Police Officer Entrance Exam — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a routine traffic stop, the driver begins to cry and states they are having a mental health crisis. The BEST response is to:
- Ignore the statement and proceed with the stop normally
- Immediately handcuff the driver for everyone's safety
- Issue the ticket quickly and end the encounter
- Call for a mental health co-responder or crisis-trained officer and attempt to de-escalate verbally (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Call for a mental health co-responder or crisis-trained officer and attempt to de-escalate verbally
Mental health crises require specialized response. Calling trained resources while verbally de-escalating reduces risk and is more effective than a purely enforcement approach.
Question 2: Which of these is an example of a non-lethal (less-lethal) force option?
- Rifle with suppressor
- Hollow-point ammunition
- Service pistol
- Oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray
OC spray (pepper spray) is a less-lethal chemical agent that causes temporary pain, tearing, and impaired vision to control a subject.
Question 3: Which federal law prohibits operating a commercial motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or higher?
- Highway Safety Act
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR Part 382) (Correct answer)
- The Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act
- National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Correct answer: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR Part 382)
49 CFR Part 382 sets the BAC limit for commercial drivers at 0.04%, half the standard 0.08% limit for non-commercial drivers.
Question 4: What is an affidavit in law enforcement?
- An oral statement made by a suspect during questioning
- A report filed after a use of force incident
- A court order permitting a police action
- A written statement made under oath and signed before an authorized official such as a judge or notary (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A written statement made under oath and signed before an authorized official such as a judge or notary
An affidavit is a formal written statement made under oath. Officers regularly write affidavits to support warrant applications, documenting the facts establishing probable cause.
Question 5: When writing a use-of-force report, which information is MOST important to document?
- A general narrative without specific details to avoid legal liability
- The officer's years of service and training background
- The specific actions, behavior, and resistance of the subject that prompted force (Correct answer)
- Only the outcome — the level of force used
Correct answer: The specific actions, behavior, and resistance of the subject that prompted force
Documenting the specific actions and resistance of the subject establishes the objective reasonableness of the force used and is the foundation of a defensible use-of-force report.
Question 6: A property room has 150 pieces of evidence. During an audit, 18% are found to be eligible for destruction. How many pieces may be destroyed?
- 27 (Correct answer)
- 18
- 30
- 25
Correct answer: 27
18% of 150 = 0.18 x 150 = 27 pieces of evidence.
Question 7: Which of the following is an example of de-escalation during a tense confrontation?
- Ignoring the person until backup arrives
- Immediately using physical force to control the situation
- Shouting commands and moving closer to establish dominance
- Speaking calmly, maintaining a non-threatening posture, and giving the person space (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Speaking calmly, maintaining a non-threatening posture, and giving the person space
De-escalation techniques reduce tension by using calm communication and body language to prevent the need for force.
Question 8: At a DUI checkpoint, officers screened 180 vehicles in 3 hours. What was the average number of vehicles screened per hour?
- 75
- 45
- 90
- 60 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 60
180 vehicles divided by 3 hours = 60 vehicles per hour.
Question 9: Under the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause, police may not:
- Make arrests based on probable cause
- Issue traffic citations to individuals who commit traffic violations
- Conduct warranted searches approved by a judge
- Enforce laws in a discriminatory manner by targeting individuals based solely on protected characteristics such as race or religion (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Enforce laws in a discriminatory manner by targeting individuals based solely on protected characteristics such as race or religion
The equal protection clause prohibits government actors, including police, from applying the law unequally based on race, religion, national origin, or other protected characteristics.
Question 10: In order to make a withdrawal from her account, Cindy visits her bank. She has $527.41 left over. She takes out $250.00. How much money still remains in her account after the withdrawal?
- $227.41
- $277.41 (Correct answer)
- $287.41
- $267.41
Correct answer: $277.41
To find out how much money remains, subtract the amount Cindy withdrew from her initial account balance. She started with $527.41 and withdrew $250.00. Therefore, $527.41 - $250.00 = $277.41 remaining in her account.
Question 11: An officer drives a patrol route that is 32 miles long. If the officer completes the entire route in 45 minutes, what is their average speed in miles per hour (mph)?
