Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

What should an officer do if dispatch is unavailable to call a towing service?

1. Leave the vehicle until a tow arrives

2. Direct traffic until the tow can be dispatched

3. Ask bystanders for assistance

4. Ignore the situation

The correct answer is: Direct traffic until the tow can be dispatched

The correct approach for an officer when dispatch is unavailable to call a towing service is to direct traffic until a tow can be dispatched. This ensures the safety of both the officer and the public, especially if the vehicle poses a hazard to traffic flow or creates a situation that could lead to accidents. By directing traffic, the officer can prevent possible collisions and manage the situation until the appropriate towing service can be contacted and arrive on scene. Leaving the vehicle until a tow arrives might not be the best choice, as it could lead to further complications if the vehicle is obstructing traffic or creating a dangerous situation. Asking bystanders for assistance could also lead to safety issues, as they may not have the proper training or authorization to handle the situation. Ignoring the situation is never a viable option, as it can compromise public safety and the officer's duty to maintain order. Thus, directing traffic is the most responsible and proactive action in this scenario.