Which concept is described as the assumption that the visible authority of the state is sufficient to deter criminal wrongdoing?

• A. Verbal force
• B. Command voice
• C. Mere presence
• D. Pain compliance

Answer: (C)

The main idea is deterrence through visibility—the police presence itself signals state authority and makes potential offenders think they are likely to be seen and caught, so they refrain from acting. This is captured by the concept of mere presence, where the sight of police in the area reduces crime simply by their being there, without any verbal commands or force being used. Verbal force and command voice rely on words to warn or order compliance, which is different from the deterrent effect of simply having officers visible. Pain compliance depends on using force or the threat of force to compel behavior, not on the deterrent effect of police visibility. So the choice reflects how deterrence can work through the perception of enforcement, not through immediate verbal orders or physical coercion.