Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) RADIO Practice Exam

When should officers be cautious according to CODE 77?

1. When there is a fire alarm

2. In response to a possible ambush

3. When there is an out of service call

4. During pre-stop coordination

The correct answer is: In response to a possible ambush

CODE 77 is an alert that indicates a heightened state of caution for law enforcement officers, particularly in situations where there may be unseen dangers or potential threats directed at them. This caution is especially critical in scenarios involving a possible ambush, where the risk to officer safety is significantly amplified. Officers are trained to be vigilant and to thoroughly assess their environment to detect any signs of threat or deception that could put their safety at risk. In contrast, while responding to a fire alarm or an out of service call may require attention, they do not inherently signal an immediate risk to officer safety in the manner that CODE 77 specifies. Similarly, pre-stop coordination involves planning prior to making a vehicle stop, where the emphasis is more on preparation rather than an immediate threatening situation. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and preparedness during potentially ambush-prone situations, as indicated by CODE 77.