MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

On a bomb threat call, what is the first action an officer should take?

1. Hang up immediately

2. Keep the caller on the line and gather information

3. Alert building security

4. Request the caller to call back

The correct answer is: Keep the caller on the line and gather information

When responding to a bomb threat call, the first action an officer should take is to keep the caller on the line and gather as much information as possible. This is crucial because the information obtained from the caller may provide valuable details regarding the threat, such as the location of the bomb, the time it is set to detonate, and the motives of the individual making the threat. By asking open-ended questions, the officer can extract critical data that can assist in assessing the situation, coordinating a response, and informing the appropriate authorities. Gathering information can also play a significant role in establishing the credibility of the threat. The nature of the information provided can help determine whether to initiate emergency protocols or take less urgent actions. For these reasons, maintaining communication with the caller is essential until the conversation can no longer continue without jeopardizing safety. While other actions may seem relevant, they primarily serve as secondary responses that should occur after gathering critical details from the caller. Initiating any additional procedures without knowing the full context of the situation could lead to insufficient responses or overlook vital options. Thus, the proactive approach of gathering information first ensures that the response is thorough and informed.