What is the first action an officer should take during a jailbreak or riot?

In the context of a jailbreak or riot, the first action an officer should take is to sound the alarm. This step is critical because it alerts other staff and law enforcement to the emergency situation, allowing for a coordinated response to manage the crisis effectively. By initiating the alarm, the officer ensures that everyone in the facility is aware of the danger, which can prompt immediate lockdown procedures and the mobilization of resources necessary for containment and resolution of the incident.

Sounding the alarm helps establish communication channels that are essential for managing the situation safely, as it can lead to the rapid deployment of backup personnel and the involvement of external law enforcement agencies. This prompt action ultimately protects the safety of both staff and inmates during a volatile situation.

Other options, while important, follow the sounding of the alarm. For example, locking prisoners in their cells is a critical measure to prevent escape and maintain order, but it cannot be effective unless there is already a notification of the situation in progress. Notifying the police precinct and contacting higher authorities like the warden or director also constitute essential actions, but they are contingent on first raising the alarm to ensure everyone is aware and ready to act.