Police Officer Observation and Memory 2

Question 1

Officers are shown a wanted suspect photo for 30 seconds. The BEST strategy for memorizing the description is to:

Accepted Answer

Focus on unique identifying features such as scars, tattoos, and distinctive facial features

Answer

Try to memorize every detail equally

Answer

Only look at the suspect's clothing

Answer

Write down details without looking at the photo

Question 2

An officer observes a blue sedan parked in front of a building. When writing the report, the officer should record the vehicle as:

Accepted Answer

A blue sedan with a partial description of distinguishing features observed

Answer

Possibly blue, maybe a car

Answer

A suspicious vehicle that seemed out of place

Answer

A blue vehicle of unknown type

Question 3

The principle of witness unreliability in law enforcement refers to the fact that:

Accepted Answer

Human memory is reconstructive and can be influenced by stress, lighting, time, and post-event information

Answer

Witnesses always lie to protect suspects

Answer

All eyewitness testimony is inadmissible in court

Answer

Witnesses with criminal records cannot testify

Question 4

An officer is patrolling and passes a man on the corner. Thirty minutes later, a robbery is reported matching the man's description. The officer should attempt to recall:

Accepted Answer

Clothing, height, weight, race, distinguishing features, and direction the man was heading

Answer

Only the man's race

Answer

Only what the man was wearing

Answer

Whether the man seemed suspicious or not

Question 5

During a foot pursuit, an officer radios: Suspect entered gray building, northwest corner of 5th and Oak. This communication demonstrates:

Accepted Answer

Good situational awareness and precise location reporting

Answer

Unnecessary detail that slows the pursuit

Answer

A violation of radio protocols

Answer

A failure to maintain visual contact

Question 6

A witness to an assault says it happened so fast I did not get a good look. This statement indicates:

Accepted Answer

The witness's observation time was short, which may reduce description accuracy

Answer

The witness is lying and trying to avoid involvement

Answer

The assault did not occur

Answer

The witness was not paying attention intentionally