During a high-risk stop involving a vehicle with three occupants, what should Ofc. Lafavore do first?

Answer: C — Immediately exit the vehicle and gain cover

In a high-risk stop, Officer Lafavore's primary concern is safety—both his own and that of any potential occupants in the vehicle. Immediately exiting the vehicle to gain cover is the most prudent first step in this scenario. By doing so, he places himself in a better tactical position to assess the situation and protect himself from any potential threats. This action allows him to observe the occupants more safely and react accordingly, should there be an escalating situation. Gaining cover is fundamental to law enforcement protocols during high-risk stops, as it reduces the officer's exposure to any potential gunfire or aggressive actions from the occupants of the vehicle. This tactical decision underscores the principle of prioritizing officer safety, which is paramount in any high-risk encounter. The other options, while they may have their place depending on the specific dynamics of the encounter, do not adequately address the immediate need for officer safety and tactical positioning that is crucial during such high-risk scenarios.