APCAT Alberta Police Cognitive Ability Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: An officer notes a vehicle with the following features: silver pickup truck, Alberta plate TXP-8834, tow hitch attached, cracked windshield on the driver's side, and a 'Calgary Flames' bumper sticker on the rear. What is the vehicle's licence plate number?

TXP-3884
TPX-8834
TXP-8843
TXP-8834 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: TXP-8834

The correct plate is TXP-8834 as noted by the officer.

Question 2: An officer completing a PPSC (property and person search check) noted that on October 3rd, a grey 2022 Honda Civic, VIN 2HGFE2F57NH604827, registered to Tanya Blum of Red Deer, was flagged as associated with an active fraud investigation. The vehicle had last been seen in the Beltline neighbourhood of Calgary. The officer was instructed to note the vehicle's location if observed but to take no enforcement action. What action was the officer instructed to take if the vehicle was observed?

Detain the registered owner immediately
Issue a parking violation to flag the plate
Seize the vehicle pending investigation
Note the vehicle's location but take no enforcement action (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Note the vehicle's location but take no enforcement action

The officer was instructed to note the vehicle's location if observed but to take no enforcement action.

Question 3: Officer Reyes documented a break-and-enter at 4418 Crowchild Trail NW. The point of entry was a smashed rear window. Items reported stolen included a laptop computer, a watch valued at $2,400, and $340 in cash. The homeowner, Mr. Duval, stated he had been away from 09:00 to 17:30. Neighbours reported hearing glass breaking around 13:00. How many distinct items are listed as stolen in the passage?

Four
Two
Five
Three (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Three

The passage lists three items: a laptop, a watch, and $340 in cash.

Question 4: Select the correctly written sentence for a police report.

The complainant seen the suspect flee north on Main St.
The complainant had seen the suspect fleeing north on Main St. (Correct answer)
The complainant seen the suspect had fled north on Main St.
The complainant has saw the suspect flee north on Main St.

Correct answer: The complainant had seen the suspect fleeing north on Main St.

'Had seen' correctly uses the past perfect tense to indicate an action observed before another past event.

Question 5: Which sentence uses quotation marks correctly?

The sergeant said, "Submit your reports by 0800." (Correct answer)
The sergeant said "submit your reports by 0800".
The sergeant said, 'submit your reports by 0800'.
The sergeant said: 'Submit your reports by 0800.'

Correct answer: The sergeant said, "Submit your reports by 0800."

Direct quotations use double quotation marks, capitalize the first word of the quote, and place the period inside the closing marks.

Question 6: An officer completing a PPSC noted that on October 3rd, a grey 2022 Honda Civic, VIN 2HGFE2F57NH604827, registered to Tanya Blum of Red Deer, was flagged as associated with an active fraud investigation. The vehicle had last been seen in the Beltline neighbourhood of Calgary. The officer was instructed to note the vehicle's location if observed but to take no enforcement action. In which Calgary neighbourhood had the vehicle last been observed?

Sunalta
Kensington
Beltline (Correct answer)
Inglewood

Correct answer: Beltline

The passage states the vehicle had last been seen in the Beltline neighbourhood of Calgary.

Question 7: Which option identifies the correct sentence structure? 'Although exhausted from the night shift, the officer completed the report.'

Compound-complex sentence
Compound sentence
Complex sentence (Correct answer)
Simple sentence

Correct answer: Complex sentence

The sentence has one independent clause and one dependent clause ('Although exhausted from the night shift'), making it a complex sentence.

Question 8: Using the same collision passage: What colour was the Ford F-150?

Silver
Red (Correct answer)
White
Blue

Correct answer: Red

The passage describes the Ford F-150 as red.

Question 9: An officer notes the following on Elm Street: a red mailbox outside No. 14, a yellow fire hydrant across from No. 18, a broken streetlight between No. 20 and No. 22, and graffiti on the wall of No. 24. Where is the broken streetlight located?

Between No. 18 and No. 20
Between No. 20 and No. 22 (Correct answer)
Outside No. 24
Across from No. 22

Correct answer: Between No. 20 and No. 22

The passage explicitly states the broken streetlight is between No. 20 and No. 22.

Question 10: Read the following passage and answer the question below. Passage: "An officer is dispatched to a minor traffic collision in a residential area. Upon arrival, she observes two vehicles with minimal damage. Driver A claims Driver B failed to stop at a stop sign, while Driver B insists that Driver A was speeding. There are no independent witnesses. The officer's report must objectively document the damage to both vehicles, the road conditions, the exact statements from each driver, and a diagram of the final resting positions of the cars. The officer is not to assign fault in the report but must record all available facts." In the described scenario, what should the officer's report primarily focus on?

Estimating the monetary cost of the vehicle damage.
Objectively documenting all factual details of the scene. (Correct answer)
Determining which driver was at fault for the collision.
Interviewing neighbors to find potential witnesses.

Correct answer: Objectively documenting all factual details of the scene.

The passage explicitly states, 'The officer is not to assign fault in the report but must record all available facts.' It then lists the factual details that must be documented, such as damage, statements, and road conditions. The other options are either contradicted by the text or not mentioned as the primary focus.

Question 11: Using the same passage: What was the address of the disturbance?

1485 Centre Street NW
1845 Centre Street NE
1854 Centre Street NW
1845 Centre Street NW (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 1845 Centre Street NW

The passage states the disturbance occurred at 1845 Centre Street NW, Calgary.

Question 12: During a routine patrol, you find your partner asleep in the passenger seat of the patrol car. This is a serious violation of department policy and a significant officer safety issue. What should you do first?

Say nothing and let them sleep, as they may have been overworked on a previous shift.
Take a photo as evidence and report them to Internal Affairs immediately.
Wake your partner up, inform them of the seriousness of their action, and document the incident according to department protocol. (Correct answer)
Drive to a more secluded location to let them finish their nap before resuming patrol.

Correct answer: Wake your partner up, inform them of the seriousness of their action, and document the incident according to department protocol.

The immediate priorities are to address the safety violation and adhere to professional and ethical standards. Waking the partner up directly addresses the immediate safety risk. Informing them of the seriousness of the situation is a direct and professional way to handle the interpersonal conflict. Most importantly, following departmental protocol for documenting such an incident is crucial for accountability. Ignoring the situation or covering it up compromises safety and integrity. Reporting immediately to Internal Affairs without first addressing the immediate safety concern and speaking to the partner might be overly aggressive as an initial step.

Question 13: An officer is conducting a traffic stop when a passerby reports seeing smoke coming from a nearby building. The driver being stopped has a minor equipment violation. What is the best course of action?

Immediately leave to investigate the smoke, abandoning the stop
Quickly release the driver with a verbal warning and investigate the smoke (Correct answer)
Finish issuing the citation before investigating the smoke
Radio dispatch about the smoke and continue the traffic stop

Correct answer: Quickly release the driver with a verbal warning and investigate the smoke

A potential fire is a life-safety emergency; releasing the driver for a minor violation and responding is the balanced, proportionate action.

Question 14: A series of vehicle thefts occurred: Monday in the south end, Tuesday in the east end, Wednesday in the south end, Thursday in the east end. Where is Friday's theft most likely to occur based on this pattern?

South end (Correct answer)
North end
East end
West end

Correct answer: South end

The pattern alternates south-east-south-east. Following the pattern, Friday (5th occurrence) returns to the south end.

Question 15: An officer is the first to arrive at a chaotic multi-vehicle collision on a busy highway. One vehicle is on fire, an occupant of another car is lying on the road with a visible injury, and traffic is beginning to back up, creating a secondary hazard. What is the officer's most critical and immediate priority?