- 38 mph
- 43 mph (Correct answer)
- 42 mph
- 24 mph
Correct answer: 43 mph
First, convert the time from minutes to hours by dividing by 60: 45 minutes / 60 = 0.75 hours. Then, use the formula Speed = Distance / Time. Speed = 32 miles / 0.75 hours = 42.66... mph. The closest answer is 43 mph.
Question 12: You receive a call from someone claiming to be a police officer in another jurisdiction asking you to detain a specific individual as a favor with no warrant information. You should:
- Detain the individual temporarily while verifying the request
- Arrest the individual on the caller's verbal authority alone
- Comply as a professional courtesy to a fellow officer
- Decline to detain the individual and advise the caller to follow proper inter-agency protocols including providing documentation (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Decline to detain the individual and advise the caller to follow proper inter-agency protocols including providing documentation
Detaining an individual requires legal justification. A verbal request from an unverified caller in another jurisdiction provides no legal basis for detention.
Question 13: An officer is shown a scene photo and later asked whether there was a window open in the photo. The officer is uncertain. This uncertainty is BEST explained by:
- The window may not have been in the officer's central focus during the observation period (Correct answer)
- The officer was deliberately not paying attention
- The photo contained misleading information
- Windows are always open in training photos
Correct answer: The window may not have been in the officer's central focus during the observation period
Human attention is selective - we focus most intently on what we expect to be important. Background details like an open window may not receive conscious attention and therefore may not be encoded into memory.
Question 14: A victim of domestic violence recants their statement before trial. The officer should:
- Dismiss the report since victim cooperation is mandatory for prosecution
- Re-interview the victim without a supervisor
- Drop the case immediately since the victim won't testify
- Consult with the prosecutor and preserve all original evidence and statements (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Consult with the prosecutor and preserve all original evidence and statements
Prosecution can proceed without victim testimony if other evidence exists; the officer should preserve all evidence and work with the prosecutor.
Question 15: You pull over a vehicle for speeding and recognize the driver as an influential city official. The official is polite but suggests that you can 'forget you saw anything' and that they could 'make things easier' for your career. Which of the following is the most professional response?
- Ask the official what they mean by 'make things easier' before deciding what to do.
- Let the official go with a warning to maintain a good relationship.
- Issue the citation as you would for any other citizen, documenting the conversation accurately in your report. (Correct answer)
- Report the incident to your supervisor but do not issue a ticket to avoid conflict.
Correct answer: Issue the citation as you would for any other citizen, documenting the conversation accurately in your report.
This question assesses integrity and impartiality. Police officers must enforce the law fairly and equally, regardless of a person's status or influence. Issuing the citation upholds this principle. Documenting the official's veiled offer is crucial for transparency and to protect the officer from any future accusations or repercussions. Ignoring the violation or soliciting a clearer bribe are unethical actions.
Question 16: A dispatcher says the suspect was last seen at 3rd and Main heading southwest. If the suspect continues in that direction, which area will they approach?
- An area due east of 3rd and Main
- An area southwest of 3rd and Main (Correct answer)
- An area northeast of 3rd and Main
- An area due north of 3rd and Main
Correct answer: An area southwest of 3rd and Main
If the suspect is heading southwest, they are moving toward areas that are southwest - down and to the left on a standard north-up map.
Question 17: A police exam asks you to identify the logical next step: An officer responds to a disturbance call, arrives on scene, and observes two people arguing loudly. What should the officer do FIRST?
- Assess the scene for immediate safety threats before approaching. (Correct answer)
- Immediately separate the individuals and place them in handcuffs.
- Call for backup before exiting the vehicle.
- Ask bystanders what happened before speaking to the involved parties.
Correct answer: Assess the scene for immediate safety threats before approaching.
Officer safety requires assessing the scene for immediate threats before approaching any individuals. This is the foundational first step in any response to an unknown-risk situation.
Question 18: A police sergeant earns $62,400 per year. What is the sergeant's gross monthly salary?
- $4,800
- $5,200 (Correct answer)
- $6,200
- $5,600
Correct answer: $5,200
Annual salary divided by 12 months = $62,400 / 12 = $5,200 per month.
Question 19: What is the purpose of an administrative license revocation (ALR) following a DUI arrest?
- To impose fines without court involvement
- To automatically suspend the license before criminal conviction (Correct answer)
- To require mandatory rehab enrollment
- To permanently revoke driving privileges
Correct answer: To automatically suspend the license before criminal conviction
ALR is a civil penalty that suspends driving privileges immediately upon arrest, separate from and prior to any criminal court proceedings.
