LEAB Problem Sensitivity & Ordering 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An officer arrives at the scene of a reported armed robbery still in progress inside a store. What should the officer do FIRST?
- Enter the building immediately to prevent further harm to victims
- Establish a perimeter and request immediate backup before making entry (Correct answer)
- Announce police presence loudly from outside to deter the suspects
- Wait at a safe distance until the suspects exit on their own
Correct answer: Establish a perimeter and request immediate backup before making entry
Establishing containment and requesting backup before solo entry reduces officer casualties in active armed robbery situations.
Question 2: When executing a search warrant for a private residence, which step must occur BEFORE officers enter the home?
- A supervisor must be present on scene and authorize the entry
- All occupants must be identified and accounted for prior to entry
- Officers must knock and announce their authority and purpose unless a no-knock provision is authorized (Correct answer)
- The warrant must be read aloud outside the residence before entry is made
Correct answer: Officers must knock and announce their authority and purpose unless a no-knock provision is authorized
The knock-and-announce rule is a constitutional requirement that protects both officers and occupants unless specifically waived by the court.
Question 3: An officer encounters a stabbing victim who is bleeding severely. The suspect fled minutes ago. What is the CORRECT first action?
- Request emergency medical services and render first aid to the victim (Correct answer)
- Broadcast a description of the fleeing suspect to assist in apprehension
- Secure and photograph the crime scene before anyone disturbs evidence
- Begin interviewing witnesses while their memories are still fresh
Correct answer: Request emergency medical services and render first aid to the victim
Preserving a victim's life always takes priority over evidence collection or suspect pursuit.
Question 4: Which sequence CORRECTLY describes the proper handling of physical evidence discovered at a crime scene?
- Collect the evidence, store it securely, photograph it, then document in the report
- Tag the evidence first, then photograph it, then collect it, then document its location
- Interview witnesses about the evidence before collecting or photographing it
- Photograph the evidence in place, document its location, collect it, tag it, and store it securely (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Photograph the evidence in place, document its location, collect it, tag it, and store it securely
Evidence must be fully documented in its original position before it is collected, to preserve the integrity of the scene.
Question 5: An officer observes what appears to be a drug transaction in a park between two individuals. What is the CORRECT sequence of actions?
- Immediately approach and confront the individuals to catch them in the act
- Request backup, maintain undetected surveillance, and move in once support arrives (Correct answer)
- Search nearby areas for concealed contraband, then detain the individuals
- Photograph the transaction from a safe distance and file a report without intervening
Correct answer: Request backup, maintain undetected surveillance, and move in once support arrives
Waiting for backup before confronting suspected drug activity reduces officer risk and increases the chance of a lawful, successful stop.
Question 6: A robbery victim is visibly shaken and speaking rapidly in fragmented sentences. What should an officer do FIRST before conducting a formal interview?
- Begin recording immediately so no details are lost before the victim calms down
- Ensure the victim is safe and allow a brief moment to stabilize before proceeding with questioning (Correct answer)
- Ask the victim to write down everything they remember as quickly as possible
- Request a victim's advocate and wait for them to arrive before speaking to the victim at all
Correct answer: Ensure the victim is safe and allow a brief moment to stabilize before proceeding with questioning
A victim in acute distress cannot provide a reliable account; brief stabilization improves both accuracy and completeness of the interview.
Question 7: At a crime scene with multiple injured individuals, what takes PRIORITY over all other response actions?
- Photographing the entire scene before any evidence is disturbed
- Interviewing the most conscious victim immediately for a suspect description
- Providing or securing emergency medical care for anyone with life-threatening injuries (Correct answer)
- Establishing a command post and scene perimeter before touching anything
Correct answer: Providing or securing emergency medical care for anyone with life-threatening injuries
Life safety always supersedes evidence preservation and investigative procedures at any crime scene.
LEAB Problem Sensitivity & Ordering 3
An officer arrives at the scene of a reported armed robbery still in progress inside a store.
What should the officer do FIRST?