She apparently knew the protocol, but wasn’t aware of how to apply it. Had the burglars been gone, she wouldn’t want you to be outside waiting for the officers with a gun in hand. But in the situation you mentioned, that’s a pretty clear example of the phrase “person unclear on the concept”.
I certainly didn't want to walk outside with a loaded gun with 5 or 6 units on the scene with too many unknowns...
Last week we had some census workers walking around our backyard wondering if my unattached office was a second residence. No matter how many times I tell them, they always return with the same questions. If they do that one or more times I'll greet them very differently, and maybe they'll learn to stay off private property.