Why should officers review protective orders at a domestic-violence call?

• A. To determine prior protective orders and enforce restraints.
• B. To punish the victim.
• C. To ignore them.
• D. To remove the order.

Answer: (A)

Protective orders are enforceable court directives that dictate safety terms in domestic-violence situations. On a call, reviewing the order lets you quickly see who is protected, who is restrained, and what contact or proximity is prohibited, as well as any weapon restrictions. This information guides immediate safety actions, helps identify if a violation has occurred, and supports lawful enforcement, such as detaining someone who violates the order. It also confirms the order is current and enforceable, so you apply the terms correctly rather than guessing. Removing the order or ignoring it would undermine safety and the court’s direction, and punishing the victim is not the purpose of law enforcement.