Which type of investigation occurs when criminal activity is currently ongoing or anticipated?

The type of investigation that occurs when criminal activity is currently ongoing or anticipated is referred to as a preventative investigation. This approach is focused on identifying potential threats or criminal actions before they fully manifest. It involves understanding patterns, imminent risks, and gathering intelligence that can help avert criminal behavior.

Preventative investigations are crucial for law enforcement and private investigators as they enable proactive measures, such as increased surveillance, community alerts, or immediate intervention strategies. The goal is to prevent crime before it happens, making it an essential aspect of maintaining safety and security in a community.

Other options, while they may have their own relevant contexts, do not accurately describe the nature of investigations aimed at addressing ongoing or anticipated criminal activity. Reconstructive investigations focus on understanding and piecing together events that have already occurred, whereas formal investigations typically involve structured, established procedures for handling criminal cases. Constructive investigations might suggest aiming to build or create information rather than to prevent crime directly.