Which type of sounds should warrant investigation during patrol?

Investigation of sounds during patrol is essential for maintaining public safety and responding to potential threats. Breaking glass, for instance, often indicates a disturbance or potential criminal activity, such as a burglary or vandalism. Gunshots are particularly alarming, as they can signal violence or imminent danger to individuals nearby and necessitate an immediate law enforcement response. Both breaking glass and gunshots directly relate to situations where urgent investigation is critical to protect the community and respond effectively to illegal actions.

Other sounds, such as intermittent chatter or car engines starting, while they may be worth monitoring, do not inherently carry the same immediate implications of urgency or potential criminal behavior. Birds chirping is entirely non-threatening and does not warrant any kind of police investigation. Understanding how to discern between these types of sounds helps officers prioritize their responses and act in the best interest of public safety.