During an incident, if the suspect has a restraining order, what should you do regarding the order?

• A. Ignore it
• B. Wait until after the incident
• C. File a new restraining order
• D. Get a copy of the order before engaging with the suspect

Answer: (D)

Know the current terms before taking action. On scene, you must obtain a copy of the restraining order to confirm exactly who is protected, what contact is prohibited, and any conditions such as distances, reporting requirements, or weapons restrictions. With the actual document in hand, you can enforce the order accurately, assess risk, and determine the appropriate safety and enforcement steps. If you don’t have the copy immediately, coordinate to get it from dispatch or court records, but the goal is to know the precise terms before engaging the suspect. Ignoring the order, waiting to respond, or trying to file a new order at the scene won’t provide the necessary information and could compromise safety and legality.