What feeling should guide an officer’s decision to call for backup?

The correct response is guided by the feeling of uncertainty. When an officer encounters a situation that feels unpredictable or potentially dangerous, uncertainty serves as a crucial indicator to seek additional assistance. This decision is vital for ensuring personal safety and the safety of others. Asking for backup when feeling uncertain enhances the officer's ability to manage the situation effectively, as it brings additional resources to support them in case of escalation or unforeseen developments.

While feelings like aggression, confusion, and anxiety may influence an officer's state of mind in challenging situations, they are less constructive as guiding factors for calling backup. Aggression can lead to confrontational decisions rather than seeking support and maintaining control. Confusion may prevent an officer from making a clear assessment of the situation, hampering effective decision-making. Anxiety, while a natural response to high-stress scenarios, does not necessarily provide a solid rationale for the objective safety needs that backup can address. Thus, the feeling of uncertainty is the most appropriate guide, directing officers to act prudently by ensuring they have the necessary support to face unknowns effectively.