Which word refers to a motivating factor for an action?

The term that refers to a motivating factor for an action is "incentive." An incentive is something that encourages an individual to perform a particular action or make a decision, often by providing a reward or benefit. In the context of law enforcement and policing, incentives can take various forms, such as promotions, recognition, or other tangible benefits that motivate officers to improve their performance or engage in positive behavior.

On the other hand, disincentives, reprimands, and obstructions function differently. A disincentive discourages an action and may create barriers to performance. A reprimand is a form of punishment or criticism that addresses negative behavior rather than motivating positive action. An obstruction refers to something that hinders or prevents an action from occurring, rather than promoting it. Thus, the concept of incentive clearly aligns with the idea of motivating factors, making it the correct choice.