In Problem Oriented policing, what is required for a situation to be classified as a problem?

In Problem Oriented Policing (POP), a situation is classified as a problem when it provokes a response from law enforcement or the community. This means that there is an identifiable issue that requires intervention or action due to its impact on public safety or community well-being. The essence of POP is to seek solutions to recurring issues rather than responding to incidents in isolation.

A situation that elicits a response indicates that it is significant enough to warrant attention and resources, thereby making it a genuine problem to address. The focus is on understanding the underlying factors that contribute to the problem, which can involve collaboration between law enforcement and the community.

Other factors, such as the number of incidents or media reporting, may be part of the context but are not essential criteria for classifying a situation as a problem in this policing approach. The geographical location, while potentially relevant, does not solely define the nature of the problem. Instead, what is critical is the recognition of the issue's impact and the need for a coordinated response to effectively address it.