Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) Act 120 Practice Exam

If you receive information about a robbery and spot someone matching the description, what is the appropriate action?

1. Ignore them

2. Approach them casually

3. Stop them because you have reasonable suspicion

4. Wait for backup before engaging

The correct answer is: Stop them because you have reasonable suspicion

In situations where a robbery has occurred and a suspect is spotted who matches the description provided, taking action based on reasonable suspicion is essential. Reasonable suspicion allows law enforcement or security personnel to approach an individual when there are specific facts or circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the individual may be involved in criminal activity. By choosing to stop the individual, you are acting upon the immediate information you’ve received about the robbery and the matching description, which establishes the groundwork for reasonable suspicion. This action is crucial as it not only helps in preventing further criminal activity but also in ensuring the safety of the community by addressing potential threats promptly. Approaching the individual casually does not convey the seriousness of the situation nor effectively address the need for action. Waiting for backup, while often a safe approach in various law enforcement scenarios, may lead to the lost opportunity to apprehend a suspect who could potentially flee or further commit a crime. Ignoring the individual entirely disregards the responsibility to respond actively to suspected criminal behavior, which could compromise safety and justice.