Which enforcement strategy focuses on preventing crime through visible presence?

Preventative patrol is the enforcement strategy that emphasizes preventing crime through a visible police presence. This approach involves officers routinely patrolling neighborhoods, either on foot or in vehicles, with the intention of deterring criminal activity simply by being seen by the public. The presence of law enforcement in a community can create a sense of safety for law-abiding citizens and discourage potential offenders from committing crimes due to the perceived risk of apprehension.

The strategy can be particularly effective in reducing opportunities for crime, as many crimes are opportunistic in nature. When potential offenders see officers on patrol, they are less likely to engage in criminal behavior, knowing that the risk of being caught is heightened.

In contrast, crisis intervention focuses on responding to immediate and critical situations, not on maintaining ongoing, proactive visibility to prevent crime. Directed enforcement involves targeting specific areas or problems, usually driven by data about crime trends, rather than ongoing routine patrol. Community policing emphasizes building relationships and partnerships with community members but does not inherently focus on the visible presence aspect as its primary function. Thus, preventative patrol singularly addresses the objective of preventing crime through visibility, making it the correct choice.