Unit 5: Written Examination Preparation

The Dispatcher's Obligations

When the dispatcher receives a prowler call, he/she should quickly try to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. If the caller is extremely upset or if there is an indication that the suspect may be trying to break into the house, he should try to keep the caller on the telephone until an officer arrives. He can then continually update the responding officer as to the suspect’s location and activities. This also tends to have a calming effect on the caller.

The dispatcher should ask the caller where the prowler seems to be located and what he appears to be doing. He should further request the best access route (some residences have quicker access via dirt roads,
alleys, or fields rather than the main street) and what, if any, hazards are located in the yard. If the caller appears calm, the dispatcher should encourage her to resume whatever she was doing before the call was made. Thus, the prowler may be convinced that he has not been observed, and he will remain in the area.