What is a primary goal of community-oriented policing (COP)?

A primary goal of community-oriented policing (COP) is to reduce the community's crime rate. This approach emphasizes collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve, aiming to identify and solve problems related to crime and public safety. By working closely with community members, police can better understand the underlying issues that contribute to crime, leading to more effective strategies for prevention and intervention.

Community-oriented policing focuses on building trust and communication between officers and the community, promoting proactive measures rather than reactive responses to crime incidents. This partnership helps create a safer environment, encouraging community members to take an active role in crime prevention efforts.

While other options may seem relevant, they do not align with the core goal of COP. For instance, increasing police authority and strengthening police hierarchy may lead to a more top-down approach, which can actually hinder community engagement. Although increasing crime reporting can be beneficial, it does not directly address the overarching goal of reducing crime itself.