Which approach involves using analytical methods to prioritize and respond to crime?

The correct answer is intelligence-led policing, which relies on analytical methods to prioritize resources and responses to crime effectively. This approach emphasizes the importance of data collection and analysis in understanding crime patterns, trends, and the behaviors of individuals involved in criminal activities. By using intelligence gathered from various sources, law enforcement agencies can make informed decisions about where to focus their efforts, allocate personnel, and develop strategies tailored to specific crime problems.

This method promotes a proactive stance against crime rather than a reactive one, ensuring that law enforcement can anticipate and mitigate criminal activity before it escalates. The use of analytics allows for identifying what areas or types of crime warrant the most attention, enhancing overall public safety.

Other approaches, such as community policing and hot spot policing, have distinct focuses that do not emphasize data analysis to the same extent. Community policing is centered on building relationships and trust within communities, whereas hot spot policing targets specific geographic areas with high crime rates without the same level of analytical prioritization. Problem-oriented policing takes a more holistic view that addresses the underlying issues leading to crime, but still does not necessarily center on data analysis as the primary driving force.