Which patrol type is key to deterring crime committed on impulse?

• A. Preventative
• B. Random
• C. Selective
• D. Reactive

Answer: (A)

Impulsive crimes happen when a motive meets an opportunity, and the offender believes they won’t be caught. The best way to counter that is preventative patrol—a visible, continuous police presence designed to deter crime before it starts. When officers are seen patrolling neighborhoods and hotspots, potential offenders perceive a higher risk of being observed or interrupted, which discourages quick, unplanned offenses. Reactive patrol comes after a crime occurs, selective patrol targets specific problems, and random patrol relies on unpredictability; while unpredictability can add some deterrence, it doesn’t guarantee the constant visibility needed to deter impulsive acts. Therefore, preventative patrol is the most effective approach for deterring impulsive crimes.