Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

If informed about crack being sold from a house, what should the officer do?

1. Ignore and observe

2. Access a control officer/supervisor

3. Contact the news media

4. Alert local community leaders

The correct answer is: Access a control officer/supervisor

The appropriate action for an officer informed about crack being sold from a house is to access a control officer or supervisor. This decision is rooted in the correct protocol for addressing potential drug-related activities, which require a coordinated response to ensure safety and thorough investigation. Engaging a supervisor allows for the gathering of relevant resources, expertise, and additional personnel that may be necessary to address the situation effectively. In drug enforcement, it is essential to operate within established guidelines and communicate with higher authorities who can provide support, whether through directing resources to conduct surveillance, implement undercover operations, or engage specialized units. This ensures that the situation is handled promptly and effectively, minimizing risks to the community and the officers involved. Other options, such as ignoring the situation or contacting the news media, do not align with professional law enforcement standards, which emphasize the importance of addressing and investigating illegal activities. Alerting local community leaders is valuable for preventive efforts but may not provide the immediate actionable response required in a direct drug selling situation.