LASD - Los Angeles Sheriff Department Reading Comprehension Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the following passage and answer the question. 'Department Policy 3-02/110.15, entitled 'Vehicle Pursuits,' strictly governs the circumstances under which a deputy may initiate or continue a vehicle pursuit. The primary consideration must always be the safety of the public and the deputies involved. A pursuit is justified only when the necessity of immediate apprehension of a suspect outweighs the level of danger created by the pursuit. Deputies must continuously re-evaluate the situation, considering factors such as traffic density, weather conditions, the nature of the original offense, and the identity of the suspect, if known. A supervisor's order to terminate a pursuit is final and must be obeyed immediately.' According to this policy, which of the following is the most important factor for a deputy to consider when deciding to continue a pursuit?
- The speed at which the suspect is traveling
- The known identity of the suspect
- The balance between the risk of the pursuit and the need for immediate capture (Correct answer)
- The direct order of a supervising officer
Correct answer: The balance between the risk of the pursuit and the need for immediate capture
The correct answer is based on the sentence: 'A pursuit is justified only when the necessity of immediate apprehension of a suspect outweighs the level of danger created by the pursuit.' This directly states that the core consideration is weighing the danger against the need for apprehension. While the other factors are mentioned as considerations, this balance is presented as the primary justification for the pursuit itself.
Question 2: Read the following paragraph from an incident report and answer the question. 'Upon arrival at the scene of the reported disturbance at 1430 hours, I observed a broken window on the front of the residence. A witness, Ms. Jane Doe, stated that she heard a loud argument followed by the sound of glass shattering at approximately 1425 hours. She then observed a male individual, described as tall with a red shirt and blue jeans, running from the location and heading westbound on Elm Street. Ms. Doe could not provide a more detailed description as her view was partially obstructed. A preliminary search of the immediate area for the individual was conducted with negative results.' Based on the report, which of the following statements is a fact, not an inference or a statement from a witness?
- An argument occurred just before the window was broken.
- The suspect wore a red shirt and blue jeans.
- A search of the area did not locate the suspect. (Correct answer)
- The man running from the scene broke the window.
Correct answer: A search of the area did not locate the suspect.
The officer directly states, 'A preliminary search of the immediate area for the individual was conducted with negative results.' This is an action the officer took and its outcome, making it a fact from the report. The other options are based on the witness's statement (what she heard and saw) or are inferences that cannot be definitively proven by the text (e.g., that the man seen running was the one who broke the window).
Question 3: Read the following text and answer the question. 'The use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) by deputies is authorized after the deputy has received proper training and certification. An AED should be used on a person who is unresponsive, not breathing, and has no pulse. The device analyzes the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electrical shock to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm. It is crucial, however, that before activating the shock, the deputy ensures all personnel are clear of the person to avoid accidental injury. Regular equipment checks are mandatory to ensure the AED is in proper working order.' What is the main purpose of this passage?
- To argue that all deputies should carry an AED
- To provide a step-by-step guide on how to perform CPR
- To describe the function of an AED and the protocol for its use (Correct answer)
- To detail the mandatory equipment checks for all patrol vehicles
Correct answer: To describe the function of an AED and the protocol for its use
The passage defines what an AED is, explains when it should be used, describes its function, and outlines key procedural steps and requirements (training, clearing personnel, equipment checks). This comprehensive overview supports the main purpose of describing the device and its proper use.
Question 4: Read the following scenario and answer the question. 'Property collected as evidence must be properly cataloged and secured in the station's evidence locker. Each item requires a separate evidence tag, detailing the case number, date, time of collection, location found, a brief description of the item, and the collecting deputy's name and serial number. The chain of custody, which is a log of every person who handles the evidence, begins the moment the item is collected. Any break in the chain of custody can compromise the evidence's admissibility in court.' Deputy Miller recovers a knife at a crime scene. He places it in an evidence bag and writes the case number and date on the bag. He then gives it to Deputy Sanchez to transport back to the station. What crucial step was missed according to the text?
- Placing the item in the station's evidence locker
- Beginning the chain of custody log
- Filling out a complete evidence tag for the knife (Correct answer)
- Waiting for a supervisor before collecting the evidence
Correct answer: Filling out a complete evidence tag for the knife
The passage explicitly states that each item requires a separate evidence tag with several specific pieces of information (case number, date, time, location, description, and collector's info). Deputy Miller only wrote the case number and date on the bag, missing several required details for a complete tag. The other steps would happen later or are not mentioned as required in this passage.
Question 5: Read the following passage and answer the question. 'Community-Oriented Policing (COP) is a strategy that focuses on building ties and working closely with members of the community. The philosophy is that police and the public should be partners in the effort to control crime and disorder. This approach requires that deputies spend time out of their patrol cars, attend community meetings, and get to know the residents and their concerns. By fostering this trust, it is believed that residents will be more willing to share information about criminal activity, thereby making the community safer for everyone.' Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
- COP is less effective than traditional policing methods.
- Traditional policing methods do not involve community interaction.
- Increased communication between residents and police is a goal of COP. (Correct answer)
- COP is primarily used for solving major, high-profile crimes.
Correct answer: Increased communication between residents and police is a goal of COP.
The passage states that by building ties and getting to know residents' concerns, police hope residents will be 'more willing to share information.' This directly supports the idea that improved communication is a key objective of the COP strategy.
Question 6: Read the following excerpt from a legal code and answer the question. 'Penal Code Section 459 defines burglary as the entry into any building or specified structure with the intent to commit grand or petit larceny or any felony. The act of entering does not require force; passing through an open door can constitute an entry. The critical element is the person's intent at the moment of entry. If the intent to commit a crime was formed only after entering the structure, the crime of burglary has not been committed, although other crimes may have occurred.' Based on this definition, which situation would constitute burglary?
- A person breaks a window to enter a house to take shelter from a storm.
- A person walks into a store, and while inside, decides to shoplift a candy bar.
- A person climbs through an unlocked window of a home with the plan to steal a laptop. (Correct answer)
- A person accidentally locks their keys in their own house and breaks a window to get back inside.
Correct answer: A person climbs through an unlocked window of a home with the plan to steal a laptop.
This scenario meets all the criteria mentioned in the definition. The person entered a structure (climbed through a window) with the pre-formed intent to commit a crime (steal a laptop, which is larceny). The other scenarios lack the critical element of having the intent to commit a crime *at the moment of entry*.
LASD - Los Angeles Sheriff Department Reading Comprehension Questions and Answers
Read the following passage and answer the question.
'Department Policy 3-02/110.15, entitled 'Vehicle Pursuits,' strictly governs the circumstances under which a deputy may initiate or continue a vehicle pursuit.
The primary consideration must always be the safety of the public and the deputies involved.
A pursuit is justified only when the necessity of immediate apprehension of a suspect outweighs the level of danger created by the pursuit.
Deputies must continuously re-evaluate the situation, considering factors such as traffic density, weather conditions, the nature of the original offense, and the identity of the suspect, if known.
A supervisor's order to terminate a pursuit is final and must be obeyed immediately.'
According to this policy, which of the following is the most important factor for a deputy to consider when deciding to continue a pursuit?