LEAB - Law Enforcement Aptitude Battery Written Comprehension & Expression Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the following passage and answer the question below. 'Incident reports must be submitted by the end of each shift. These reports should be written in a clear and concise manner, detailing all pertinent facts of the event. The use of police jargon or slang is to be avoided to ensure the report is understandable to a wider audience, including legal professionals and civilian review boards. All reports must be proofread for grammatical errors and factual accuracy before final submission. Officer Miller completed his report on the Main Street burglary, noting the suspect was a 'B&E artist' and that he 'fled the scene in a westerly direction.' The report was submitted five minutes after his shift ended.' Based on the passage, which part of the reporting procedure did Officer Miller fail to follow correctly?
- Submitting the report on time.
- Including all pertinent facts.
- Avoiding the use of police jargon. (Correct answer)
- Proofreading for accuracy.
Correct answer: Avoiding the use of police jargon.
The passage explicitly states that police jargon should be avoided. Officer Miller used the term 'B&E artist,' which is jargon for a burglary suspect, violating this directive. While the report was slightly late, the most direct violation of the written instructions was the use of jargon.
Question 2: Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct and most clearly written for a police report?
- The suspect, he was apprehended by me at 1400 hours.
- Driving a blue sedan, the witness saw the suspect leave.
- After a brief pursuit, Officer Jenkins arrested the suspect. (Correct answer)
- The victim's wallet which was stolen was found laying on the ground.
Correct answer: After a brief pursuit, Officer Jenkins arrested the suspect.
This sentence is clear, concise, and grammatically correct. It uses an active voice and correctly places the modifying phrase 'After a brief pursuit' to describe the action leading to the arrest. The other options contain redundancies ('he was apprehended by me'), misplaced modifiers ('Driving a blue sedan...'), or awkward phrasing ('laying on the ground').
Question 3: An officer is writing a report about a traffic collision. The officer needs to convey that a driver did not stop at a stop sign, which caused the accident. Which of the following is the most professional and precise way to state this fact?
- The driver blew through the stop sign and smashed into the other car.
- The driver of Unit 1 failed to bring their vehicle to a complete stop at the marked stop sign, proceeding into the intersection and colliding with Unit 2. (Correct answer)
- It appeared to the reporting officer that the driver probably didn't stop at the stop sign, which is why the crash happened.
- The accident was caused by the driver's failure to stop for the posted traffic control device (stop sign).
Correct answer: The driver of Unit 1 failed to bring their vehicle to a complete stop at the marked stop sign, proceeding into the intersection and colliding with Unit 2.
This statement is the most professional and precise. It uses neutral, objective language ('failed to bring their vehicle to a complete stop'), clearly identifies the vehicles ('Unit 1', 'Unit 2'), and describes the sequence of events factually without slang or speculation.
Question 4: Select the word that best completes the following sentence: 'The witness provided a ______ account of the events, which greatly assisted the investigation.'
- ambiguous
- convoluted
- lucid (Correct answer)
- superficial
Correct answer: lucid
The word 'lucid' means clear and easy to understand. A clear account from a witness would be very helpful to an investigation. 'Ambiguous' means unclear, 'convoluted' means overly complex, and 'superficial' means lacking in depth; none of these would assist an investigation.
Question 5: Read the following sentences and determine the most logical order for them to appear in a police report narrative. 1. The suspect was then transported to the county jail for booking. 2. Upon arrival, I observed a male matching the suspect's description exiting the rear of the building. 3. I identified myself as a police officer and commanded him to stop. 4. At approximately 22:30 hours, I was dispatched to a silent alarm at 123 Baker Street. 5. The suspect complied and was taken into custody without incident. Which of the following represents the most logical sequence?
- 4, 2, 3, 5, 1 (Correct answer)
- 2, 4, 3, 1, 5
- 4, 3, 2, 5, 1
- 1, 4, 2, 3, 5
Correct answer: 4, 2, 3, 5, 1
The correct sequence follows a chronological order of events, which is standard for a narrative report. It begins with the dispatch (4), followed by the officer's arrival and observation (2), the action taken (3), the suspect's reaction and arrest (5), and the final disposition (1).
Question 6: Which of the following is a common error in police report writing that can compromise its effectiveness in a legal setting?
- Using direct quotes from witnesses.
- Including specific dates and times.
- Stating personal opinions or conclusions about guilt. (Correct answer)
- Numbering each page of the report.
Correct answer: Stating personal opinions or conclusions about guilt.
A police report should state objective facts and observations. Including personal opinions, speculations, or conclusions about a person's guilt (e.g., 'I believe the suspect was lying') is inappropriate and can be challenged in court. The officer's role is to report facts, not to make judgments of guilt or innocence.
LEAB - Law Enforcement Aptitude Battery Written Comprehension & Expression Questions and Answers 1
Read the following passage and answer the question below.
'Incident reports must be submitted by the end of each shift.
These reports should be written in a clear and concise manner, detailing all pertinent facts of the event.
The use of police jargon or slang is to be avoided to ensure the report is understandable to a wider audience, including legal professionals and civilian review boards.
All reports must be proofread for grammatical errors and factual accuracy before final submission.
Officer Miller completed his report on the Main Street burglary, noting the suspect was a 'B&E artist' and that he 'fled the scene in a westerly direction.' The report was submitted five minutes after his shift ended.'
Based on the passage, which part of the reporting procedure did Officer Miller fail to follow correctly?