Question 20: When recording a suspect's physical description in a report, which is the MOST important information to include?
- The suspect's emotional state during the encounter
- Only the suspect's name if known
- The officer's overall impression of the suspect's appearance
- Height, weight, race, sex, age, hair color, and any distinctive features or clothing worn (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Height, weight, race, sex, age, hair color, and any distinctive features or clothing worn
Physical descriptions must be comprehensive and specific to aid future identification. Height, weight, race, sex, estimated age, hair color, eye color, clothing, and distinctive features such as scars and tattoos are all critical.
Question 21: What does the term 'implied consent' mean in the context of DUI enforcement?
- A driver implicitly agrees to field sobriety tests when entering a vehicle
- Police may search a vehicle without a warrant if DUI is suspected
- By obtaining a driver's license, a driver consents to chemical testing if lawfully arrested for DUI (Correct answer)
- Passengers consent to being questioned during a DUI stop
Correct answer: By obtaining a driver's license, a driver consents to chemical testing if lawfully arrested for DUI
Implied consent laws mean that a licensed driver has already agreed to submit to chemical BAC testing as a condition of holding a driver's license.
Question 22: A police vehicle travels 300 miles and uses 12 gallons of fuel. What is the vehicle's fuel efficiency in miles per gallon?
- 24 mpg
- 28 mpg
- 30 mpg
- 25 mpg (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 25 mpg
Miles per gallon = total miles divided by total gallons = 300 divided by 12 = 25 mpg.
Question 23: An officer responds to a domestic disturbance. The victim refuses to provide a statement. The officer should:
- Document the victim's refusal, observable injuries, and all other available evidence in the report (Correct answer)
- Only document what the victim says
- Leave the scene and file no report since the victim will not cooperate
- Wait until the victim agrees to cooperate before writing anything
Correct answer: Document the victim's refusal, observable injuries, and all other available evidence in the report
Officers must document everything observable even when a victim refuses to cooperate. Visible injuries, witness accounts, physical evidence, and the refusal itself are all reportable facts.
Question 24: A person who illegally enters a home or place of business is known as a _____.
- intruder (Correct answer)
- officer
- offender
Correct answer: intruder
An 'intruder' is specifically defined as a person who enters a place without permission, especially with the intent to commit a crime or for an unwelcome purpose. This term precisely describes someone illegally entering a home or business. 'Offender' is a broader term for someone who commits a crime, and 'officer' is a law enforcement professional.
Question 25: When documenting a subject's physical state or behavior, which of the following is the most objective and fact-based description?
- "The subject was drunk."
- "The subject had slurred speech, smelled strongly of an alcoholic beverage, and was unsteady on his feet." (Correct answer)
- "The subject was acting suspiciously and appeared to be a threat."
- "The subject was clearly trying to deceive me about his level of intoxication."
Correct answer: "The subject had slurred speech, smelled strongly of an alcoholic beverage, and was unsteady on his feet."
This statement is the most objective because it describes specific, observable behaviors and sensory details (slurred speech, odor, unsteadiness) rather than making a conclusory statement like "was drunk" or a subjective judgment like "acting suspiciously." Documenting observable facts allows the reader to draw their own conclusions.
Question 26: An officer interviews a victim who describes her attacker as about 6 feet tall. When recording this in the report, the officer should write:
- Attacker was 6 feet tall
- Victim estimated attacker's height as approximately 6 feet tall (Correct answer)
- Height unknown - victim could not accurately determine
- Attacker was believed to be around 6 feet
Correct answer: Victim estimated attacker's height as approximately 6 feet tall
Attributing the description to the victim (Victim estimated...) accurately reflects that the height is an estimate from the victim's perspective, not a measured fact.
Question 27: A vehicle is stopped at a sobriety checkpoint. The driver refuses a breathalyzer test. Under implied consent laws, what is the typical consequence?
- The driver must submit to a blood test instead
- No penalty unless the driver is proven impaired
- The driver is immediately arrested for DUI
- The driver's license is suspended or revoked administratively (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The driver's license is suspended or revoked administratively
Refusing a chemical test under implied consent laws typically results in an automatic administrative license suspension, independent of DUI charges.
