Practice Police Entry Practice Test

When responding to a commercial burglar alarm and finding no signs of forced entry, what should you do if your FTO takes items from the store?

1. Join your FTO in taking the items

2. Ignore the action and focus on your duty

3. Report the situation to the FTO's supervisor

4. Document the incident for later review

The correct answer is: Report the situation to the FTO's supervisor

The correct choice is to report the situation to the FTO's supervisor. When responding to a burglary alarm and encountering unusual behavior, such as an FTO taking items from the store without authorization, it is essential to ensure that all actions taken by law enforcement personnel adhere to legal and ethical standards. Reporting the situation up the chain of command maintains accountability and fosters transparency within the department. This choice reflects a clear understanding of protocol and the importance of integrity within law enforcement. Taking action to report misconduct helps uphold the law and ensures that all officers are held to the same standards, reinforcing the public's trust in the police. It is crucial to act quickly and appropriately in the event of any suspected unethical behavior, as it can have significant implications for the department and the individuals involved. In contrast, joining the FTO or ignoring the action would contravene the principles of accountability and could lead to disciplinary actions against both the officer and the FTO, potentially damaging the reputation of the police department. Documenting the incident for later review, while valuable, does not provide an immediate resolution to the observed behavior and could allow unethical conduct to persist without immediate intervention. Therefore, the most responsible and just course of action is to report the matter to the supervisor.