What distinguishes proactive policing from reactive policing?

Proactive policing is characterized by strategies and actions that aim to prevent crime before it occurs, distinguishing it from reactive policing, which typically involves responding to incidents after they have already happened. The essence of proactive policing lies in preventing criminal activity through methods such as community engagement, intelligence gathering, and ongoing monitoring of crime trends to anticipate and mitigate potential issues. This approach focuses on building safer communities by addressing underlying problems before they escalate into criminal acts.

In contrast, reactive policing primarily responds to crimes after they are reported or discovered. This means that officers generally act once a crime has been committed, making it a response-driven approach rather than one looking to prevent crime outright. By emphasizing prevention, proactive policing seeks to reduce the likelihood of crimes and enhance community trust and relations.