In contrast, proactive responses would involve actions taken to prevent crime before it happens, such as community outreach programs or patrols in high-crime areas. Preventative approaches seek to deter crime through various strategies aimed at reducing opportunities for criminal activity. Intervention usually refers to actions taken to stop ongoing criminal activity or to assist individuals in crisis situations. Understanding these distinctions is important for law enforcement professionals in effectively managing their responses to crime.