Question 28: An example of a drug deal that takes place behind a restaurant
- pickpocket
- street crime (Correct answer)
- back-up
Correct answer: street crime
'Street crime' refers to offenses that occur in public places, often involving direct interaction between offenders and victims or illicit transactions. A drug deal taking place behind a restaurant, which is a public or semi-public space, fits this definition perfectly as a crime committed in a public setting. 'Pickpocket' is a specific type of theft, and 'back-up' is police assistance.
Question 29: An officer issues 8 traffic citations on Monday, 5 on Tuesday, 12 on Wednesday, 7 on Thursday, and 6 on Friday. What is the average number of citations per day?
- 7.6 (Correct answer)
- 7.5
- 8
- 7
Correct answer: 7.6
Total citations = 8+5+12+7+6 = 38. Average = 38 / 5 days = 7.6 citations per day.
Question 30: While on patrol, an officer drives through a residential neighborhood to observe for any unusual activity. According to common patrol training principles, what is the optimal speed for maximizing observation and comprehension?
- 25 mph, to cover the area efficiently while still being able to look around.
- 35 mph, as it matches the typical speed limit in residential zones.
- 5 mph, as this allows for the most detailed observation possible.
- 15 mph, as slower speeds allow for better processing of details and potential threats. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 15 mph, as slower speeds allow for better processing of details and potential threats.
Patrol training standards suggest that the optimum speed for effective observation and comprehension is 15 miles per hour. Speeds greater than this make it increasingly difficult for an officer to fully comprehend, process, and react to everything they are observing. While very slow speeds like 5 mph might seem better, 15 mph is considered the best balance for covering a patrol zone while maintaining high situational awareness.
Question 31: Which of the following is an example of an objective and factual statement suitable for a police report, based on direct observation?
- The suspect looked angry and was acting aggressively towards everyone.
- The individual was visibly upset and seemed distressed by the situation.
- The subject repeatedly avoided eye contact and paced back and forth across the room. (Correct answer)
- The driver appeared nervous and was probably trying to hide something.
Correct answer: The subject repeatedly avoided eye contact and paced back and forth across the room.
An objective and factual statement describes observable behaviors without making assumptions about a person's internal state or motivations. 'Repeatedly avoided eye contact and paced' describes specific actions. The other options interpret behavior ('appeared nervous,' 'looked angry,' 'visibly upset'), which is subjective and less reliable for a formal report. Reports should focus on verifiable facts and direct observations.
Question 32: The term incarceration most precisely means:
- Confinement in a prison, jail, or other correctional facility as punishment for a crime (Correct answer)
- Serving a sentence in a halfway house or community program
- Electronic monitoring using an ankle bracelet
- Placement in a psychiatric facility
Correct answer: Confinement in a prison, jail, or other correctional facility as punishment for a crime
Incarceration specifically means confinement in a physical correctional facility - jail (short-term, pre-trial or misdemeanor) or prison (long-term felony). It is distinct from other forms of correctional supervision.
Question 33: Officer A and Officer B start from the same police station at the same time, heading in opposite directions on a straight highway. Officer A travels at 55 mph, and Officer B travels at 60 mph. How much time will have passed when they are 230 miles apart?
- 2.5 hours
- 2.0 hours (Correct answer)
- 1.75 hours
- 1.5 hours
Correct answer: 2.0 hours
Because the officers are traveling in opposite directions, their speeds combine. The combined speed is 55 mph + 60 mph = 115 mph. To find the time it takes to be 230 miles apart, use the formula Time = Distance / Speed. Time = 230 miles / 115 mph = 2 hours.
Question 34: 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:
- Whether the man seemed suspicious or not
- Only the man's race
- Clothing, height, weight, race, distinguishing features, and direction the man was heading (Correct answer)
- Only what the man was wearing
Correct answer: Clothing, height, weight, race, distinguishing features, and direction the man was heading
Comprehensive description recall including clothing, physical characteristics, and last known direction of travel gives investigators the best chance of locating the suspect.
Question 35: Which of the following best describes the 'Use of Force Continuum'?
- A policy requiring written approval before any force is used
- A legal rule that prohibits force once a suspect is handcuffed
- A framework guiding officers to use force proportional to the threat level (Correct answer)
- A mandate to always use the least force possible regardless of threat level
Correct answer: A framework guiding officers to use force proportional to the threat level
The Use of Force Continuum provides officers a framework to match their level of force to the level of resistance or threat presented by a subject.
