S.A.R.A. is a 4-step process of problem-solving that developed out of problem-oriented policing in the 1980s, as police departments and politicians sought to expand the role of cops beyond rapid response, Patrols, and investigations. The original architect of this approach is Herman Goldstein.
Problem-oriented policing sought to really center and frame police as being key and valuable to “problem solving” in communities (police do not actually solve problems in communities).
The S.A.R.A process consists of 4 main steps: Scanning, Analysis, Response, and Assessment.
Some police agencies consider these steps to go in order - first scanning, then analysis, then response, then assessment…
Image source: movementforward.org
…while other agencies consider how the 4 different stages may all be going on all the time, or recurring.
Image source: uc.edu
In 2022, the Stop LAPD Spying Coalition published a community version of the SARA diagram:
