Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

How should an officer park when responding to a domestic call?

1. Park directly in front of the residence

2. Approach tactically and listen for a few seconds

3. Call for backup before approaching

4. Leave the siren on while approaching

The correct answer is: Approach tactically and listen for a few seconds

Approaching tactically and taking a moment to listen before engaging is vital when responding to a domestic call. This strategy allows the officer to gather information about the situation before making their presence known. By listening, the officer can assess the dynamics of the situation—such as the level of conflict, the presence of any threats, and whether anyone inside requires immediate assistance. This careful approach can help ensure both the officer's safety and that of the individuals involved in the domestic dispute. In contrast, parking directly in front of the residence could unnecessarily escalate tensions or alert any individuals involved in the situation that police are coming, potentially affecting their behavior. Calling for backup prior to approaching is important in high-risk scenarios, but the officer should first assess the need for backup based on what they observe and hear. Leaving the siren on while approaching is not advisable, as it could disrupt the environment and create panic, further complicating the situation. The emphasis is on ensuring safety and gathering as much context as possible before taking further action.