What is a primary reason for delayed law enforcement response to crimes in progress?

Delays in law enforcement response to crimes in progress are often linked to the timing of citizen reporting. When citizens do not report crimes immediately, it leads to a lag in response from law enforcement. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including lack of awareness that a crime is happening, uncertainty about the seriousness of the situation, or even fear of retaliation or involvement in the legal process.

Timely reporting is crucial for the effective deployment of law enforcement. If a crime is taking place, every minute counts, and delays can allow suspects to escape and evidence to be lost. Prompt communication from citizens can significantly enhance the ability of officers to apprehend suspects and secure the crime scene. Therefore, the primary reason for delayed law enforcement response in this context is indeed that citizens do not generally report crimes in a timely manner.