APCAT - Alberta Police Cognitive Ability Reading Comprehension Skills Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the following passage from a police service policy memo: **Subject: Handling of Body-Worn Camera (BWC) Footage** 'All officers are required to upload BWC footage to the digital evidence server prior to the conclusion of their shift. Each recording must be categorized according to the primary incident type (e.g., Traffic Stop, Domestic Dispute, etc.). Furthermore, any footage that captures a use-of-force incident must be specifically flagged for mandatory supervisory review. Officers are reminded that using the BWC for personal recordings is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.' According to this policy, when must an officer flag BWC footage for supervisory review?
- At the end of every shift for all recorded footage.
- When a use-of-force incident is recorded. (Correct answer)
- If the footage is longer than 30 minutes.
- Only when a formal complaint has been filed.
Correct answer: When a use-of-force incident is recorded.
The passage explicitly states, '...any footage that captures a use-of-force incident must be specifically flagged for mandatory supervisory review.' The other options are not conditions mentioned in the text for flagging footage.
Question 2: Read the following excerpt from a municipal bylaw: 'No person shall cause or permit noise in a residential area that is likely to disturb the peace or enjoyment of others between the hours of 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM. Prohibited noises include, but are not limited to, the operation of power tools, loud music, and persistent shouting. A first offense is subject to a written warning.' An officer is dispatched at 10:45 PM to a complaint about a resident using a power saw in their garage. Based *only* on the provided bylaw excerpt, which of the following actions is most justified?
- Seize the power saw as evidence of a bylaw infraction.
- Issue a fine for disturbing the peace.
- Inform the complainant that the noise is permissible at this specific time. (Correct answer)
- Arrest the resident for violating the municipal bylaw.
Correct answer: Inform the complainant that the noise is permissible at this specific time.
The bylaw specifically defines the prohibited hours as being between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM. Since the incident occurs at 10:45 PM, it falls outside the restricted time frame mentioned in the excerpt. Therefore, based solely on this text, the noise is technically permissible.
Question 3: Read the following internal announcement: 'The transition to the new digital Records Management System (RMS) will commence on the first of next month. All sworn members are required to complete the mandatory 4-hour e-learning module on the new system prior to this date. This new platform integrates several functions and is expected to significantly reduce administrative time. While a brief adaptation period is anticipated, the long-term benefits of streamlined workflow and improved data accuracy are substantial. Supervisors will hold brief Q&A sessions during each platoon's briefing in the final week of this month.' Which of the following best summarizes the main purpose of this passage?
- To argue that the old records system is inefficient and outdated.
- To detail the technical specifications of the new RMS platform.
- To announce the specific schedule for supervisor Q&A sessions.
- To inform officers about the upcoming RMS transition and its requirements. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To inform officers about the upcoming RMS transition and its requirements.
The passage's primary goal is to inform officers about the new system, what they need to do to prepare (training), when it is happening, and what the expected benefits are. The other options refer to minor details or are inferences, not the main purpose of the announcement.
Question 4: Read the following summary from an investigative file: 'Constable Miller reviewed the file for a recent commercial break-and-enter. The suspect gained entry by prying open a rear door. Footprints were found leading directly to the main office area. Inside the office, a petty cash box had been forced open and emptied. Several high-end laptops, monitors, and other office electronics on the desks were untouched. The only items reported missing were the cash from the box and several rolls of postage stamps from a drawer. The suspect appears to have exited through the same rear door.' Based on the details in the passage, what is the most reasonable inference about the suspect?
- The suspect was a disgruntled former employee.
- The suspect was likely targeting untraceable assets that are easy to carry. (Correct answer)
- The suspect was not very intelligent and missed valuable items.
- The suspect was scared off before they could steal more.
Correct answer: The suspect was likely targeting untraceable assets that are easy to carry.
The suspect ignored large, valuable, and traceable electronics (laptops) and focused exclusively on untraceable and easily concealed items: cash and stamps. This suggests a specific goal of acquiring items that are easy to carry and convert to use without being tracked.
Question 5: Read the following passage from an officer's report: 'A traffic stop was initiated on a red 2019 Ford F-150, Alberta license plate FGH-1234, for a defective brake light. The driver, Ms. Jane DOE (DOB: 1990-JUL-25), was the sole occupant. Upon request, she produced a valid driver's license and vehicle registration. However, the provided insurance slip had an expiry date from two months prior. A violation ticket was issued for the defective brake light, and a separate summons was issued for the failure to provide proof of valid insurance.' According to the passage, what was the direct reason for issuing a summons?
- Driving with a defective brake light.
- Operating a vehicle with an expired registration.
- The driver's license being invalid.
- Failing to produce proof of current, valid insurance. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Failing to produce proof of current, valid insurance.
The passage clearly separates the two enforcement actions. A 'violation ticket' was issued for the brake light, while a 'summons' was specifically issued for the 'failure to provide proof of valid insurance' because the slip was expired.
Question 6: Read the following passage from a training manual: 'When interviewing a witness, it is critical for an officer to remain impartial and avoid leading questions. The officer's primary goal is to obtain a pure recollection of events. After the initial statement is given, the officer should then attempt to corroborate key details. This can be done by comparing the statement to physical evidence, reviewing security footage, or cross-referencing with other independent witness accounts. Discrepancies found during this process may indicate memory errors or intentional deception.' In the context of the passage, what does the word 'corroborate' most nearly mean?
- To confirm or support with additional evidence. (Correct answer)
- To challenge or disprove a statement.
- To officially record a witness's testimony.
- To ask clarifying questions.
Correct answer: To confirm or support with additional evidence.
The passage describes corroboration as the process of comparing a statement to other sources like physical evidence or other witnesses. This action is done to confirm or support the details of the initial statement.
APCAT - Alberta Police Cognitive Ability Reading Comprehension Skills Questions and Answers
Read the following passage from a police service policy memo:
**Subject: Handling of Body-Worn Camera (BWC) Footage**
'All officers are required to upload BWC footage to the digital evidence server prior to the conclusion of their shift.
Each recording must be categorized according to the primary incident type (e.g., Traffic Stop, Domestic Dispute, etc.).
Furthermore, any footage that captures a use-of-force incident must be specifically flagged for mandatory supervisory review.
Officers are reminded that using the BWC for personal recordings is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.'
According to this policy, when must an officer flag BWC footage for supervisory review?