What concept emphasizes that it is better to prevent crime rather than respond to it after it occurs?

The concept that emphasizes the importance of preventing crime rather than responding to it after it occurs is crime prevention. This approach focuses on strategies and initiatives designed to reduce the risk of crime and enhance community safety before criminal acts take place. By addressing the root causes of crime, implementing educational programs, engaging in community outreach, and fostering partnerships between law enforcement and the community, crime prevention aims to create environments that deter criminal behavior and promote public safety.

In contrast, the other concepts, while relevant to the broader field of criminal justice, do not specifically prioritize proactive measures. Criminal justice encompasses the entire system of law enforcement, judiciary, and corrections, focusing more on the processes and practices involved in handling crime after it has occurred. Restorative justice emphasizes repairing harm and facilitating reconciliation between victims and offenders, which typically occurs after crime has taken place. Community safety involves a comprehensive approach to ensuring the well-being and security of residents, but it does not specifically highlight the importance of prevention as its primary focus. Thus, crime prevention stands out as the key concept that clearly prioritizes proactive strategies to avert criminal activity before it happens.