MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

What should your immediate response be upon arriving at the scene of shots fired and seeing a suspect fleeing?

1. Chase shooter

2. Immediately notify dispatch

3. Shoot the shooter

4. Secure the area

The correct answer is: Immediately notify dispatch

When arriving at the scene of shots fired, the primary consideration is ensuring the safety of all individuals involved, including potential victims and bystanders. Immediately notifying dispatch is crucial for several reasons. First, this action alerts other law enforcement units and emergency services to the situation, allowing them to respond appropriately and provide assistance if needed. Further, notifying dispatch provides critical information that enables officers to coordinate a more effective response, including the ability to relay any updates about the suspect's location and actions. This ensures that backup units can be dispatched to apprehend the suspect and secure the area. The other options, while they may seem appropriate in other circumstances, do not prioritize the immediate need for communication with dispatch, which is essential for maintaining situational awareness and safety.