Start gathering witness statements before memories begin to fade.
Attempt to extinguish the vehicle fire using the patrol car's fire extinguisher.
Immediately begin directing traffic to prevent further collisions.
Secure the scene to protect human life, including the injured person and first responders. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Secure the scene to protect human life, including the injured person and first responders.

The highest priority in any critical incident is the preservation of human life. Securing the scene involves creating a safe area for first responders to work, attending to the injured, and preventing further harm from the fire or oncoming traffic. While directing traffic and fighting the fire are important, they are components of the overarching goal of securing the scene for life safety.

Question 16: Read the following passage and answer the question. 'Officers responding to a disturbance call must assess the scene before approaching. They should note the number of individuals present, any visible weapons, and the emotional state of those involved. Only after this initial assessment should officers determine the appropriate level of force, if any, required.' According to the passage, what should officers do FIRST when responding to a disturbance call?

Identify any visible weapons
Determine the appropriate level of force
Assess the scene before approaching (Correct answer)
Count the number of individuals present

Correct answer: Assess the scene before approaching

The passage states officers must assess the scene before approaching as the first step.

Question 17: Sergeant Liu filed a use-of-force report following an arrest at 1200 Centre Street N. The subject, Amara Osei, 31, had refused verbal commands and adopted an aggressive stance. Sergeant Liu deployed a CEW (conducted energy weapon) after the subject reached toward her waistband. Osei fell and struck her head on the pavement, resulting in a minor scalp laceration. EMS was called. Osei was later charged with obstructing a peace officer. Why did Sergeant Liu deploy the CEW?

A second officer requested the deployment
The subject attempted to flee the scene
The subject reached toward her waistband (Correct answer)
The subject had already struck the officer

Correct answer: The subject reached toward her waistband

The report states Liu deployed the CEW after the subject reached toward her waistband.

Question 18: During a foot patrol, an officer observes the following in a 30-second window: a woman arguing on a phone, a man exiting a store quickly without a bag, a running child, and a car idling with its hazard lights on. Which observation most warrants immediate follow-up?

Man exiting store quickly without a bag (Correct answer)
Car idling with hazards on
Woman arguing on phone
Running child

Correct answer: Man exiting store quickly without a bag

A person exiting a retail store quickly without any bag or purchase may indicate shoplifting or theft, warranting immediate follow-up.

Question 19: An officer inventories items from a suspect's backpack. The list includes: one 15-inch laptop (silver), a black spiral notebook, a wallet containing $145 in various bills, a set of keys with a green fob, a half-eaten sandwich, and a transit pass valid until July 31st. Later, the officer needs to confirm a detail without looking at the list. Which of the following is correct?

The wallet contained exactly $150.
The laptop was black and 13 inches.
The keys had a blue fob.
The transit pass had an expiration date. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The transit pass had an expiration date.

The inventory list explicitly states that the transit pass was 'valid until July 31st', which is an expiration date. The other options are incorrect: the wallet had $145, the laptop was silver and 15 inches, and the key fob was green.

Question 20: You have four pending tasks: completing an overdue report, attending a community meeting, testifying in court tomorrow, and responding to a call about a domestic disturbance. Which should you address first?

Prepare your testimony for court
Respond to the domestic disturbance call (Correct answer)
Complete the overdue report to avoid disciplinary action
Attend the community meeting as previously scheduled

Correct answer: Respond to the domestic disturbance call

Domestic disturbances involve potential immediate harm to persons and require an immediate field response before any administrative tasks.

Question 21: During a patrol, an officer spots a vehicle with one headlight out. The driver is otherwise operating the vehicle lawfully. What is the MOST appropriate action?

Stop the vehicle, advise the driver of the defect, and issue a fix-it notice (Correct answer)
Ignore the defect as it is minor
Impound the vehicle immediately as it is unsafe
Follow the vehicle until it commits another infraction

Correct answer: Stop the vehicle, advise the driver of the defect, and issue a fix-it notice

A defective headlight is a vehicle equipment violation; advising the driver and issuing a repair notice is the proportionate response.

Question 22: Read the following and answer the question. Alberta's Traffic Safety Act requires that drivers involved in collisions resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $2,000 must remain at the scene and report the collision to police. Failure to do so is an offence commonly known as 'hit and run'. At what property damage threshold must a driver report a collision under Alberta law?

$5,000
$500
$2,000 (Correct answer)
$1,000

Correct answer: $2,000

The passage states the reporting threshold is property damage exceeding $2,000.

Question 23: A patrol officer covers 120 km per shift over an 8-hour shift. What is the officer's average speed in km/h?

12 km/h
15 km/h (Correct answer)
20 km/h
18 km/h

Correct answer: 15 km/h

Average speed = Distance divided by Time = 120 km divided by 8 hours = 15 km/h.

Question 24: Officer Reyes documented a break-and-enter at 4418 Crowchild Trail NW. The point of entry was a smashed rear window. Items reported stolen included a laptop computer, a watch valued at $2,400, and $340 in cash. The homeowner, Mr. Duval, stated he had been away from 09:00 to 17:30. Neighbours reported hearing glass breaking around 13:00. Based on the passage, what was the reported value of the stolen watch?

$1,200
$2,740
$2,400 (Correct answer)
$340

Correct answer: $2,400

The passage specifically states the watch was valued at $2,400.

Question 25: A bulletin shows a suspect sketch with: oval face, bushy eyebrows, a scar on the left cheek, short dark hair, and a goatee. An officer encounters a man matching all features but with a scar on his RIGHT cheek. Should the officer consider this a potential match?

Yes, but only if he also has a goatee.
No, because the scar location is different so it cannot be the same person.
Yes, because all other features match and scar location may have been recorded in error. (Correct answer)
No, because the hair colour is different.

Correct answer: Yes, because all other features match and scar location may have been recorded in error.

All other features match; a single discrepancy in scar location could result from an error in the original sketch, warranting further investigation.

Question 26: During a search of a home with a valid warrant, you discover a large amount of cash hidden behind a wall. The homeowner is not present. What do you do?

Pocket some of the cash — there is no one watching
Document and seize the cash in accordance with the search warrant and have it properly logged as evidence (Correct answer)
Send photos to your supervisor and wait for instructions before touching anything
Leave the cash where it is as it was not listed specifically in the warrant

Correct answer: Document and seize the cash in accordance with the search warrant and have it properly logged as evidence

All items discovered during a lawful search must be documented and seized following proper evidence procedures.

Question 27: During a large public demonstration, a small group begins breaking shop windows while the majority of protesters remain peaceful. What is the correct approach?

Identify and isolate the individuals causing damage while allowing the peaceful demonstration to continue (Correct answer)
Arrest all protesters in the vicinity of the damage
Observe only and take no action to avoid inflaming tensions
Disperse the entire demonstration immediately

Correct answer: Identify and isolate the individuals causing damage while allowing the peaceful demonstration to continue

Targeting individuals engaged in criminal behavior while protecting lawful assembly respects both public order and Charter rights.

Question 28: Which sentence correctly uses 'fewer' versus 'less'?

There were less officers on duty during the holiday.
He made fewer mistakes on the written test this time. (Correct answer)
The department received less applications this year.
She had less than five minutes to complete the report.

Correct answer: He made fewer mistakes on the written test this time.

'Fewer' is correct for countable nouns (mistakes), while 'less' is used for uncountable quantities.

Question 29: COMPASS is to DIRECTION as CLOCK is to:

Hour
Time (Correct answer)
Speed
Distance

Correct answer: Time

A compass indicates direction, just as a clock indicates time.

Question 30: Using the same passage: Who provided a witness statement?

Ms. Reeves
Ms. Afolabi (Correct answer)
Mr. Afolabi
The male in the red jacket

Correct answer: Ms. Afolabi

The passage states that Ms. Afolabi provided a statement.

