Final answer:
Proactive policing can play a role in deterring crime by increasing police legitimacy, reducing opportunities for criminal activity, and promoting community trust and cooperation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Proactive policing, also known as preventive or preventative policing, involves police initiatives aimed at deterring crime before it occurs. These initiatives can include strategies such as community-oriented policing, targeted patrols in crime hotspots, and the use of surveillance technologies like CCTV and body cameras. Research suggests that proactive policing can play a role in deterring crime by increasing police legitimacy, reducing opportunities for criminal activity, and promoting community trust and cooperation. However, the effectiveness of proactive policing strategies may vary depending on the specific context and implementation.