MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

What is the most effective way to proceed while tracking a suspect on foot?

1. Determine the direction of travel, and follow the prints without ruining the evidence

2. Photograph and then follow the prints

3. Stop and measure the footprints while notifying dispatch

4. Call for backup before proceeding

The correct answer is: Determine the direction of travel, and follow the prints without ruining the evidence

The most effective way to proceed while tracking a suspect on foot is to determine the direction of travel and follow the prints without ruining the evidence. This approach allows for immediate action while still respecting the integrity of the scene. Tracking the direction of footprints can provide critical information about the suspect's movements and intentions, and progressing cautiously ensures that valuable evidence is preserved. When following the prints, officers must be mindful of where they step to avoid contaminating the evidence, which can hinder investigations. This active pursuit can yield timely intelligence about the suspect's whereabouts, especially in scenarios where every moment counts. The options suggesting photographing the prints or stopping to measure them could delay the pursuit, which may allow a suspect to escape. While notifying dispatch is important, waiting for backup could compromise the ability to apprehend the suspect while evidence is still fresh. Overall, choosing to follow the footprints while maintaining care for evidence allows for both immediate tracking and preservation of critical details that may be used later in an investigation.