NPOST Police Test Police Report Writing Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following statements is the most objective and fact-based for inclusion in a police report?

Accepted Answer

The subject spoke with slurred speech, had bloodshot eyes, and was unsteady on his feet.

Answer

The suspect was acting nervously and seemed to be hiding something.

Answer

The driver was clearly intoxicated and driving recklessly.

Answer

The witness appeared credible and was visibly upset by the incident.

Question 2

An officer is writing a report about a burglary. The report should be written in a way that is clear, concise, complete, and correct. Which of the following principles is most critical for ensuring the report can be used effectively in court?

Accepted Answer

Sticking strictly to the chronological order of events.

Answer

Using complex vocabulary to demonstrate professionalism.

Answer

Including the officer's personal opinion on the suspect's guilt.

Answer

Writing in the passive voice to maintain objectivity.

Question 3

Officer Miller arrives at the scene of a domestic disturbance. He interviews the reporting party, a neighbor, who states she heard loud screaming from the adjacent apartment. When writing his report, how should Officer Miller document this information?

Accepted Answer

A witness stated that she heard what she believed to be loud screaming coming from the apartment.

Answer

The neighbors confirmed a loud domestic disturbance was in progress.

Answer

I was advised by a neighbor that a loud argument was occurring.

Answer

It was obvious a violent fight had taken place based on neighbor reports.

Question 4

Which of the following is a primary reason to avoid using police jargon or abbreviations in a report?

Accepted Answer

The report must be easily understood by a civilian audience, such as a jury.

Answer

It can make the report seem less professional to supervisors.

Answer

Defense attorneys may not understand the terminology used.

Answer

It makes the report unnecessarily long and difficult to write.

Question 5

A good police report should answer the six essential questions: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. Which of these questions is often the most difficult to answer factually and should be approached with the most caution?

Accepted Answer

Why

Answer

When

Answer

Where

Answer

Who

Question 6

When describing a suspect in an incident report, which of the following provides the most useful and objective information?

Accepted Answer

A male, approximately 6'2", 200 lbs, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.

Answer

A tall, intimidating-looking male in his late 20s.

Answer

A suspicious character who was loitering in the area and looked like he was up to no good.

Answer

A man who seemed to be a transient, based on his dirty clothes and unkempt appearance.