When arriving at a domestic disturbance, what is the first step you should take?

The first step when arriving at a domestic disturbance is to separate the involved parties. This action is critical to ensure the safety of everyone present, including the officers. By creating physical distance between the individuals involved, the officer can reduce the chance of immediate violence and allow for a safer assessment of the situation.

Separating the parties also provides an opportunity for each individual to express their perspective without the influence or intimidation of the other party. This can lead to a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding the disturbance. Additionally, creating this separation helps the officer to evaluate the emotional state of each person involved, which is important for determining the appropriate response to the call.

The other choices, while potentially important in various scenarios, are secondary steps. Assessing the scene for weapons is important, but this generally occurs as part of the overall initial assessment rather than as an isolated first step. Similarly, calling for backup might be warranted depending on the situation's severity, but intervening immediately by separating the parties is typically prioritized to prevent escalation. Waiting for the situation to de-escalate is not advisable, as it can lead to prolonged tensions and potential harm to those involved. Thus, separating the parties is the necessary and proactive first step in handling a domestic disturbance effectively.