RCMP Problem Solving 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You stop a motorist for a minor traffic infraction and notice indicators of impairment. The driver insists they are only tired. What is your next step?
- Accept the explanation and issue only a traffic ticket
- Conduct a Standard Field Sobriety Test to evaluate the driver (Correct answer)
- Arrest the driver immediately for impaired driving
- Call the driver's family to pick them up
Correct answer: Conduct a Standard Field Sobriety Test to evaluate the driver
A Standard Field Sobriety Test provides objective indicators to determine whether impairment is drug, alcohol, or fatigue-related.
Question 2: While processing a crime scene, you realize you forgot to photograph one area before evidence was collected. What is the correct response?
- Reconstruct the scene and photograph it as if nothing happened
- Note the omission in your report and document what steps were taken (Correct answer)
- Delete the other photos to avoid highlighting the gap
- Blame the oversight on another officer in the report
Correct answer: Note the omission in your report and document what steps were taken
Transparency in reporting procedural gaps protects the integrity of the investigation and maintains professional accountability.
Question 3: You receive a call about a youth shoplifting at a convenience store. The store owner wants the youth charged. What factor should most influence your decision?
- The owner's preference alone determines the outcome
- The youth's age, prior record, value of goods, and available diversion options (Correct answer)
- Charge the youth automatically to deter future offenses
- Release the youth because shoplifting is a minor offence
Correct answer: The youth's age, prior record, value of goods, and available diversion options
Youth justice decisions require weighing multiple factors including age, record, and available alternatives to formal charging.
Question 4: At a large public event, a fight breaks out between two groups. Crowd control is an immediate concern. Which response is most effective?
- Engage the combatants alone to stop the fight quickly
- Request additional units, establish a perimeter, and isolate the groups (Correct answer)
- Withdraw and wait for the fight to resolve itself
- Use force on the entire crowd to regain control
Correct answer: Request additional units, establish a perimeter, and isolate the groups
Requesting backup and isolating groups prevents escalation and protects both officers and the public.
Question 5: You are interviewing a victim who becomes very emotional and stops talking. What is the most appropriate response?
- Tell the victim to remain professional during the interview
- Allow a brief pause, express empathy, and let the victim continue at their own pace (Correct answer)
- End the interview immediately and reschedule
- Continue questioning rapidly to collect all information
Correct answer: Allow a brief pause, express empathy, and let the victim continue at their own pace
Allowing emotional pauses while expressing empathy builds rapport and typically yields more accurate and complete information.
Question 6: You are asked to write a supplemental report on a case originally handled by a colleague who is now off duty. The facts are unclear. What should you do?
- Write the report based on what you think probably happened
- Contact your colleague for clarification before completing the report (Correct answer)
- Submit the report with fabricated details to fill the gaps
- Refuse to write the report since it is not your case
Correct answer: Contact your colleague for clarification before completing the report
Accuracy requires clarifying uncertain facts with the originating officer rather than guessing or fabricating information.
Question 7: A person reports their vehicle stolen. During your investigation you discover the vehicle was repossessed by a lender and the complainant was aware of the debt. What action do you take?
- Charge the lender with theft for taking the vehicle
- Advise the complainant this is a civil matter and clear the stolen vehicle report (Correct answer)
- Arrest the complainant for filing a false report immediately
- Seize the vehicle as evidence pending court resolution
Correct answer: Advise the complainant this is a civil matter and clear the stolen vehicle report
A lawful repossession is a civil matter, not a theft, and the stolen vehicle report must be cleared to prevent unnecessary enforcement actions.
RCMP Problem Solving 3
You stop a motorist for a minor traffic infraction and notice indicators of impairment.
The driver insists they are only tired.
What is your next step?