911 Dispatcher Practice Test

What does it mean when a report indicates "escape"?

1. A suspect has been apprehended

2. A suspect has fled the scene

3. An officer needs assistance

4. There is a traffic violation reported

The correct answer is: A suspect has fled the scene

The term "escape" in the context of a report specifically indicates that a suspect has fled the scene. This terminology is commonly used in police reports to describe situations where an individual, who may have been involved in criminal activity or is under investigation, successfully avoids capture or apprehension by law enforcement. The use of the word "escape" reflects the idea that the person has moved away from the location, potentially evading authorities and posing a continuing risk. In contrast, the other choices relate to different circumstances within law enforcement. For example, the apprehension of a suspect is described differently, signaling that the person has been taken into custody rather than having escaped. An officer needing assistance indicates a call for backup or support during an ongoing incident, which is unrelated to a suspect fleeing. A traffic violation pertains specifically to infractions associated with vehicle operation and does not involve any escape or apprehension of suspects. Therefore, knowing that "escape" denotes the act of a suspect fleeing helps clarify the context of police reports and situations encountered by dispatchers.