Question 31: You and your partner pull over a vehicle for a minor traffic infraction. As you approach, you notice the driver attempting to hide a small, unidentifiable object under the seat. The driver appears extremely nervous. What is the best course of action?

Immediately draw your weapon and demand the driver show you the object.
Ask the driver what they placed under the seat, while maintaining a safe distance and observing their hands. (Correct answer)
Ignore the action as it may be insignificant and proceed with the traffic citation.
Order the driver out of the vehicle and immediately conduct a full search of the car.

Correct answer: Ask the driver what they placed under the seat, while maintaining a safe distance and observing their hands.

Officer safety is paramount, but actions must be based on reasonable suspicion. Asking the driver about the object is a reasonable and prudent step. It allows the officer to gather more information to justify further action, if necessary, while remaining vigilant. Immediately searching the car may not be legally justifiable at this stage. Ignoring the furtive movement would be a neglect of officer safety. Drawing a weapon is an overreaction based on the current information and could dangerously escalate the situation.

Question 32: Two officers submit reports about the same traffic incident. Officer A's report states: 'The driver of Unit 1 failed to yield the right-of-way while turning left.' Officer B's report states: 'Unit 1 was struck by Unit 2, which was proceeding through the intersection on a green light.' When consolidating these reports, what is the most accurate and objective summary statement?

Both officers agreed that the driver of Unit 1 was at fault for the collision.
Officer B's report clearly shows that Unit 2 was not at fault for the accident.
The collision occurred because the driver of Unit 1 was not paying attention.
Officer A reported Unit 1 failed to yield, and Officer B reported Unit 2 had a green light. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Officer A reported Unit 1 failed to yield, and Officer B reported Unit 2 had a green light.

This option accurately and neutrally summarizes the specific facts provided by each officer without drawing conclusions about fault or driver inattention. Police reports should focus on documented facts and statements. Options A, C, and D all make inferential leaps or assign fault, which is not appropriate for a consolidated, objective summary.

Question 33: What does 'subpoena' mean in a police and legal context?

The formal charging document for a felony offense
A court order requiring someone to appear or produce documents (Correct answer)
A legal declaration of a suspect's rights
An officer's written report of an incident

Correct answer: A court order requiring someone to appear or produce documents

A subpoena is a legal writ compelling a person to appear in court or to produce evidence under penalty for failure to comply.

Question 34: A stolen bicycle is described as: red mountain bike, 21-speed, with a yellow handlebar grip on the right side only and a dent on the left chainstay. An officer finds a bike matching the description except the handlebar grips are both yellow. What is the correct conclusion?

It may be the stolen bike, but the grip discrepancy requires further investigation (Correct answer)
It is definitely the stolen bike; minor changes are expected
The dent on the chainstay is sufficient to confirm it is stolen
It is not the stolen bike because the grips don't match exactly

Correct answer: It may be the stolen bike, but the grip discrepancy requires further investigation

The grip discrepancy is notable but grips can be easily replaced, so the bike warrants further investigation rather than immediate confirmation or exclusion.

Question 35: An officer observes a vehicle at 2:14 PM: a blue 2019 Honda Civic, plate ABX-7734, with a cracked rear bumper and a parking permit sticker on the windshield. Which detail is LEAST likely to help identify the vehicle later?

Parking permit sticker (Correct answer)
Blue 2019 Honda Civic
License plate ABX-7734
Cracked rear bumper

Correct answer: Parking permit sticker

A parking permit sticker is common and non-unique, making it the least reliable identifying detail compared to the plate, model, or distinctive damage.

Question 36: Which version correctly uses an apostrophe?

The two officers report's were filed on time.
The two officers reports' were filed on time.
The two officer's reports were filed on time.
The two officers' reports were filed on time. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The two officers' reports were filed on time.

For a plural noun ending in 's,' the apostrophe is placed after the final 's' to show possession.

Question 37: You are called to a convenience store where the owner suspects a regular customer of shoplifting but has no video evidence. What is the correct approach?

Tell the owner there is nothing you can do and leave
Arrest the customer based on the owner's suspicion
Issue a trespass notice to the customer without investigation
Speak with the owner about improving their evidence collection and advise on options (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Speak with the owner about improving their evidence collection and advise on options

Without evidence, an arrest is not justified; helping the owner understand their options and how to gather evidence is appropriate.

Question 38: An officer is reviewing a suspect's history and notes: arrested twice in the same neighborhood, both times near closing time at convenience stores. What pattern does this most strongly suggest for future surveillance?

The suspect likely lives in that neighborhood
No meaningful pattern exists from only two incidents
The suspect prefers to operate during daylight hours
Convenience stores in that neighborhood near closing time are higher-risk locations for this suspect's activity (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Convenience stores in that neighborhood near closing time are higher-risk locations for this suspect's activity

Two incidents sharing location type, geography, and time of day establish a behavioral pattern that should guide targeted surveillance.

Question 39: Select the sentence that contains a misplaced modifier.

Barking loudly, the dog startled the officer.
Running quickly, the officer caught the suspect.
The detective found the stolen wallet in the alley.
The officer almost drove fifty miles to reach the scene. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The officer almost drove fifty miles to reach the scene.

'Almost' modifies 'drove' instead of 'fifty miles,' implying the officer barely drove rather than nearly reaching fifty miles.

Question 40: You receive simultaneous calls: (A) a noise complaint about loud music; (B) a report of a person collapsed and unresponsive on the sidewalk; (C) a minor fender-bender with no injuries; (D) a report of vandalism to a park bench. Which call should be handled first?

A
C
D
B (Correct answer)

Correct answer: B

An unresponsive person represents an immediate risk to life and takes the highest priority over all property or nuisance calls.

Question 41: An officer spots graffiti tag on a wall that reads 'NW KINGS 47'. Records show a known gang uses the tag 'NW KINGS'. What is the significance of '47' in this context?

It confirms there are 47 members in the gang
It is likely a random number with no significance
It may indicate the gang's street territory, member count, or a coded message (Correct answer)
It is the building's civic address

Correct answer: It may indicate the gang's street territory, member count, or a coded message

Numbers appended to gang tags commonly reference street numbers, coded identifiers, or messages, and should be flagged for gang intelligence analysis.

Question 42: Choose the sentence that correctly uses 'affect' or 'effect.'

The new policy will have an positive affect on reporting.
The trauma had a lasting affect on the witness.
The new policy will affect the way reports are written. (Correct answer)
The new policy will effect the way reports are written.

Correct answer: The new policy will affect the way reports are written.

'Affect' is used as a verb meaning to influence, which is the correct usage in option C.

Question 43: An officer is interviewing two witnesses after a sidewalk altercation. Witness A says, 'The person in the blue shirt was the aggressor; I saw them yelling first.' Witness B says, 'I didn't see who started it, but I saw the person in the green shirt push the other person.' To create an objective and accurate report, what is the most logical step for the officer?

Document both witness statements verbatim without drawing a final conclusion on scene. (Correct answer)
Disregard both statements as they are contradictory and therefore unreliable.
Arrest the person in the green shirt for assault based on Witness B's statement.
Conclude that the person in the blue shirt was the aggressor because verbal aggression comes first.

Correct answer: Document both witness statements verbatim without drawing a final conclusion on scene.

The officer's primary duty in this situation is to gather facts, not to make a final determination of guilt with incomplete or conflicting information. The most logical and professional action is to record both accounts accurately in the report. The statements are not necessarily contradictory—one describes verbal action, the other physical—and both are valuable pieces of information for a potential investigation.

Question 44: An officer is writing an incident report and must describe the person accused of a crime. Which of the following phrases uses the correct spelling and is most appropriate to denote that guilt has not yet been proven in court?

