APCAT - Alberta Police Cognitive Ability Written Communication Accuracy Flashcards
6 cards from real APCAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 APCAT - Alberta Police Cognitive Ability Written Communication Accuracy flashcards as text
Which sentence demonstrates correct and professional police report writing?
Answer: The suspect displayed signs consistent with alcohol impairment, including slurred speech, unsteady gait, and the odour of alcohol on his breath.
Option B uses professional language, provides specific observable indicators, and avoids subjective interpretation.
An officer needs to record that a search was conducted with consent. Which version is most appropriate for a formal report?
Answer: The officer requested and received verbal consent from the occupant to conduct a search of the premises. The occupant confirmed their understanding that the search was voluntary.
Option B documents the consent process formally, specifying that verbal consent was received and the person understood it was voluntary — both key legal elements.
Which sentence uses proper grammar and punctuation in a police report?
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.
What is the most accurate way to document that a suspect refused to provide their name?
Answer: The suspect was asked for his name and declined to provide it.
Formal, complete language that describes the action taken and the response received is appropriate for police reports.
Choose the sentence that is factually specific and appropriate for a police report about a recovered stolen item.
Answer: Officers located a grey Samsung laptop, serial number SN-7742XQ, in a bedroom closet at the address. The item matched the description of a stolen laptop reported on March 15.
Specific item description, serial number, location, and reference to the originating report make Option B the most complete and useful documentation.
An officer writes: 'The complainant was very upset and crying hysterically.' Which revision best improves this sentence for a police report?
Answer: The complainant appeared highly distressed; she was crying and speaking with difficulty.
Option B uses formal language, replaces the loaded word 'hysterically' with specific observable behaviours, and avoids hyperbole.