What are the three main goals of police patrols?

The three main goals of police patrols focus on maintaining public safety and order. The correct set of goals emphasizes prevention, observation, and reporting.

Prevention is a fundamental goal of police patrol, as visible law enforcement presence can deter criminal activity and reassure the community. This proactive approach helps to create an environment where crime is less likely to occur.

Observation is critical in the patrol process, allowing officers to identify suspicious behavior, monitor traffic conditions, assess community issues, and gather intelligence about potential criminal activities. This attentiveness helps officers respond effectively to incidents and can inform future policing strategies.

Reporting completes the triad of goals by ensuring that all observed incidents, concerns, and activities are documented. Accurate and timely reporting aids in data collection and analysis, which can help law enforcement agencies allocate resources effectively and improve response times to incidents.

In contrast, while prevention and deterrence are closely related, the other choice focuses on apprehension and investigation, which come into play after a crime has occurred rather than being primary goals of patrol. Therefore, the trio of prevent, observe, and report encapsulates the essence of routine patrol duties effectively.