What is a primary purpose of intelligence-led policing?

The primary purpose of intelligence-led policing is to focus on targeting criminals and criminal activities rather than simply responding to crimes after they occur. This proactive approach emphasizes the use of intelligence gathering and analysis to identify potential threats and crime patterns, which allows law enforcement agencies to allocate resources more effectively and prevent crime before it happens.

By concentrating on the behavior and operations of individuals engaged in criminal activity, law enforcement can develop strategies that are more efficient and effective, striking at the root of crime rather than just addressing the symptoms. This methodology also enhances community safety overall, as it aims to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks and activities, thereby reducing crime rates in the long term.

The other choices do not align with the foundational goals of intelligence-led policing. Increasing the number of arrests does not necessarily correlate with effective policing if those arrests do not contribute to crime prevention. Illegally surveilling individuals contradicts ethical policing practices and could undermine public trust. Monitoring officer conduct, while important for accountability, is not the central focus of intelligence-led policing, which prioritizes crime reduction through targeted intelligence efforts.