What crime did the Albemarle County Police Department use problem-oriented policing to target and reduce?

• A. Motor vehicle thefts
• B. Burglary
• C. Fraud
• D. Drug possession

Answer: (A)

Problem-oriented policing focuses on identifying a specific crime problem and designing targeted, evidence-based responses. In this case, the Albemarle County Police Department applied POP to motor vehicle thefts, using data to pinpoint when and where thefts were happening and what factors made them easy targets. By analyzing patterns and vulnerabilities—such as unlocked vehicles or obvious theft opportunities—they implemented focused actions like enhanced patrols in hotspots, targeted enforcement against theft activities, and public education on vehicle security. This approach works well for auto theft because the problem is highly pattern-driven and can be reduced by increasing guardianship and reducing opportunity, then assessing the impact of those targeted interventions. Other offenses involve different dynamics, but the description centers on a POP effort specifically aimed at motor vehicle theft.