911 Dispatcher Practice Test

Which of the following is often reported to police when abuse is suspected?

1. Mental problems

2. Child abuse

3. Missing person

4. Traffic accident

The correct answer is: Child abuse

Child abuse is a critical issue that is often reported to police when there is a suspicion of mistreatment or harm directed towards a child. This reporting is essential for the safety and welfare of the child involved. The legal and ethical responsibilities of various professionals, such as teachers, healthcare workers, and social workers, often necessitate them to report suspected child abuse to the appropriate authorities, including law enforcement and child protective services. Such reports can lead to investigations aimed at protecting vulnerable children and ensuring their well-being. The other options might involve situations where police may become involved, but they do not specifically reference concerns typically categorized under abuse or maltreatment. For instance, mental problems could refer to a person's mental health issues, which may require treatment rather than law enforcement intervention. Missing persons cases involve individuals who cannot be located for various reasons, and while they can sometimes overlap with abusive situations, they are not specifically indicators of ongoing abuse. Traffic accidents pertain to incidents involving vehicles and road safety, which do not relate directly to either domestic or child abuse concerns.