Which term refers to the strategic deployment of officers to specific problems or locations?

• A. Foot patrol
• B. Predictive policing
• C. Directed patrol
• D. Police pursuit policies

Answer: (C)

This question tests strategic deployment of officers to specific problems or locations. Directed patrol is the term that describes intentionally assigning patrol resources to hotspots and times where problems are most likely to occur, using intelligence and crime analysis to guide placement. The goal is to deter activity and disrupt offenders by concentrating presence where it will have the greatest impact, rather than patrolling in a uniform or reactive way. For example, sending more officers to a known crime hotspot on weekend nights or around a high-traffic transit hub during peak hours exemplifies directed patrol. Foot patrol refers to general, often visible presence without necessarily targeting a problem area. Predictive policing involves forecasting where crimes will occur using data, which can inform deployment but is not itself the act of directing patrols. Police pursuit policies are guidelines for how officers should handle pursuits, not about where to place patrols.