What issue does the Flint Neighborhood Foot Patrol Program seek to address through its field experiment?

The Flint Neighborhood Foot Patrol Program primarily focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of foot patrol compared to motorized patrol. This approach is designed to assess how the presence of officers on foot impacts community safety, crime rates, and public perceptions of law enforcement. By conducting a field experiment, the program aims to gather evidence on the benefits of foot patrol in fostering better community relations and enhancing police visibility, which can lead to a stronger sense of security among residents.

The other options—officer safety concerns, traffic stop efficiency, and new officer training—while related to policing in general, do not directly align with the specific goal of the Flint Neighborhood Foot Patrol Program, which is centered on the comparative effectiveness of different patrol strategies. The program specifically seeks to understand how foot patrol may improve community engagement and reduce crime in ways that motorized patrols might not achieve as effectively.