Which of the following is a result of effectively building community relations?

Building effective community relations fosters trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. When community members feel that they have a solid relationship with the police, they are more likely to communicate openly and share information, which can significantly contribute to lowering crime rates. This trust encourages community members to cooperate with officers, report crimes, and provide valuable information that might otherwise go unreported.

Additionally, strong community relations often lead to police departments being more aware of local issues and concerns, allowing them to respond more effectively to the specific needs of the community. This proactive approach enhances public safety and contributes to creating an environment where crime is deterred. As a result, the effect of this trust directly correlates with a reduction in crime rates, as communities feel empowered to work collaboratively with law enforcement to maintain safety and security.

The other options do not directly relate to the positive outcomes of community relations. For instance, increased officer salaries may depend on budget allocations and political decisions rather than community engagement. More stringent enforcement of laws can sometimes strain community relations, causing mistrust rather than fostering collaboration. Higher rates of reported suspicious activities, while potentially a sign of a vigilant community, could also indicate fear or distrust, which does not necessarily correlate with effective community relations.