Police Written Flashcards
7 cards from real MTA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Police Written flashcards as text
An officer receives a report of a stolen vehicle. Which information is MOST critical to broadcast immediately?
Answer: License plate number, make, model, and color
License plate, make, model, and color are the key identifiers needed to locate a stolen vehicle quickly.
When writing an official police report, which of the following is MOST important?
Answer: Recording only facts observed firsthand or obtained from reliable sources
Police reports must be factual and objective, recording only verified observations and reliable information.
A suspect is described as a male, approximately 6 feet tall, wearing a red jacket and blue jeans, last seen heading northbound on Main Street. A person matching this description is stopped two blocks away. What should the officer do FIRST?
Answer: Request identification and detain for questioning pending investigation
The officer should detain the matching suspect for questioning while the investigation is active, which is a lawful Terry stop.
The MTA Police jurisdiction primarily covers which area?
Answer: MTA-owned properties including subways, buses, and commuter rails
MTA Police have jurisdiction over MTA-owned and operated properties, including the subway, buses, Long Island Rail Road, and Metro-North.
An officer observes a person drop a small bag of what appears to be a controlled substance on the subway platform. The person picks it up and walks away quickly. What does the officer have to make an arrest?
Answer: Probable cause based on direct observation
Direct observation of a crime provides probable cause, which is sufficient to make a warrantless arrest in public.
Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures?
Answer: Fourth Amendment
The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures and requires probable cause for warrants.
A passenger on the subway becomes verbally abusive toward an MTA officer but makes no physical movements. The BEST response is to:
Answer: Remain calm, maintain professional composure, and attempt to de-escalate the situation
De-escalation is the preferred first response when there is no immediate physical threat, using a calm and professional approach.