What does "incident driven" mean in the context of traditional policing?

In the context of traditional policing, "incident driven" refers to a method where responses and strategies are formulated primarily based on specific incidents or crimes as they occur, rather than being guided by a broader understanding of crime patterns or underlying issues. The emphasis is on reacting to events rather than anticipating them.

This approach often relies on immediate, available information, which usually comes from witnesses or those directly involved in the incidents. Consequently, this can lead to a policing strategy that addresses problems on a case-by-case basis, focusing on the incidents reported rather than tackling systemic issues or engaging in preventive measures. It limits the scope of action to what is observed and reported rather than considering deeper or more comprehensive data analytics.

In contrast, proactive strategies, community engagement, and advanced technology use would reflect broader, more strategic approaches to policing that aim to prevent future crimes or engage with community inputs to address issues more effectively.