Police Dispatcher Practice Test

Which term would likely be used to describe someone under immediate distress requiring help?

1. Jumper

2. Defender

3. Suspect

4. Witness

The correct answer is: Jumper

The term "jumper" is commonly associated with individuals who are in immediate distress, particularly in situations where someone may be considering jumping from a height to escape a crisis or to harm themselves. This term is often used in crisis intervention scenarios where the individual is in urgent need of help, be it from law enforcement, mental health professionals, or other support services. In contrast, the other terms have different connotations. "Defender" typically refers to someone who protects or defends another person, often in a legal context. "Suspect" indicates a person believed to be involved in a crime, implying a level of criminal suspicion rather than distress. "Witness" describes someone who observes an event or incident, usually in a neutral capacity, and does not imply that the individual is in distress or requires assistance. Understanding this context is crucial for police dispatchers, as recognizing the language used to describe individuals in distress helps in assessing the situation and deploying appropriate resources.