California POST Identifying Writing Errors Questions and Answers

Question 1

An officer wrote the following sentence in a report: 'Having been found at the scene, the detective logged the evidence.' Which of the following errors is present in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

A dangling modifier

Answer

A run-on sentence

Answer

A sentence fragment

Answer

Incorrect subject-verb agreement

Question 2

Which of the following sentences contains a punctuation error commonly found in police reports?

Accepted Answer

The suspects car, a 2018 Honda Civic, was located a block away.

Answer

The witness stated, 'The car was blue,' and then she left.

Answer

Sgt. Miller arrived on the scene; he then took command.

Answer

The victim's wallet, keys, and phone were all missing.

Question 3

An officer is writing a report and wants to describe a suspect who was uncooperative. Which of the following sentences is the MOST professional and clearly written?

Accepted Answer

The suspect's demeanor was uncooperative and belligerent during questioning.

Answer

The suspect he was being a real jerk and wouldn't listen.

Answer

The suspect had a bad attitude, refusing to do what I said.

Answer

Refusing to cooperate, the suspect was difficult to deal with.

Question 4

Identify the error in the following sentence: 'Each of the vehicles were searched by the officers.'

Accepted Answer

Subject-verb agreement error

Answer

Incorrect verb tense

Answer

Spelling error

Answer

Improper capitalization

Question 5

An officer writes in a report: 'The victim could not identify the suspect, they were wearing a mask.' What is the BEST way to correct this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Because the suspect was wearing a mask, the victim could not provide an identification.

Answer

The victim could not identify the suspect, he was wearing a mask.

Answer

The victim could not identify the suspect; they were wearing a mask.

Answer

The victim couldn't identify the suspect, they had a mask on.

Question 6

Which sentence demonstrates the correct use of a comma with a coordinating conjunction?

Accepted Answer

The officer collected the evidence, and he placed it in an evidence bag.

Answer

The officer activated his lights and the suspect pulled over.

Answer

The witness was hesitant but, provided a detailed statement.

Answer

The suspect ran, but the officer caught him quickly.