What should a recruit do if they notice a fellow recruit is absent?

If a recruit notices that a fellow recruit is absent, the appropriate course of action is to report it to the Charge of Quarters. This response is grounded in the principles of accountability and teamwork that are essential in the training environment of the Delaware State Police Academy. Reporting the absence ensures that the situation is formally acknowledged and can be addressed appropriately by the leadership.

The Charge of Quarters is responsible for maintaining order and ensuring the well-being of all recruits, making them the right person to notify regarding absences. This allows for proper follow-up, which might include checking on the absent recruit's welfare or investigating the reasons for their absence.

In a structured training environment like the police academy, it's important to maintain communication and awareness within the group. Ignoring the absence could lead to misunderstandings or safety concerns, while reaching out directly to the absent recruit might not be appropriate or effective in managing the situation. Notifying an instructor directly could bypass the established chain of command, which is essential for organizational discipline and functioning. Thus, reporting the absence to the Charge of Quarters aligns with the protocol and ensures that all recruits are supported and that any issues can be resolved efficiently.