What is primarily meant by reactive response in police work?

A reactive response in police work primarily involves addressing incidents or disturbances after they have occurred. This approach focuses on responding to calls for service, investigating reported crimes, and managing situations that arise in the community. Reactive policing is centered around the immediate response to events, such as responding to emergency calls, conducting arrests, and gathering evidence once a crime has been committed.

In contrast, the other options represent different strategies in policing. Preventing crime before it occurs refers to proactive measures that aim to deter criminal activity, such as community outreach or crime prevention programs. Proactively engaging with the community involves building relationships and trust with citizens to foster cooperation and communication, which can also help in preventing crime. Collaborating with mental health services highlights a more integrated approach to addressing social issues that may lead to criminal behavior, but it does not align with the reactive nature of responding to incidents after they happen. Thus, the essence of a reactive response is clearly aligned with addressing situations post-occurrence.