North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

What is one effect of a rapid response to alarm calls?

1. Decreases response time

2. Increases potential for evidence collection

3. Reduces officer's safety

4. Facilitates community relations

The correct answer is: Increases potential for evidence collection

A rapid response to alarm calls significantly increases the potential for evidence collection. When law enforcement officers arrive quickly at the scene of an alarm activation, they are more likely to gather valuable information, observe the current situation, and collect evidence that could be crucial to an investigation. This may include eyewitness accounts, physical evidence left by suspects, and any surveillance footage available. Quick action helps maintain the integrity of a crime scene and allows officers to act promptly before suspects can flee, thus boosting the likelihood of apprehension and successful prosecution. While timely responses can enhance community relations by demonstrating police presence and responsiveness, the primary focus of answering alarm calls pertains to the operational aspects of preventing crime and gathering evidence. The other options do not directly relate to the core benefits of rapid response in terms of evidence gathering and operational success.