Public safety judgment — ambulance vs parade: A police officer has orders not to allow cars to cross the route while the parade is in progress. An ambulance on an emergency run attempts to cross while the parade is passing. What should the officer do?

Introduction / Context:
Competing orders and emergencies require prioritizing life safety over routine directives. Police discretion exists to protect life; a standing order about traffic control for a parade yields to immediate medical emergencies.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Active parade; default rule: no vehicles may cross.
• Ambulance is on an emergency run, where delay could endanger life.
• Officer can influence parade flow and traffic at the crossing.

Concept / Approach:
Hierarchy of priorities: life safety > property > convenience/ceremony. The officer should use discretion to briefly interrupt the parade to expedite the ambulance crossing, minimizing total disruption while maximizing public safety.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Calling headquarters (a) introduces critical delay; detouring (c) adds ten minutes; detaining the ambulance (d) directly conflicts with life-safety imperatives. A brief interruption (b) best balances safety and order.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• (a): Creates decision latency dangerous in emergencies.
• (c): An avoidable long delay with potential medical harm.
• (d): Violates the duty to preserve life when discretion is available.
• None of these: Not applicable; (b) is appropriate.

Common Pitfalls:

• Over-literal obedience to non-emergency orders in the face of a life-threatening scenario.
• Underestimating the impact of added minutes in medical emergencies.

Final Answer:

Stop the parade long enough to permit the ambulance to cross the street.