What should an officer do prior to operating any live scan equipment?

Before operating any live scan equipment, it is crucial for an officer to read the owner’s manual. The owner’s manual provides essential information specific to the equipment, including its proper operation, safety guidelines, troubleshooting tips, and maintenance procedures. This knowledge ensures that the officer understands how to use the device effectively and safely, which can prevent operational errors and ensure that the equipment functions as intended.

In contrast, while checking the power supply, calibrating the device, and contacting technical support are important tasks related to the operation and maintenance of live scan equipment, these steps are often secondary to understanding the device's functions and protocols, which is covered in the owner’s manual. Reading the manual lays the foundation for knowing what to do in various situations that may arise during the use of the equipment.