Don't even know how to search for this one; it's too wordy

First though, I'm a newbie, and totally open to being rebuked and pointed to the appropriate place to ask this.

I'm looking for the all too common trope wherein the good guys, generally high-level crimefighters, suddenly realize the key to the case, together with the fact that the perps are now on the verge of committing yet another life-endangering crime. Whereupon they leap in their vehicles, race for many harrowing miles, arrive at the last possible second — instead of simply radioing cops who are undoubtedly doing routine patrols far closer to the scene, cops who could be there in minutes. Criminal Minds does this every single time, although in that show, sometimes it's a race miles and miles into the countryside. Guys, how abouts first calling the local sheriff instead?

It can be a plot necessity, but it's also a galling bit of narrative self-indulgence.

In any event, this surely is a known and named trope, and any help in this would be greatly appreciated.

Sounds like a "Eureka!" Moment crossed with The Main Characters Do Everything.

Lost And Found is the place to ask about tropes.

edited 8th May '15 7:03:28 AM by Willbyr

OK, thanks — I shall try on Lost and Found.

Thanks, The Wanderer — The Main Characters Do Everything is indeed pretty close.