What does the S in SARA represent?

The S in SARA stands for Scanning. SARA is an acronym used in problem-oriented policing, which involves a systematic process to address community policing issues effectively.

Scanning is the first step in this process, where law enforcement identifies and prioritizes potential problems within the community. This involves gathering data to determine whether a problem is significant enough to warrant a deeper examination. By engaging in this initial step, officers can better understand the scope of the issues they face, leading to targeted and effective responses. Scanning helps highlight patterns and trends, allowing law enforcement to proactively address underlying problems rather than merely responding to incidents as they arise.

In the context of the SARA model, the subsequent steps – Analysis, Response, and Assessment – build on the foundation laid during the scanning phase, emphasizing the importance of establishing a solid understanding of community issues before developing strategies to address them.