Question 36: Under the inevitable discovery doctrine, illegally obtained evidence may be admissible if the prosecution can prove:
- A second search was conducted with a valid warrant
- The evidence would have been discovered lawfully through an independent investigation already underway (Correct answer)
- The officer acted in good faith when obtaining the evidence
- The evidence was found in a public location
Correct answer: The evidence would have been discovered lawfully through an independent investigation already underway
The inevitable discovery doctrine, established in Nix v. Williams, allows admission of illegally obtained evidence if the prosecution proves it would have been lawfully discovered through independent means already in progress.
Question 37: The word perpetrator in police terminology refers to:
- The arresting officer
- The victim of a crime
- A witness to a crime
- The person who committed the crime (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The person who committed the crime
A perpetrator is the person who committed the crime. The term is used in reports and court documents when guilt has been established or is being referred to in context.
Question 38: Officers are shown a wanted suspect photo for 30 seconds. The BEST strategy for memorizing the description is to:
- Only look at the suspect's clothing
- Focus on unique identifying features such as scars, tattoos, and distinctive facial features (Correct answer)
- Try to memorize every detail equally
- Write down details without looking at the photo
Correct answer: Focus on unique identifying features such as scars, tattoos, and distinctive facial features
Unique identifying features such as scars, tattoos, birthmarks, and unusual facial features are the most reliable for recognition because they are less likely to change than clothing or hairstyle.
Question 39: When writing the narrative portion of an incident report, which of the following is the MOST critical element to ensure the report is objective and credible?
- Writing the report in the third person to create a more formal tone.
- Omitting details that might complicate the investigation to keep the report simple.
- Using direct quotes from witnesses and clearly attributing all information to its source. (Correct answer)
- Including the officer's personal opinions on the suspect's guilt.
Correct answer: Using direct quotes from witnesses and clearly attributing all information to its source.
An objective and credible report is based on facts. Using direct quotes and attributing information to specific sources ensures the report accurately reflects what was seen and heard, rather than the officer's interpretations. This practice is crucial for legal defensibility, as it clearly separates factual reporting from opinion or assumption.
Question 40: The Miranda warning is required before which of the following?
- Conducting a routine traffic stop
- Asking a bystander for their name
- Custodial interrogation of a suspect (Correct answer)
- Patting down a person for weapons during a Terry stop
Correct answer: Custodial interrogation of a suspect
Miranda rights apply when a person is in custody and subject to interrogation by law enforcement.
Question 41: An officer clocks a vehicle at 78 mph in a 55 mph zone. By how many mph is the driver exceeding the posted limit?
- 21 mph
- 25 mph
- 33 mph
- 23 mph (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 23 mph
78 minus 55 equals 23 mph over the posted speed limit.
Question 42: What does the term subpoena mean in legal and law enforcement contexts?
- A legal order commanding a person to appear in court or produce documents under penalty of law (Correct answer)
- A court order releasing a defendant on bail
- A formal charging document filed by a prosecutor
- A written warrant authorizing a search
Correct answer: A legal order commanding a person to appear in court or produce documents under penalty of law
A subpoena (Latin for under penalty) is a court order compelling a person to testify in court or produce documents. Failure to comply can result in contempt of court.
Question 43: You are in a rural area and need to orient your map to your surroundings using only a compass. Which of the following is the correct fundamental procedure?
- Align the compass needle with a road on the map, then rotate your body until you face north.
- Guess the direction of north and align the map accordingly.
- Place the compass on the map and rotate the map until the map's north arrow aligns with the magnetic north needle of the compass. (Correct answer)
- Point the map's north arrow towards a prominent landmark you can see.
Correct answer: Place the compass on the map and rotate the map until the map's north arrow aligns with the magnetic north needle of the compass.
The primary method to orient a map with a compass is to place the compass flat on the map and then rotate the map and compass together until the printed north arrow on the map points in the same direction as the north-seeking needle of the compass. This aligns the map with magnetic north and, consequently, the surrounding terrain.
Question 44: A suspect invokes their right to an attorney during questioning. Officers should:
- Stop all interrogation immediately until an attorney is present (Correct answer)
- Interpret the request as a sign of guilt and note it in the report
- Ask one final question before stopping
- Continue questioning on unrelated topics
Correct answer: Stop all interrogation immediately until an attorney is present
Once a suspect invokes their right to counsel, all interrogation must cease immediately under Miranda protections.
