NPOST NPOST Police Test Observation and Memory Skills 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You must monitor the north entrance of a building while approaching from the south. Which direction should you face?
- North (Correct answer)
- South
- East
- West
Correct answer: North
To monitor the north entrance while approaching from the south the officer must face north toward the target location.
Question 2: A description states a suspect has a tattoo on his LEFT arm. When you are facing the suspect the tattoo appears on which side of YOUR body?
- Your right side (Correct answer)
- Your left side
- Either side depending on your angle
- Behind the suspect
Correct answer: Your right side
When facing someone their left arm is on your right side due to mirror orientation.
Question 3: A photo showing four items on a table is removed and you are tested on it. Which question tests observational memory?
- How many items were on the table? (Correct answer)
- Why were the items placed on the table?
- Who placed the items there?
- When were the items placed there?
Correct answer: How many items were on the table?
Observational memory questions ask about what was visually present such as the quantity and type of observed items.
Question 4: An officer responding to a call notes a parked car with the engine running. Which observation is MOST relevant to report?
- The vehicle's make, model, color, and license plate (Correct answer)
- The vehicle's approximate age
- Whether the vehicle is a domestic or foreign brand
- The direction the vehicle's tires are turned
Correct answer: The vehicle's make, model, color, and license plate
Make, model, color, and license plate are the four standard identifiers used to locate and trace a vehicle.
Question 5: An officer must recall the sequence of events during a 10-minute incident. Which approach ensures accurate sequencing?
- Write events in chronological order immediately after the incident (Correct answer)
- Rely on memory to reconstruct the sequence later at the station
- Ask bystanders to confirm the order of events first
- Record only the most significant event to avoid confusion
Correct answer: Write events in chronological order immediately after the incident
Immediate chronological documentation preserves the accurate sequence of events before memory fades.
Question 6: When scanning a crowd for suspicious behavior what is the MOST important principle for an officer to apply?
- Observe without bias, focusing on behaviors rather than physical appearance (Correct answer)
- Focus only on individuals who appear physically threatening
- Monitor only those who make direct eye contact with you
- Track only individuals who are moving quickly through the crowd
Correct answer: Observe without bias, focusing on behaviors rather than physical appearance
Behavior-based observation is more accurate and legally sound than appearance-based profiling.
NPOST NPOST Police Test Observation and Memory Skills 2
You must monitor the north entrance of a building while approaching from the south.
Which direction should you face?