The alledged criminal...
The alleged criminal... (Correct answer)
The aledged criminal...
The eleged criminal...

Correct answer: The alleged criminal...

"Alleged" is the correct term and spelling used to describe an action or person that has been accused but not proven guilty. The other spellings are incorrect.

Question 45: You are the first officer on scene at a suspected overdose. The person is unconscious. What is the most critical first step?

Call for emergency medical services and administer naloxone if available and trained (Correct answer)
Secure the area for evidence collection before touching the victim
Wait for a second officer before approaching the victim
Conduct a full search of the person before calling for medical help

Correct answer: Call for emergency medical services and administer naloxone if available and trained

Life-saving intervention takes absolute priority over evidence collection in a medical emergency.

Question 46: You are off-duty and a friend asks you to access police databases to look up information about their neighbour. What do you do?

Look up the information but do not share all of it
Politely decline and explain that accessing databases for personal matters is a serious breach of policy (Correct answer)
Access the database and then delete the search history
Help your friend — it's a minor favour

Correct answer: Politely decline and explain that accessing databases for personal matters is a serious breach of policy

Accessing police systems for non-authorised personal use is a serious breach of privacy law and police policy, regardless of off-duty status.

Question 47: Read the following and answer the question. At 14:22, dispatch received a report of a vehicle collision at the intersection of 16 Avenue NW and 10 Street NW, Calgary. Three vehicles were involved: a red Ford F-150, a blue Mazda 3, and a white delivery van. Two occupants from the Ford were transported to Foothills Medical Centre. How many vehicles were involved in the collision?

Five
Three (Correct answer)
Two
Four

Correct answer: Three

The passage explicitly states 'Three vehicles were involved'.

Question 48: A patrol officer hears two versions of an altercation: Version A says the fight started when Person 1 pushed Person 2. Version B says Person 2 threw the first punch at Person 1. A bystander video shows Person 2 raising their fist before contact. Which account is best supported?

Version A is likely incorrect — the video evidence supports Version B's account of Person 2 acting first (Correct answer)
Version B, because the officer should always believe the second account
Version A, because it was stated by the victim
Neither account, because videos can be manipulated

Correct answer: Version A is likely incorrect — the video evidence supports Version B's account of Person 2 acting first

Objective video evidence of Person 2 raising their fist first directly corroborates Version B and contradicts Version A's claim that Person 1 initiated contact.

Question 49: Identify the sentence that incorrectly shifts verb tense.

The officer arrived at the scene and secured the perimeter.
She interviewed the witness and submits the report the next day. (Correct answer)
He called dispatch, waited for backup, and then entered the building.
The detective reviewed the evidence and filed the charges.

Correct answer: She interviewed the witness and submits the report the next day.

Option B shifts from past tense ('interviewed') to present tense ('submits'), creating an inconsistent tense shift.

Question 50: A constable responds repeatedly to the same address for noise complaints. Each visit results in brief improvement but no lasting change. What is the best problem-oriented response?

Report the complainant for wasting police time
Arrest the occupants after the third complaint
Issue a formal noise abatement notice and explore whether there are underlying issues such as mental health or housing instability (Correct answer)
Stop responding, as repeat calls waste resources

Correct answer: Issue a formal noise abatement notice and explore whether there are underlying issues such as mental health or housing instability

A formal notice combined with exploration of underlying factors (mental health, social issues) addresses the root cause of the repeat calls.

Question 51: Which sentence is an example of a run-on sentence?

The suspect ran, and officers gave chase.
The suspect ran; officers gave chase.
The suspect ran, so officers gave chase.
The suspect ran officers gave chase. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The suspect ran officers gave chase.

Option C joins two independent clauses with no punctuation or conjunction, creating a run-on (fused) sentence.

Question 52: An officer observes the following suspect from store security footage: female, approximately 165 cm, slim build, shoulder-length auburn hair, navy blue blazer, black pants, silver earrings, carrying a large beige purse. Which description is accurate?

Female, 165 cm, slim, auburn hair, navy blazer, black pants, gold earrings, beige purse
Female, 165 cm, slim, brown hair, navy blazer, black pants, silver earrings, beige purse
Female, 165 cm, slim, auburn hair, navy blazer, black pants, silver earrings, beige purse (Correct answer)
Female, 165 cm, medium build, auburn hair, navy blazer, black pants, silver earrings, beige purse

Correct answer: Female, 165 cm, slim, auburn hair, navy blazer, black pants, silver earrings, beige purse

Option B matches all details: female, 165 cm, slim, auburn hair, navy blazer, black pants, silver earrings, beige purse.

Question 53: Constable Brandt responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle at 03:45 in the parking lot of Sunridge Mall. The vehicle was a white 2019 Ford F-150 with Alberta plates BZK 741. The engine was running and the driver appeared to be asleep. Constable Brandt ran the plate and found the vehicle was reported stolen from a Deerfoot Meadows parking lot the previous evening. The driver was awakened, identified as Dale Pruitt, 22, and taken into custody. What was the condition of the vehicle engine when the constable arrived?

The hood was open and engine exposed
The engine was running (Correct answer)
The engine was smoking
The engine was off and keys were missing

Correct answer: The engine was running

The passage states the engine was running when Constable Brandt arrived.

Question 54: An officer completing a PPSC noted that on October 3rd, a grey 2022 Honda Civic, VIN 2HGFE2F57NH604827, registered to Tanya Blum of Red Deer, was flagged as associated with an active fraud investigation. The vehicle had last been seen in the Beltline neighbourhood of Calgary. The officer was instructed to note the vehicle's location if observed but to take no enforcement action. What type of investigation was the vehicle associated with?

An active drug trafficking investigation
An active fraud investigation (Correct answer)
A stolen vehicle investigation
A missing persons investigation

Correct answer: An active fraud investigation

The passage states the vehicle was flagged as associated with an active fraud investigation.

Question 55: A stolen vehicle report describes the car as: dark blue, 4-door sedan, Alberta licence plate beginning with 'CGT'. An officer spots four vehicles. Which should be investigated first based on the description?

A dark blue 4-door sedan with plate CGT 5502 (Correct answer)
A dark blue 2-door hatchback with plate CGT 4821
A black 4-door sedan with plate CGT 1193
A dark blue 4-door sedan with plate CHT 8847

Correct answer: A dark blue 4-door sedan with plate CGT 5502

The report specifies dark blue, 4-door sedan, and a plate beginning with 'CGT.' Option D matches all three criteria exactly. Option A has a 2-door hatchback body, Option B is black not dark blue, and Option C has a plate beginning with 'CHT' not 'CGT.'

Question 56: During a foot pursuit of a robbery suspect, an officer notices a child has fallen into a canal nearby. The suspect is still within sight. What should the officer do?

Abandon the pursuit immediately and assist the child (Correct answer)
Radio dispatch and wait for instructions before acting
Complete the arrest then return to help the child
Continue the pursuit and radio for help for the child

Correct answer: Abandon the pursuit immediately and assist the child

A child in immediate danger of drowning represents a life-threatening emergency that overrides continuing a non-lethal crime pursuit.

Question 57: What does the term 'jurisdiction' mean in a policing context?

The process of extraditing an accused to another province
A formal complaint submitted against a peace officer
The legal authority of a police service to enforce the law within a defined geographic area (Correct answer)
A suspect's right to refuse to answer questions during an interview

Correct answer: The legal authority of a police service to enforce the law within a defined geographic area

Jurisdiction refers to the defined legal authority granted to a police service or court to act within a specific territory or over specific subject matter. Alberta RCMP detachments and municipal police services each have defined jurisdictions that determine where their powers apply.

