Which term denotes a geographic area with a concentrated level of criminal activity?

• A. Foot patrol
• B. Predictive policing
• C. Newark foot patrol study
• D. Hot spot

Answer: (D)

A hot spot is the term for a geographic area where crime is disproportionately concentrated. Criminologists and police use this concept because crime tends to cluster in a few places, meaning a small number of locations account for a large share of incidents. By mapping crimes and identifying these clusters, departments can focus patrols, presence, and problem-solving efforts in those areas to reduce crime and disorder. The other terms refer to different ideas: foot patrol is a patrol method where officers walk a beat; predictive policing is about using data to forecast where crimes will happen; the Newark foot patrol study is a specific research project examining foot patrol effects. So, the geographic area with concentrated criminal activity is a hot spot.