Which of the following is an example of a proactive approach in community policing?

Organizing neighborhood watch programs is an example of a proactive approach in community policing because it focuses on preventing crime before it happens through community involvement and awareness. By encouraging residents to be vigilant and work together, these programs empower community members to take an active role in maintaining safety and addressing potential issues collaboratively. This proactive strategy helps to build trust between the police and the community, fostering communication and promoting a sense of shared responsibility for public safety.

In contrast, responding to crimes after they occur focuses on reaction rather than prevention, which is not proactive. Enforcing strict penalties only after incidents happens after the fact and does not prevent future crimes. Collaborating with government agencies solely may not engage the community directly or encourage preventative measures, depending on the nature of the collaboration. Thus, organizing neighborhood watch programs is a clear example of a proactive strategy in community policing, aimed at crime prevention rather than reaction.