Question 58: Read the following passage and answer the question below. Passage: "Section 487 of the Criminal Code of Canada outlines the general provisions for obtaining a search warrant. An officer must submit an 'Information to Obtain' to a justice of the peace. This document must swear under oath that there are reasonable grounds to believe that an offense has been committed and that evidence of this offense is likely to be found at the location to be searched. The warrant must specify the address or place to be searched and the specific items that are being sought. Warrants are generally required to be executed during daylight hours unless otherwise authorized by the justice." According to the passage, which of the following is NOT a required element for obtaining a search warrant?

The signature of a witness to the alleged crime. (Correct answer)
Reasonable grounds to believe an offense occurred.
Identification of the specific place to be searched.
Specification of the items being sought.

Correct answer: The signature of a witness to the alleged crime.

The passage lists several requirements for obtaining a search warrant: an 'Information to Obtain' document, reasonable grounds, specification of the location, and a list of items to be seized. It makes no mention of requiring a witness's signature.

Question 59: Three separate witnesses give conflicting accounts of a suspect's appearance. How should an officer handle this?

Average the descriptions together to form one composite
Document all three accounts separately and note specific discrepancies for follow-up (Correct answer)
Discard all accounts as unreliable and close the case
Accept the first account received and dismiss the others

Correct answer: Document all three accounts separately and note specific discrepancies for follow-up

Documenting all accounts separately and identifying discrepancies preserves all available information and supports accurate follow-up investigation.

Question 60: A witness describes a getaway vehicle as: 'A dark green SUV, four-door, with a crack in the rear passenger window and a dent on the front bumper.' Which option matches the description?

Dark green two-door SUV with a cracked rear window and a dented front bumper
Dark green four-door SUV with tinted rear windows and a dented bumper
Olive four-door SUV with a cracked rear window and a dented front bumper
Dark green four-door SUV with a cracked rear passenger window and a dented front bumper (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Dark green four-door SUV with a cracked rear passenger window and a dented front bumper

Only option B matches all elements: dark green, four-door SUV, cracked rear passenger window, dented front bumper.

Question 61: Which term describes entering a building illegally with the intent to commit a crime?

Loitering
Vandalism
Trespassing
Burglary (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Burglary

Burglary is defined as unlawfully entering a structure with the intent to commit a crime inside, regardless of whether the crime is completed.

Question 62: Which of the following best defines 'probable cause' as used in Canadian policing?

An admission of guilt by a suspect
A guess that a crime has occurred
Proof beyond a reasonable doubt
Reasonable grounds to believe that an offence has been committed (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Reasonable grounds to believe that an offence has been committed

In Canadian policing, 'probable cause' aligns with the standard of 'reasonable grounds to believe' — objective facts supporting a conclusion that an offence occurred.

Question 63: All officers on the night shift have completed crisis intervention training. Constable Marsh is on the night shift. What can be logically concluded?

All officers who completed crisis intervention training are on the night shift.
Constable Marsh may or may not have completed crisis intervention training.
Constable Marsh has completed crisis intervention training. (Correct answer)
Crisis intervention training is only available to night shift officers.

Correct answer: Constable Marsh has completed crisis intervention training.

If all night shift officers have completed the training, and Constable Marsh is on the night shift, she must have completed it.

Question 64: At 22:15 officers responded to a disturbance at the Riverside Bar located at 901 Edmonton Trail NE. Upon arrival, two men were found fighting outside the entrance. One male, later identified as Hector Vargas, 34, had a laceration on his forearm. The second male, Kevin Hardt, 29, was uninjured. Both men were intoxicated. Vargas stated Hardt had thrown the first punch. Hardt claimed Vargas had broken a bottle and swung it at him first. What was Hardt's account of who initiated the altercation?

He could not remember how it started
Hardt admitted he threw the first punch
A third party started the fight
Vargas had broken a bottle and swung it at him first (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Vargas had broken a bottle and swung it at him first

Hardt claimed Vargas had broken a bottle and swung it at him first.

Question 65: You are patrolling alone and observe what appears to be a drug transaction between two individuals in an alley. What should you do first?

Call the station and wait in your vehicle until backup arrives without observing further
Immediately confront both individuals without backup
Ignore it and continue patrol since you are alone
Observe carefully, note descriptions, and request backup before approaching (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Observe carefully, note descriptions, and request backup before approaching

Officer safety requires calling for backup before approaching a potentially dangerous situation, while continuing to observe preserves evidence.

Question 66: Choose the correct spelling of the term meaning a formal written accusation issued by a grand jury:

Indictement
Inditement
Indightment
Indictment (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Indictment

'Indictment' is spelled I-N-D-I-C-T-M-E-N-T; notably, the 'c' is silent.

Question 67: A witness describes a suspect as: male, approximately 6'1", wearing a red jacket, dark jeans, white sneakers, and a baseball cap. An officer then sees four men nearby. Which matching feature should be prioritized first?

Height and red jacket together (Correct answer)
Jeans color
Baseball cap color
Shoe color

Correct answer: Height and red jacket together

Height combined with a distinctive clothing color narrows the field fastest; single common features like cap or jeans color appear on many individuals.

Question 68: Which phrase correctly uses passive voice appropriately in a police report context?

The suspect hit the person.
The person got punched.
The victim was struck in the face by the suspect. (Correct answer)
The suspect punched the victim in the face.

Correct answer: The victim was struck in the face by the suspect.

Option B is precise, formal, and appropriate — specifying location of injury and perpetrator.

Question 69: You witness a fellow officer making a derogatory comment about a person's ethnicity during a call. What should you do?

Post about it on social media to raise awareness
Ignore it as it did not affect the official outcome
Laugh along to maintain team cohesion
Address the behaviour with the officer privately after the call and report it through proper channels if it continues (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Address the behaviour with the officer privately after the call and report it through proper channels if it continues

Addressing discriminatory behaviour through appropriate channels is the ethical and professional obligation of all officers.

Question 70: An officer completing a PPSC noted that on October 3rd, a grey 2022 Honda Civic, VIN 2HGFE2F57NH604827, registered to Tanya Blum of Red Deer, was flagged as associated with an active fraud investigation. The vehicle had last been seen in the Beltline neighbourhood of Calgary. The officer was instructed to note the vehicle's location if observed but to take no enforcement action. What city was the registered owner, Tanya Blum, listed as residing in?

Edmonton
Calgary
Red Deer (Correct answer)
Lethbridge

Correct answer: Red Deer

The vehicle was registered to Tanya Blum of Red Deer.

Question 71: Using the same collision passage: Where were the injured occupants transported?

South Health Campus
Rockyview General Hospital
Foothills Medical Centre (Correct answer)
Peter Lougheed Centre

Correct answer: Foothills Medical Centre

The passage states two occupants were transported to Foothills Medical Centre.

Question 72: You observe a supervisor telling a junior officer to falsify the time on an incident report to cover up a response delay. What is the most appropriate action?

Follow the supervisor's instructions — rank must be respected
Do nothing as it is not your report
Falsify the report but anonymously report it later
Refuse to falsify the report and report the supervisor's direction through appropriate channels (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Refuse to falsify the report and report the supervisor's direction through appropriate channels

Falsifying official records is a criminal offence. You have a professional and legal duty to refuse and to report the direction.

Question 73: Which sentence correctly uses a hyphen?

The officer-was off duty when the call came in.
The high-ly trained officer responded first.
It was a well known suspect in the area.
The off-duty officer witnessed the incident. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The off-duty officer witnessed the incident.

Compound modifiers before a noun (off-duty) are hyphenated; the hyphen is not used when the modifier follows the noun.

Question 74: An officer observes a parked car in a no-parking zone at 11:05 PM. The car's engine is running but no one is visible inside. The windows are completely fogged from the inside. What does the fogging most likely indicate?

