What is the appropriate response if contact cannot be made with an officer at a sensitive facility?

Activating a 10-13 is the appropriate response when contact cannot be made with an officer at a sensitive facility. This code is specifically used to indicate that an officer needs assistance and may be in a distress situation. Given the critical nature of sensitive facilities, which could involve high-security risks or threats to the officer's safety, informing other units through a structured emergency code like 10-13 is essential. This alerts the necessary personnel to respond quickly and appropriately to the situation, ensuring that backup can be dispatched to assess and assist the officer on-site.

In contrast, merely calling for backup or sending additional units might not effectively convey the urgency and seriousness of the situation as required in a sensitive environment. Additionally, notifying Headquarters may be a part of the response chain, but it does not directly address the immediate need for assistance. The 10-13 designation mobilizes resources faster and prioritizes the officer's welfare in real-time.