Question

Do you think marked patrol vehicles driving through neighborhoods prevent crime? Explain.

Your answer is very much appreciated, thanks in advance.

Answer 1

They do and they don't.

Why they do?
The marking along the patrol vehicles gives a signal to civilians that there is a cop, and everyone hates being pulled over by a cop. Especially in school zones, for instance, marked patrol vehicles are important so that everyone practices safe driving. Succinctly, the marked patrol vehicles instill fear amongst everyone, including criminals with ranked felonies, to get outside and commit crime.

Why they don't?
Now notice how I talked about the criminals in the last point. Marked patrol vehicles do prevent them from getting in the public and committing crime, but someone's gotta get the bad guy eventually. This is where unmarked vehicles are way more efficient. This is why several police leagues are now starting to drive undercover civilian cars to catch criminals. In fact, several are using vehicles that would be associated with criminal behavior (ie an unmarked dodge challenger, a broke down pick up truck, etc.) and even have decoys just for criminals to catch upon.


In essence, marked patrol vehicles are necessary for keeping the general civilian society in shape, and unmarked would probably be needed to get the top-notch criminals in town.

Answer 2

Brilliant answer @justjm
You're so intelligent <3