One or more people are inside the vehicle producing body heat (Correct answer)
The car's defroster is malfunctioning
The vehicle has a coolant leak
It is an abandoned vehicle

Correct answer: One or more people are inside the vehicle producing body heat

Internal window fogging is caused by warm humid breath from occupants, strongly suggesting at least one person is inside the vehicle.

Question 75: A sergeant monitors officer performance over 4 weeks. Officer A closes 20, 25, 18, and 23 cases respectively. What is Officer A's average case closure per week?

22
21
20
21.5 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 21.5

Total = 20+25+18+23 = 86 cases. Average = 86 divided by 4 = 21.5.

Question 76: A victim of a serious crime asks you to share their file with a community support organisation without going through official channels because they are impatient with delays. What is the most appropriate response?

Forward the information via personal email to speed things up
Explain that sharing file information must follow proper legal and privacy protocols and help the victim understand the official referral process (Correct answer)
Share the file informally to support the victim's needs
Tell the victim they have no right to their own information

Correct answer: Explain that sharing file information must follow proper legal and privacy protocols and help the victim understand the official referral process

Personal information in police files is subject to FOIP protections and must be shared through proper authorised channels.

Question 77: Read the following incident description and answer the question. On Sunday, November 7, Constable Danko attended a residential break and enter at 72 Sunridge Way NE. The resident, Mr. Patel, reported arriving home at 17:30 to find the rear patio door forced open. A laptop, two watches, and $200 cash were taken. No suspects were observed. What day of the week did the incident occur?

Monday
Sunday (Correct answer)
Saturday
Friday

Correct answer: Sunday

The passage states the incident occurred on Sunday, November 7.

Question 78: Which word is spelled correctly?

Perpitrator
Perpetrator (Correct answer)
Perpitater
Perpetrater

Correct answer: Perpetrator

'Perpetrator' is spelled P-E-R-P-E-T-R-A-T-O-R and refers to a person who carries out a harmful or illegal act.

Question 79: A complainant reports seeing four suspects flee a scene in a silver SUV. The complainant describes the rear plate as starting with the letters 'DK'. Officers locate a silver SUV with plate DK-4492. A second SUV has plate KD-9821. Which vehicle should be prioritized?

KD-9821, because reversed letters suggest a misread
DK-4492, because it matches the initial letter sequence reported (Correct answer)
Both equally, as eyewitness plate readings are unreliable
Neither, without a full plate number

Correct answer: DK-4492, because it matches the initial letter sequence reported

When a witness reports initial letters, the vehicle whose plate begins with those exact letters (DK) should be prioritized, as it directly matches the reported detail.

Question 80: You arrive at a scene where there is a violent domestic dispute, a small kitchen fire, and an elderly resident who has collapsed. In what order should you prioritize?

Collapsed resident, fire, domestic dispute
Domestic dispute, fire, collapsed resident
Domestic dispute, collapsed resident, fire
Fire, collapsed resident, domestic dispute (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Fire, collapsed resident, domestic dispute

Fire poses the greatest immediate mass threat; the collapsed resident needs urgent medical attention next; the domestic dispute, though serious, can be contained after life-safety threats are addressed.

Question 81: Sergeant Liu filed a use-of-force report following an arrest at 1200 Centre Street N. The subject, Amara Osei, 31, had refused verbal commands and adopted an aggressive stance. Sergeant Liu deployed a CEW after the subject reached toward her waistband. Osei fell and struck her head on the pavement, resulting in a minor scalp laceration. EMS was called. Osei was later charged with obstructing a peace officer. What injury did the subject sustain?

No injuries were reported
A minor scalp laceration from striking the pavement (Correct answer)
Burns from the CEW probes
A broken wrist from the fall

Correct answer: A minor scalp laceration from striking the pavement

Osei sustained a minor scalp laceration after falling and striking her head on the pavement.

Question 82: Select the correctly spelled term for a person who witnessed a crime:

Witness (Correct answer)
Wittness
Witniss
Witnes

Correct answer: Witness

'Witness' is spelled W-I-T-N-E-S-S with double 's' at the end.

Question 83: When triaging multiple calls of varying urgency, which framework best reflects APCAT-aligned critical action prioritization?

First-in, first-out: handle calls in the exact order received
Administrative tasks first to clear the queue, then field calls
Life safety → scene safety → property protection → administrative tasks (Correct answer)
Property crimes first because they generate the most arrests

Correct answer: Life safety → scene safety → property protection → administrative tasks

The correct framework places immediate threats to life at the top of the priority hierarchy, followed by scene safety, property, and finally administrative work.

Question 84: A surveillance image shows a robbery suspect. The suspect's face is partially obscured, but the following are visible: a distinctive anchor tattoo on the right hand, a missing left earlobe, and a university ring on the left ring finger. If only one feature can be described in an immediate broadcast, which should be prioritized?

University ring
Obscured face
Anchor tattoo on right hand
Missing left earlobe (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Missing left earlobe

A missing earlobe is a permanent, highly distinctive, and easily visible physical characteristic that is extremely rare and immediately identifiable.

Question 85: The following number is 8 + 2 = 10, since the sequence grows by 2 each time.

200 km
180 km (Correct answer)
150 km
220 km

Correct answer: 180 km

The provided question text, 'The following number is 8 + 2 = 10, since the sequence grows by 2 each time,' describes a number sequence and does not align with the options, which are distances in kilometers. Without the actual question that led to '180 km' as the correct answer, it is impossible to provide a specific explanation. In cognitive ability tests, distance problems typically involve calculations based on speed, time, or multiple travel segments, which would yield a numerical result like 180 km.

Question 86: Which sentence uses a colon correctly?

The required items are: listed in the manual.
He noted: that the door was unlocked.
She packed the following items: a flashlight, handcuffs, and a radio. (Correct answer)
The officer needed: a flashlight, handcuffs, and a radio.

Correct answer: She packed the following items: a flashlight, handcuffs, and a radio.

A colon correctly follows a complete independent clause when introducing a list, as in option B.

Question 87: A BOLO was issued for a suspect in a purse snatching. The suspect was described as a white male, approximately 6'1", 180 lbs, with short brown hair and a beard. He was last seen wearing a grey hoodie and dark blue jeans. He fled westbound on 17th Avenue SW on a black mountain bike. The victim, Ms. Chen, reported losing her purse containing her wallet, phone, and house keys. What mode of transportation did the suspect use to flee?

In a grey sedan
On a black mountain bike (Correct answer)
On foot
On a blue skateboard

Correct answer: On a black mountain bike

The passage states the suspect fled on a black mountain bike.

Question 88: Read the following passage and answer the question below. Passage: "When securing a crime scene, the first responding officer's initial responsibility is to ensure the safety of all individuals present and to provide medical assistance to anyone injured. Once the scene is safe, the officer must establish a perimeter to prevent unauthorized access. This is crucial for preserving physical evidence, which can be easily contaminated or destroyed. A detailed log must be maintained, documenting every person who enters or leaves the secured area. This log, often called a 'crime scene entry log,' is a critical piece of documentation for maintaining the chain of custody." Based on the passage, what is the first action an officer should take upon arriving at a crime scene?

Immediately begin collecting physical evidence.
Start a detailed crime scene entry log.
Ensure the safety of individuals and provide medical aid. (Correct answer)
Establish a secure perimeter around the area.

Correct answer: Ensure the safety of individuals and provide medical aid.

The text clearly states that 'the first responding officer's initial responsibility is to ensure the safety of all individuals present and to provide medical assistance to anyone injured.' The other actions, such as establishing a perimeter and starting a log, are important but follow this primary duty.

Question 89: An officer receives four tasks from dispatch: a welfare check on an elderly person, a report of a stolen bicycle, a noise complaint at a bar, and a possible impaired driver reported near a school. Which should be handled first?

