At 3 AM, the Dispatch Communications Center for your local police department has received a call of a possible burglary in progress at a private residence. A neighbor reports that two men have exited a dark van parked into the driveway of a house whose owners are on vacation. The neighbor saw that an outside light suddenly went out, and then heard glass breaking. Someone shouted an expletive, and the neighbor opined that one of the intruders might have cut himself or herself. The neighbor does not recognize the van and believes the occupants may be burglars. How would dispatch likely assign this call? How would the police department handle the incident if it turns out it is in fact a burglary in progress?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers will vary, but students should identify the initial response is that of a patrol function whereby the individuals, if still present, will be confronted and questioned as to their activities. If patrol ascertains that the individuals are in fact trying to break into the home, the student should recognize that a detective will conduct a further investigation and collect evidence. If in fact one of the suspects cut his or her hand on the broken glass, the investigation will include collection of the blood to compare for DNA of the suspect.