APCAT APCAT - Alberta Police Cognitive Ability Problem Analysis and Resolution 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A community has experienced a 40% increase in residential break-ins over six months, primarily on Tuesday and Thursday evenings between 18:00 and 22:00. What is the most effective initial strategy?
- Increase random patrols across the entire city at all times
- Deploy targeted patrols in residential areas on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (Correct answer)
- Install cameras in the commercial district
- Issue a public advisory asking residents to move away
Correct answer: Deploy targeted patrols in residential areas on Tuesday and Thursday evenings
Targeted patrols during the identified high-risk times and areas are the most data-driven and cost-effective initial response.
Deploying resources during identified high-risk windows maximises deterrence. Random city-wide patrols dilute resources. Camera placement in commercial areas does not address the residential problem. This approach reflects crime pattern analysis principles.
Question 2: You are investigating a series of car break-ins in a parking lot. Witnesses report seeing the same individual each time, but no arrests have been made. What is the most appropriate next step?
- Arrest the individual based on witness reports alone
- Conduct surveillance on the parking lot to gather direct evidence (Correct answer)
- Close the file as there is insufficient evidence
- Ask witnesses to confront the suspect themselves
Correct answer: Conduct surveillance on the parking lot to gather direct evidence
Conducting surveillance to gather direct evidence is the appropriate next step — witness reports alone are insufficient for a lawful arrest.
Witness accounts must be corroborated with direct evidence for a successful prosecution. Surveillance can yield direct observations or video evidence. Arresting without sufficient evidence risks Charter rights violations. Asking witnesses to confront suspects is dangerous.
Question 3: A constable is called to a dispute between two neighbours over a property fence. Both parties are upset and arguing. What is the best initial approach?
- Immediately arrest both parties for causing a disturbance
- Listen to each party separately to understand their perspectives before taking any action (Correct answer)
- Side with the party who appears calmer
- Leave the scene and advise them to resolve it themselves
Correct answer: Listen to each party separately to understand their perspectives before taking any action
Separating and listening to each party individually de-escalates tension and allows the officer to gather accurate, uninfluenced accounts.
Separating disputing parties reduces escalation risk and allows each to speak freely. Officers can gather full facts before determining whether a criminal offence has occurred, a civil dispute is involved, or mediation is appropriate.
Question 4: Vehicle thefts in your district cluster around three parking locations, all after 22:00. Which problem-solving approach is most appropriate?
- Request increased lighting and signage at the three locations (Correct answer)
- Patrol the entire district randomly throughout the day
- Close the parking lots permanently
- Arrest all persons found near those locations after 22:00
Correct answer: Request increased lighting and signage at the three locations
Environmental improvements such as increased lighting at identified high-risk locations address the root conditions enabling the thefts.
Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) is an evidence-based policing approach. Improving lighting at identified theft hot spots reduces concealment opportunities. Closing public lots is disproportionate. Arresting without cause violates Charter rights.
Question 5: A business owner reports consistent after-hours break-ins through the rear entrance. What problem analysis approach best identifies the root cause?
- Assume it is always the same suspect and focus exclusively on one person
- Analyse when the break-ins occur, what is taken, and what vulnerabilities exist at the rear entrance (Correct answer)
- Issue a curfew for the entire block
- Increase foot patrols during business hours only
Correct answer: Analyse when the break-ins occur, what is taken, and what vulnerabilities exist at the rear entrance
Analysing timing, target selection, and physical vulnerabilities identifies root causes and informs targeted solutions.
Systematic problem analysis reflecting the SARA model (Scanning, Analysis, Response, Assessment) prevents premature conclusions, identifies contributing factors, and supports evidence-based solutions.
Question 6: Officers notice that calls for service spike on Friday and Saturday nights near two specific bar locations. Which resolution strategy is most appropriate?
- Close both bars immediately
- Increase police presence near those locations on Friday and Saturday nights (Correct answer)
- Randomly increase patrols citywide
- Arrest all patrons leaving the bars
Correct answer: Increase police presence near those locations on Friday and Saturday nights
Targeted, time-specific patrol increases near the identified problem locations is the appropriate, proportionate, and effective response.
Deploying resources at identified hot spots during identified high-risk times follows the hot spots policing model. Closing businesses or mass arrests are disproportionate or unlawful responses.
APCAT APCAT - Alberta Police Cognitive Ability Problem Analysis and Resolution 2
A community has experienced a 40% increase in residential break-ins over six months, primarily on Tuesday and Thursday evenings between 18:00 and 22:00.
What is the most effective initial strategy?