Which agency can be requested for assistance at Craney Island?

• A. Portsmouth Police Department
• B. FBI
• C. Coast Guard
• D. Sheriff's Office

Answer: (A)

Jurisdiction determines who responds first and coordinates the on-site effort. Craney Island is located within the City of Portsmouth, so the Portsmouth Police Department is the local authority to request for immediate on-site assistance. They handle the initial response and can call in mutual aid from other agencies as needed. The FBI is a federal agency that handles federal crimes and major investigations, not routine on-site help. The Coast Guard focuses on maritime safety and security on navigable waters, which is not the typical role for a land-based incident at Craney Island. The Sheriff's Office operates at the county level, but independent cities in Virginia have their own police departments, with county sheriff's offices providing support only through mutual aid when appropriate. Therefore, the Portsmouth Police Department is the most appropriate choice for on-site assistance.