Report of a stolen bicycle
Possible impaired driver near a school (Correct answer)
Welfare check on the elderly person
Noise complaint at the bar since it may escalate to violence

Correct answer: Possible impaired driver near a school

An impaired driver near a school represents an active, moving threat to children's lives and requires the most immediate response.

Question 90: An officer is completing an observation checklist after attending a chaotic scene. The officer recalls seeing a red car, but is now unsure whether it had two or four doors. What is the best course of action?

Write 'two or four doors — uncertain' and note the limitation (Correct answer)
Write 'four doors' as it is the most common configuration
Revisit the scene immediately to confirm
Leave the field blank to avoid an inaccuracy

Correct answer: Write 'two or four doors — uncertain' and note the limitation

Documenting uncertainty honestly is essential in police reports; fabricating certainty or omitting detail both undermine report reliability.

Question 91: Using the same BOLO bulletin: What type of vehicle was described?

2019 Silver Honda Civic (Correct answer)
2019 Grey Honda Civic
2019 Silver Toyota Corolla
2019 Silver Honda Accord

Correct answer: 2019 Silver Honda Civic

The bulletin describes a silver 2019 Honda Civic.

Question 92: A citizen files a complaint that you used unnecessary force during an arrest last week. You believe your actions were justified. What should you do?

Contact the complainant and try to convince them to withdraw the complaint
Cooperate fully with the internal review process and provide your account through proper channels (Correct answer)
Submit your report immediately and refuse any further questioning
Deny everything and instruct your partner to say nothing

Correct answer: Cooperate fully with the internal review process and provide your account through proper channels

Full cooperation with the professional standards process demonstrates accountability and allows the facts to be properly assessed.

Question 93: In a robbery series, the offender always strikes on Fridays, targets small convenience stores, and demands cigarettes in addition to cash. A new incident occurs on a Saturday at a pharmacy where only cash was taken. Is this likely the same offender?

No, the deviation from all three established patterns suggests a different offender (Correct answer)
Yes, because robberies are always committed by repeat offenders
Yes, because the geographic area is the same
No, but only because the day of the week is different

Correct answer: No, the deviation from all three established patterns suggests a different offender

Divergence from all three signature behaviors (day, store type, and demand pattern) together indicates a different offender rather than a pattern deviation.

Question 94: An officer must travel 45 km to a crime scene at 90 km/h. How many minutes will the journey take?

45 minutes
20 minutes
15 minutes
30 minutes (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 30 minutes

Time = Distance divided by Speed = 45 divided by 90 = 0.5 hours = 30 minutes.

Question 95: No officer under 25 years of age is assigned to homicide investigations. Constable Ng is assigned to a homicide investigation. What can be concluded?

Constable Ng is under 25.
Only officers over 30 work homicide.
Constable Ng is 25 or older. (Correct answer)
Constable Ng may be under 25.

Correct answer: Constable Ng is 25 or older.

If no officer under 25 works homicide, and Constable Ng works homicide, she must be 25 or older.

Question 96: Which sentence contains a comma splice?

After the shift ended, the sergeant locked the office.
Responding quickly, the officer secured the scene.
The officer filed the report, and then she went home.
The suspect denied the charges, the lawyer advised him to remain silent. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The suspect denied the charges, the lawyer advised him to remain silent.

Option C joins two independent clauses with only a comma, creating a comma splice — a punctuation error.

Question 97: An officer arrives at a reported domestic disturbance. Upon entry, the officer observes a broken lamp, an overturned dining chair, and a phone on the floor with a cracked screen. A woman is seated calmly on the couch. What should the officer's first observational priority be?

Document the broken lamp
Photograph the cracked phone screen
Check the woman for visible injuries (Correct answer)
Note the position of the overturned chair

Correct answer: Check the woman for visible injuries

Officer safety and victim welfare require assessing whether the person present has injuries before documenting physical evidence.

Question 98: Sergeant Liu filed a use-of-force report following an arrest at 1200 Centre Street N. The subject, Amara Osei, 31, had refused verbal commands and adopted an aggressive stance. Sergeant Liu deployed a CEW after the subject reached toward her waistband. Osei fell and struck her head on the pavement, resulting in a minor scalp laceration. EMS was called. Osei was later charged with obstructing a peace officer. What did Osei do before adopting an aggressive stance?

She displayed a weapon
She attempted to flee northbound
She struck a bystander
She refused verbal commands (Correct answer)

Correct answer: She refused verbal commands

The passage states Osei refused verbal commands and then adopted an aggressive stance.

Question 99: CAREFUL is to METICULOUS as SMART is to:

Brilliant (Correct answer)
Intelligent
Quick
Clever

Correct answer: Brilliant

Meticulous is an intensified form of careful, and brilliant is the most intensified form of smart.

Question 100: A victim of theft is visibly distressed and is asking you repeatedly why the police cannot do more to find their stolen property. What is the best response?

Tell them police are too busy to focus on minor thefts
Acknowledge their frustration, explain clearly what investigative steps will be taken, and provide a case number (Correct answer)
Refer them to the lost property office without further explanation
Promise their property will be recovered to calm them down

Correct answer: Acknowledge their frustration, explain clearly what investigative steps will be taken, and provide a case number

Acknowledging emotions while providing realistic information manages expectations and maintains public trust.

Question 101: Observe the following description of a room: 'The office was messy. Papers were scattered across a large wooden desk, on which sat a lamp and an open laptop. A coffee mug with a faded logo was next to the keyboard. Two of the five drawers on the right side of the desk were slightly ajar. A blue jacket was draped over the back of the leather chair.' Which of the following is a direct observation, not an inference?

The coffee in the mug is cold.
A blue jacket is on the chair. (Correct answer)
The person left the office in a hurry.
The person who works here is disorganized.

Correct answer: A blue jacket is on the chair.

The statement 'A blue jacket is on the chair' describes a verifiable, factual detail directly from the text. The other options are inferences or assumptions; 'disorganized' is a judgment, 'cold coffee' is a guess, and leaving 'in a hurry' is a conclusion about behavior not directly observed.

Question 102: An officer arrives at an intersection collision scene. Skid marks from Vehicle A are 18 meters long heading northbound, and Vehicle B has skid marks of 9 meters heading eastbound. Both vehicles are stopped in the center of the intersection. What does the length of Vehicle A's skid marks most likely indicate?

Vehicle A had better tires than Vehicle B
Vehicle B caused the collision
Vehicle A was traveling faster than Vehicle B before braking (Correct answer)
Vehicle A braked later than Vehicle B

Correct answer: Vehicle A was traveling faster than Vehicle B before braking

Longer skid marks generally indicate higher pre-braking speed, suggesting Vehicle A was traveling faster when braking began.

Question 103: Which of the following is the correct spelling of the term for a sworn statement made under oath?

Affadavit
Afidavid
Afidavit
Affidavit (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Affidavit

'Affidavit' is the correct spelling — double 'f' followed by 'i', not 'a'.

Question 104: Study the following two alphanumeric sequences. How many characters are different between them? Sequence 1: 8GHY45TR1P0L. Sequence 2: 8GHY4S TRIPL.

Three (Correct answer)
Two
One
Four

Correct answer: Three

Comparing the two sequences character by character reveals three differences. The '5' in the first sequence is an 'S' in the second. The '1' in the first is an 'I' in the second. The '0' in the first is an 'O' in the second. The final 'L' is the same in both.

Question 105: An officer is told by dispatch that the suspect in an active call is armed. The officer loses radio contact before arriving. What should the officer do?

