What shift in police strategy occurred due to the introduction of automobiles?

The introduction of automobiles significantly altered police strategies, particularly leading to reduced foot patrols in urban areas. With the ability to cover larger distances more quickly, police departments were able to respond to incidents more efficiently and effectively. This transition from reliance on foot patrols to motorized patrols allowed officers to monitor broader areas and engage with incidents that occurred far from their previous beats.

This shift not only improved response times but also changed the nature of community interactions, as officers became less visible in neighborhoods compared to their walking counterparts. While community policing did emerge later, it was not an immediate result of the automobile introduction. Therefore, the correct answer reflects a clear historical shift that resulted from the introduction of vehicles into police work, marking a departure from traditional foot patrol methods.