Before entering a residence to address a verbal dispute, what is a safety precaution officers should take?

In situations involving a verbal dispute, identifying any potential weapons visible through windows is a crucial safety precaution for officers prior to entering a residence. This action allows officers to assess the immediate environment for any items that could be used against them or that could escalate the situation. By being aware of potential weapons, officers can take necessary precautions, inform their colleagues about the risks, and prepare for any potential threats before engaging with the occupants.

While surveying the exterior area and observing the situation from a distance can provide useful context, they do not specifically highlight potential dangers like weapons that may be present inside. Allowing occupants to remove belongings could interfere with the situation or present operational challenges. Therefore, assessing visible weapons is the most direct and effective method to enhance officer safety in these scenarios.