Question 45: Under the Fourth Amendment, which search generally requires a warrant?
- Pat-down for weapons during a Terry stop
- Search of a home without exigent circumstances (Correct answer)
- Inventory search of an impounded vehicle
- Search incident to a lawful arrest
Correct answer: Search of a home without exigent circumstances
Searching a home is among the most protected privacy interests and generally requires a warrant absent exigent circumstances.
Question 46: An officer worked 3 overtime shifts of 4 hours each and 2 overtime shifts of 6 hours each. What is the total overtime?
- 18 hours
- 20 hours
- 22 hours
- 24 hours (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 24 hours
3 shifts x 4 hours = 12 hours, plus 2 shifts x 6 hours = 12 hours. Total: 12 + 12 = 24 hours.
Question 47: A suspect fled on foot and traveled 0.75 miles before being apprehended. An officer ran the same route at 6 miles per hour. How many minutes did it take the officer to cover that distance?
- 9 minutes
- 6 minutes
- 8 minutes
- 7.5 minutes (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 7.5 minutes
Time = Distance / Speed = 0.75 / 6 = 0.125 hours. 0.125 x 60 = 7.5 minutes.
Question 48: An officer collects 48 items of evidence from a large crime scene. If 3/4 of the items are fingerprints and the rest are other forms of trace evidence, how many items are NOT fingerprints?
- 8
- 36
- 24
- 12 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 12
First, find the number of fingerprint items: 48 * (3/4) = 36. To find the number of items that are not fingerprints, subtract this from the total: 48 - 36 = 12. Alternatively, if 3/4 are fingerprints, then 1/4 are not. 48 * (1/4) = 12.
Question 49: Officer Miller is writing a report on a burglary. He has gathered information about the point of entry, items stolen, witness statements, and the suspect's description. According to best practices, which of the '5 W's and H' is MOST important to include for the report to be considered complete?
- Where, Why, and How
- Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How (Correct answer)
- What, When, and Where
- Who, What, and When
Correct answer: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How
A complete and thorough police report must answer the six fundamental questions: Who was involved? What happened? When did it happen? Where did it happen? Why did it happen (if known)? and How did it happen? Omitting any of these elements can leave critical gaps in the investigation.
Question 50: You are the first officer to arrive at a multi-vehicle traffic accident with injuries. What is your FIRST priority?
- Photograph the scene for the report
- Begin interviewing witnesses
- Ensure the scene is safe and call for medical assistance (Correct answer)
- Issue citations to at-fault drivers
Correct answer: Ensure the scene is safe and call for medical assistance
Life safety is always the first priority at any emergency scene. Securing the scene to prevent further accidents and summoning medical aid for the injured takes precedence over investigation.
Question 51: You are interviewing a robbery victim who is visibly shaken and crying. The BEST approach to begin the interview is to:
- Tell the victim to calm down before you will proceed
- Begin with background questions like name and address before discussing the crime
- Immediately ask rapid questions to capture details while memory is fresh
- Allow a moment for the victim to compose themselves, express empathy, and explain the interview process calmly (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Allow a moment for the victim to compose themselves, express empathy, and explain the interview process calmly
Trauma-informed interviewing recognizes that allowing emotional regulation improves the quality of information obtained. Rushing a distressed victim often produces less reliable information.
Question 52: When documenting witness statements in an incident report, officers should:
- Combine multiple witness statements into one account
- Only record statements that support the officer's theory of the case
- Quote witnesses directly using quotation marks when recording exact words (Correct answer)
- Paraphrase all statements in police terminology
Correct answer: Quote witnesses directly using quotation marks when recording exact words
Direct quotes using quotation marks preserve the exact words spoken by witnesses and are more credible than paraphrased summaries. They are also protected from claims of misrepresentation.
Question 53: An officer responds to an accident scene and measures a single, continuous skid mark of 120 feet on a dry asphalt road. Using the common formula S = √(30 * f * d), where S is speed in mph, 'f' is the drag factor, and 'd' is the skid distance in feet, what was the vehicle's minimum initial speed if the drag factor ('f') for dry asphalt is 0.7?