Stage at a safe distance and attempt to re-establish radio contact before approaching (Correct answer)
Approach immediately since the suspect may need to be stopped urgently
Return to the station to report the radio failure
Proceed and handle the call as if the suspect is unarmed

Correct answer: Stage at a safe distance and attempt to re-establish radio contact before approaching

Staging at a safe distance and restoring communications before approaching an armed suspect protects officer safety and enables a coordinated response.

Question 106: Which sentence uses proper grammar and punctuation in a police report?

Officers Smith and Jones responded to the scene. (Correct answer)
officer smith and Jones responded to the scene.
Officers smith and jones, responded to the scene.
Officers Smith and jones responded to the scene.

Correct answer: Officers Smith and Jones responded to the scene.

Names must be capitalised (proper nouns) and no unnecessary comma should separate the subject from the verb.

Question 107: You are processing evidence in a serious assault case when you learn that the assault suspect has been spotted nearby. What should you do?

Secure the evidence and respond to locate the suspect (Correct answer)
Finish processing the evidence to preserve the chain of custody
Immediately alert other units and go to apprehend the suspect
Continue your task and report the sighting to dispatch

Correct answer: Secure the evidence and respond to locate the suspect

Properly securing evidence before responding ensures chain of custody is maintained while still allowing timely action on the suspect sighting.

Question 108: In a written observation test, a candidate is shown a street scene image for 60 seconds and then asked: 'How many people were wearing hats?' The candidate remembers seeing hats but is unsure of the exact number. What is the best approach?

Report the most confident estimate with a note of uncertainty (Correct answer)
State that no hats were observed to avoid error
Guess the highest number seen to avoid underreporting
Skip the question to avoid inaccuracy

Correct answer: Report the most confident estimate with a note of uncertainty

Reporting a best estimate with acknowledged uncertainty is more accurate and professional than guessing or refusing to answer.

Question 109: Read the following and answer the question. 'Verbal de-escalation techniques are an essential part of modern policing. By using a calm tone, neutral language, and active listening, officers can often reduce tension without resorting to physical force. De-escalation protects both officers and individuals in crisis.' According to the passage, which of the following is a verbal de-escalation technique?

Using a calm tone and active listening (Correct answer)
Calling for backup before engaging
Issuing commands in a firm, loud voice
Physically restraining the individual immediately

Correct answer: Using a calm tone and active listening

The passage lists calm tone, neutral language, and active listening as verbal de-escalation techniques.

Question 110: An officer responds to a man slumped over the steering wheel of a running car. The man appears unconscious. On the passenger seat, a handgun is clearly visible. What is the officer's most critical FIRST action?

Immediately open the door to check the man's vitals and render aid.
Request backup, maintain a safe distance, and formulate a high-risk approach plan. (Correct answer)
Use a slim jim to unlock the passenger door and secure the firearm.
Request EMS to respond and wait for their arrival before approaching the car.

Correct answer: Request backup, maintain a safe distance, and formulate a high-risk approach plan.

This is a high-risk encounter where a medical emergency is combined with a significant officer safety threat. The most critical first step is to ensure a safe and controlled approach. This involves calling for backup, using distance and cover, and creating a plan to address both the medical and firearm risks simultaneously and safely. Approaching without a plan could be fatal.

Question 111: A BOLO was issued for a suspect in a purse snatching. The suspect was described as a white male, approximately 6'1", 180 lbs, with short brown hair and a beard. He was last seen wearing a grey hoodie and dark blue jeans. He fled westbound on 17th Avenue SW on a black mountain bike. The victim, Ms. Chen, reported losing her purse containing her wallet, phone, and house keys. Which of the following items is NOT listed as being in the stolen purse?

Wallet
Credit cards (Correct answer)
House keys
Phone

Correct answer: Credit cards

The passage lists wallet, phone, and house keys; credit cards are not mentioned.

Question 112: Upon arriving at a residential break-and-enter and confirming the suspect has fled, which of the following actions is the LEAST critical for the responding officer to perform immediately?

Broadcasting a description of the suspect and stolen property to other units.
Preserving the point of entry and other key areas for forensic evidence.
Providing reassurance and obtaining an initial account from the distressed homeowner.
Conducting a wide canvass of the neighborhood for potential witnesses. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Conducting a wide canvass of the neighborhood for potential witnesses.

While a neighborhood canvass is a vital investigative step, it is the least time-sensitive compared to the other options. Preserving evidence from contamination, attending to the victim's immediate needs, and broadcasting timely information to aid in the suspect's apprehension are all more critical immediate actions.

Question 113: During a surveillance observation, an officer notices: a white van parks, a man in a yellow vest exits, enters a pharmacy, exits carrying a blue bag, gets back in the van, and the van departs eastbound. What colour was the bag the man was carrying?

Black
White
Yellow
Blue (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Blue

The observation states the man exited the pharmacy carrying a blue bag.

Question 114: GENEROUS is to MISERLY as COURAGEOUS is to:

Cowardly (Correct answer)
Fearful
Strong
Brave

Correct answer: Cowardly

Generous and miserly are antonyms, just as courageous and cowardly are antonyms.

Question 115: An officer observes a parked car with the engine running. The licence plate reads 7KLP-299. The vehicle is a blue two-door sedan. The officer is later asked for the plate number. Which is correct?

7KLP-929
7LKP-299
7KPL-299
7KLP-299 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 7KLP-299

The correct plate is 7KLP-299 as observed.

Question 116: During a traffic stop, an officer notes the following about the driver: male, mid-40s, beard with grey streaks, glasses with black frames, wearing a red plaid shirt, tattoo of an anchor on his right forearm. The officer is later asked to describe the glasses frames. What colour are they?

Brown
Black (Correct answer)
Silver
Tortoiseshell

Correct answer: Black

The officer noted the glasses had black frames.

Question 117: Which of the following words, commonly used in police reports and legal proceedings, is spelled INCORRECTLY?

Contraband
Forfeiture
Testamony (Correct answer)
Recidivism

Correct answer: Testamony

The correct spelling is "testimony." "Testamony" is a common misspelling. Contraband, recidivism, and forfeiture are all spelled correctly.

Question 118: An officer notices two teens arguing loudly outside a store. One teen shoves the other, who stumbles but does not fall. What is the BEST immediate action?

Call for backup before taking any action
Ignore it as a minor dispute between minors
Immediately arrest both for causing a disturbance
Intervene verbally to de-escalate before the situation turns physical (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Intervene verbally to de-escalate before the situation turns physical

Early verbal intervention is the least invasive and most effective way to prevent escalation before violence occurs.

Question 119: Officer Reyes documented a break-and-enter at 4418 Crowchild Trail NW. The point of entry was a smashed rear window. Items reported stolen included a laptop computer, a watch valued at $2,400, and $340 in cash. The homeowner, Mr. Duval, stated he had been away from 09:00 to 17:30. Neighbours reported hearing glass breaking around 13:00. What was the reported point of entry?

A forced front door
An unlocked side gate
A smashed rear window (Correct answer)
A broken skylight

Correct answer: A smashed rear window

The passage states the point of entry was a smashed rear window.

Question 120: Which of the following statements about the presumption of innocence in Canadian law is correct?

The Crown must prove the accused's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt (Correct answer)
The standard of proof is based on the balance of probabilities in all criminal cases
The accused must prove they are innocent beyond a reasonable doubt
Guilt is assumed unless the accused provides an alibi

Correct answer: The Crown must prove the accused's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt

The presumption of innocence, protected under s. 11(d) of the Charter, places the burden of proof on the Crown. The standard in criminal cases is proof beyond a reasonable doubt, not balance of probabilities.

APCAT Alberta Police Cognitive Ability Test

The APCAT is Alberta's standardized police applicant screening test measuring judgement, observation, memory recall, written communication, and problem analysis skills.

120

Questions

135 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
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Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
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