Upon arriving at the scene of a burglary alarm call, what should be the first action taken?

When responding to a burglary alarm call, searching the exterior of the building for an open door is a crucial first action. This approach allows law enforcement to quickly determine if there has been a breach in security that could lead to immediate danger, either from an intruder still being on the premises or if an unauthorized entry has taken place. Checking for an open door is a key step in assessing the safety of the situation and prepares the officer for any further action, such as entering the building if necessary.

In contrast, contacting the building owner for an alarm code might delay action, especially if there is a real security threat present. Similarly, calling additional resources could also slow response times, potentially allowing a suspect to escape if there is indeed a break-in. Assessing the situation before entering is important, but starting with a search of the exterior allows for a faster and more proactive response to an active situation, thereby prioritizing safety and security.