What best defines crime prevention?

Crime prevention encompasses both the anticipation and recognition of potential crime risks, as well as the evaluation of those risks and taking action to minimize them. By anticipating and recognizing crime risks, law enforcement and community members can implement strategies and initiatives designed to deter criminal activity before it occurs. This proactive approach is essential in effectively addressing underlying issues that may lead to crime.

Moreover, by appraising the risks associated with crime, individuals or law enforcement agencies can identify specific vulnerabilities in their communities and develop tailored interventions aimed at reducing those risks. This might include community policing efforts, environmental design changes, or educational programs designed to engage the public in crime prevention strategies.

Thus, the combination of anticipating crime risks and taking actionable steps to mitigate them encompasses the full scope of crime prevention, making it a comprehensive approach to ensuring public safety. The other options, while relevant to aspects of crime response or risk assessment, do not fully capture the breadth of actions and foresight involved in effective crime prevention strategies.