What should a calltaker do when an officer is in danger of physical harm?

When an officer is in danger of physical harm, using the 10-13 code is the correct response as it is part of the standard communication protocol within police organizations. The 10-13 code specifically signals that an officer is in trouble and requires immediate assistance. This code is universally recognized among law enforcement communications and allows for swift dissemination of the situation to dispatchers and other officers in the vicinity.

By using the 10-13 code, it not only alerts other units that there is a critical and urgent situation but also helps prioritize the response to ensure the officer's safety. This immediate action is crucial in emergencies and can be the difference between life and death.

In contrast, requesting additional officers is certainly important; however, it may not be recognized as quickly without the specific emergency code that prioritizes the situation. Documenting the case for further review would occur later and is not immediate action, while notifying federal authorities is typically not the appropriate first step for local emergency situations involving immediate danger to officers. Addressing the immediate peril through established emergency codes is the most effective strategy in such scenarios.