North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

What should be done if reasonable belief exists that a juvenile is in danger?

1. Notify the juvenile's school

2. Take immediate action to ensure safety

3. Wait for parental consent

4. Document the situation for a report

The correct answer is: Take immediate action to ensure safety

When there is a reasonable belief that a juvenile is in danger, taking immediate action to ensure the child's safety is paramount. This response aligns with the duty of law enforcement to protect those who are vulnerable, especially minors who may not have the capacity to protect themselves or advocate for their own safety. Immediate action can include contacting appropriate services, removing the juvenile from imminent harm, or taking necessary steps to intervene in situations of abuse or neglect. The priority is to ensure the well-being of the juvenile without delay, as potential harm may increase if action is not taken swiftly. While notifying the juvenile's school, waiting for parental consent, or documenting the situation are important procedural steps, they should not take precedence over the immediate safety of the child involved. Delaying action until these steps are completed could result in further risk to the juvenile. Therefore, ensuring the juvenile's safety must be the first consideration.