What is a critical action to take when a missing child call is received?

Notifying a supervisor as required by agency policy is a critical action when a missing child call is received because it ensures that the proper protocols established by the agency are followed. This step is essential for coordinating an effective response, which typically involves mobilizing resources, securing additional personnel, and implementing the agency's specific procedures for handling missing person cases.

By notifying a supervisor, the responding officer ensures that the situation is managed at the appropriate level, which can include legal, investigative, and operational oversight. This action helps facilitate a well-organized response, ensuring that all necessary steps are taken according to established guidelines designed to maximize the chances of locating the child swiftly and safely.

While other actions, such as assigning a search team or alerting the media, may also be important components of the response, they typically come after the initial notification and coordination with supervisory staff, underscoring the importance of following agency policy in urgent situations like these.