Free NCJOSI2 Problem Identification Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the following report and identify the main problem: 'Officer Miller responded to 125 Maple Ave. The homeowner, Mr. Jones, stated that his neighbor's large dog has been getting into his yard and digging up his garden. Mr. Jones has spoken to the neighbor, who apologized but has not fixed the broken fence panel the dog is using to get through.'
- A dog is digging in a garden.
- An ongoing neighbor dispute over an unsecured animal and property damage. (Correct answer)
- A simple violation of a local leash law.
- A report of a potentially dangerous animal.
Correct answer: An ongoing neighbor dispute over an unsecured animal and property damage.
The core issue is not just the dog's behavior but the neighbor's failure to correct the problem that allows it to happen (the broken fence). This makes it a recurring civil issue between neighbors over property damage and animal control. The officer's role would be to address this ongoing, unresolved dispute.
Question 2: Read the following report and identify the main problem: 'Dispatch received a call from a woman who stated a man in a blue van has been parked across the street from a local elementary school for the past hour. The man has not exited the vehicle. School is scheduled to be dismissed in 30 minutes, and the caller is concerned.'
- A vehicle is illegally parked near a school.
- A report of a suspicious vehicle/person requiring a welfare check. (Correct answer)
- A routine traffic complaint.
- A potential kidnapping that is already in progress.
Correct answer: A report of a suspicious vehicle/person requiring a welfare check.
The central problem is the presence of an unknown individual in a vehicle near a school, which is perceived as suspicious behavior. The context (near a school, close to dismissal time) elevates this from a simple parking complaint to a potential threat that requires an immediate welfare check by an officer.
Question 3: Read the following report and identify the main problem: 'A restaurant manager called to report that a customer is refusing to pay his $50 bill. The customer claims the food was unsatisfactory. The manager has asked the customer to pay or leave, but the customer is refusing to do either and is causing a scene.'
- A robbery has occurred at the restaurant.
- A customer is complaining about poor food quality.
- A civil dispute over payment that has created a disturbance. (Correct answer)
- A customer is trespassing in the restaurant.
Correct answer: A civil dispute over payment that has created a disturbance.
This is not a simple theft, as the customer is still present and stating a reason for non-payment. The problem is a civil dispute over service quality that has escalated into a disturbance, requiring an officer to mediate and keep the peace, a situation often referred to as 'defrauding an innkeeper.'
Question 4: Read the following report and identify the main problem: 'An elderly man calls 911, sounding confused. He states that he does not know where he is, but he can see a sign for 'Route 7' and a large red barn. He says he was supposed to be driving to the grocery store but got lost and his phone's battery is about to die.'
- A driver needs directions to the grocery store.
- A report of a broken-down vehicle on Route 7.
- A search for a missing/endangered adult. (Correct answer)
- A complaint about poor cell phone service.
Correct answer: A search for a missing/endangered adult.
The primary problem is the immediate need to locate a vulnerable person (elderly, confused) who is lost and about to lose his only means of communication. This is a time-sensitive situation requiring a search and welfare check, not just a traffic issue. His safety is the main concern.
Question 5: Read the following report and identify the main problem: 'Officer Diaz is on patrol and observes two teenagers on a street corner. As his car approaches, they exchange a small plastic bag for cash. When the teenagers see his patrol car, they immediately walk away in opposite directions.'
- Two teenagers are loitering on a street corner.
- An observation of a probable narcotics transaction. (Correct answer)
- A report of two suspicious persons.
- Two friends are exchanging money.
Correct answer: An observation of a probable narcotics transaction.
The officer witnessed actions that are highly indicative of a street-level narcotics transaction: the exchange of a small bag for cash and the evasive behavior upon seeing law enforcement. This observation forms the basis of the problem, which is a likely illegal drug deal.
Question 6: Read the following report and identify the main problem: 'A homeowner reports that upon returning from vacation, she found her back door pried open. Inside, her television and some jewelry were missing. She states that she has a security camera, but the wires to it appear to have been cut.'
- A report of vandalism and property damage.
- A residential burglary has occurred. (Correct answer)
- A simple theft of property.
- A malfunctioning security system.
Correct answer: A residential burglary has occurred.
The combination of forced entry (pried door), stolen items (TV, jewelry), and deliberate disabling of security measures (cut wires) are all classic elements of a residential burglary. This is the specific crime that has been committed and needs to be investigated.
Free NCJOSI2 Problem Identification Questions and Answers
Read the following report and identify the main problem: 'Officer Miller responded to 125 Maple Ave.
The homeowner, Mr.
Jones, stated that his neighbor's large dog has been getting into his yard and digging up his garden.
Mr.
Jones has spoken to the neighbor, who apologized but has not fixed the broken fence panel the dog is using to get through.'