MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

What should be your first course of action upon spotting an unattended, suspicious vehicle?

1. Observe the vehicle before approaching it.

2. Notify dispatch of the vehicle and confirm the owner.

3. Approach the vehicle cautiously to investigate.

The correct answer is: Approach the vehicle cautiously to investigate.

When encountering an unattended, suspicious vehicle, the first course of action should involve approaching the vehicle cautiously to investigate. Taking this step is essential because it allows for a closer examination of the situation. By approaching the vehicle, you can assess whether it poses any immediate threat, determine if there are any occupants, or identify any suspicious items that may be visible from a closer range. This action is critical for ensuring the safety of yourself, other individuals nearby, and the integrity of the investigation itself. Vigilance is key, and investigating the situation firsthand helps in gathering information that may not be evident from a distance. While notifying dispatch of the vehicle and confirming its ownership is an important action, this step generally follows an initial investigation rather than preceding it. Observing the vehicle without approaching may not provide enough context or pertinent information to make informed decisions or respond appropriately to a potential threat. Thus, approaching cautiously is the most proactive and effective method to handle the situation.