North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

What does saturation patrol involve?

1. Patrol at night

2. Increased officer presence in a small area

3. Traffic stops at random locations

4. Use of technology for monitoring

The correct answer is: Increased officer presence in a small area

Saturation patrol involves an increased officer presence in a small area to deter crime and enhance public safety. This strategy focuses on concentrating law enforcement resources in specific neighborhoods or hotspots where crime rates are higher. The idea is that the visibility of police officers can discourage criminal activity, reassure the community, and improve response times to incidents. By employing saturation patrols, law enforcement can create a more secure environment, as the concentrated presence signals a proactive approach to policing. Additionally, this method allows officers to engage more directly with the community, build relationships, and gather intelligence on local issues, which can aid in addressing crime effectively. The other options, while relevant to law enforcement activities, do not accurately describe the concept of saturation patrol. For example, patrolling at night could be part of a overall strategy but does not specifically denote increased presence in a targeted area. Traffic stops at random locations may be a part of general traffic enforcement, but it lacks the focused community-oriented goal of saturation patrol. Meanwhile, the use of technology for monitoring is a different tactical approach that involves surveillance methods rather than the direct physical presence of officers in a community to promote safety and deter crime.