What is the first step in the SARA model?

The SARA model is a problem-solving process used in community policing that stands for Scanning, Analysis, Response, and Assessment. The first step, scanning, involves identifying and prioritizing potential problems within the community. This phase requires law enforcement and community members to work together to recognize issues that are significant enough to warrant a closer look.

During the scanning phase, officers gather information about crime patterns, community concerns, and the underlying conditions contributing to those issues. By effectively identifying problems, police departments can focus their efforts and resources on areas that will have the greatest impact on community safety and quality of life. This step sets the foundation for the subsequent phases of the SARA model, where deeper analysis occurs, and strategic responses are developed.

Understanding the importance of scanning helps law enforcement agencies engage with the community more effectively, as prioritizing the right problems can lead to better outcomes in crime prevention and community relations.