Florida Highway Patrol Duty Officer Practice Test

When a vehicle is reported as stolen, one of the first actions taken is to scan for wanted status. This involves checking law enforcement databases to determine if the vehicle has been reported stolen and to obtain any additional information associated with it. Scanning for wanted status allows officers to quickly verify the theft and gather potentially important details about the vehicle, such as identifying number plates or prior reports of suspicious activity. This step is crucial in initiating the recovery process of the stolen vehicle and ensuring that proper protocols are followed, including the potential apprehension of any suspects associated with the theft.

The other options, while relevant in different contexts related to stolen vehicles, typically occur later in the process. For example, notifying insurance companies is necessary once the theft is confirmed, but it is not an immediate response by law enforcement. Contacting the previous owner or assessing the vehicle's condition might be part of the investigation or recovery process but does not address the critical need for confirming the vehicle's status as stolen.