- ~65.7 mph
- ~25.2 mph
- ~50.2 mph (Correct answer)
- ~35.5 mph
Correct answer: ~50.2 mph
Substitute the given values into the formula: S = √(30 * 0.7 * 120). First, multiply the numbers inside the square root: 30 * 0.7 * 120 = 2520. Then, find the square root of 2520, which is approximately 50.2. So, S ≈ 50.2 mph.
Question 54: During a domestic disturbance call, both parties are arguing but neither shows visible injury and neither wants to make a complaint. The officer's BEST course of action is to:
- Separate the parties, assess for injury and fear, check for prior calls to the address, and document the encounter thoroughly (Correct answer)
- Make an arrest regardless since domestic calls are inherently dangerous
- Leave immediately since no one wants to press charges
- Only take action if physical injuries are visible
Correct answer: Separate the parties, assess for injury and fear, check for prior calls to the address, and document the encounter thoroughly
Domestic disturbances require thorough assessment even without visible injury. Separating parties allows for private conversation; checking call history identifies patterns; documentation creates a record.
Question 55: Which of the following scenarios would most likely constitute an unreasonable search under the Fourth Amendment?
- An officer observing contraband in plain view on a car seat during a traffic stop
- An officer entering a burning building without a warrant to rescue a trapped person
- An officer using a thermal imaging device aimed at a private home from a public street to detect heat patterns inside (Correct answer)
- An officer searching a bag after the owner consents
Correct answer: An officer using a thermal imaging device aimed at a private home from a public street to detect heat patterns inside
In Kyllo v. United States, the Supreme Court held that using thermal imaging technology to gather information about the interior of a home constitutes a Fourth Amendment search requiring a warrant.
Question 56: An officer observes: dark green pickup truck, two-door, cracked rear window, partial plate GHJ-4. Which detail is MOST useful for identifying the vehicle later?
- The partial license plate GHJ-4 (Correct answer)
- The color (dark green)
- The two-door configuration
- The cracked rear window
Correct answer: The partial license plate GHJ-4
A partial license plate provides the most specific, searchable identifier. A plate fragment can be searched in motor vehicle databases to narrow down a specific vehicle.
Question 57: What does the reporting framework Who, What, When, Where, Why, How help officers ensure in a report?
- All essential elements of a complete and thorough incident report are captured (Correct answer)
- All grammar rules are followed in the narrative
- The report is formatted correctly for court submission
- The report is filed within the required time limit
Correct answer: All essential elements of a complete and thorough incident report are captured
The 5 Ws and H framework ensures officers capture all essential information needed to fully document an incident, including all parties, the offense, timing, location, circumstances, and method.
Question 58: When writing a police incident report, which element must always be included to establish the timeline of events?
- Date and time of the incident (Correct answer)
- Suspect's family background
- Officer's personal opinion
- Witness character assessments
Correct answer: Date and time of the incident
Date and time are mandatory in every incident report to establish when events occurred and to create an accurate timeline for investigation and court proceedings.
Question 59: Which of the following describes the most appropriate language and tone for a police incident report?
- Technical jargon and police-specific acronyms to demonstrate expertise.
- Clear, concise, and professional language that is free of slang and personal bias. (Correct answer)
- Emotional and descriptive language to convey the seriousness of the incident.
- Vague terminology to allow for broader interpretation in court.
Correct answer: Clear, concise, and professional language that is free of slang and personal bias.
Police reports are official documents read by a wide audience, including supervisors, attorneys, judges, and the public. Therefore, the language must be clear, simple, and professional. Using jargon can cause confusion, and emotional or biased language can undermine the officer's credibility and the report's objectivity.
Question 60: While off duty and without a badge or weapon, an officer witnesses a serious assault in progress. The BEST course of action is to:
- Leave the area entirely since you are off duty
- Immediately physically intervene without identifying as a police officer
- Call 911, provide a clear description of the situation and location, and act as a witness unless safely able to intervene (Correct answer)
- Wait for on-duty officers without calling 911
Correct answer: Call 911, provide a clear description of the situation and location, and act as a witness unless safely able to intervene
Off-duty officers should prioritize calling 911 immediately, providing a clear situational report, and acting as a witness. Physical intervention without proper equipment and backup can escalate danger.
Question 61: (verb) mistake one thing for another; be confusing or perplexing to
- glean
- deplete
- augment
- confound (Correct answer)
Correct answer: confound
The verb 'confound' means to cause surprise or confusion in someone, especially by acting against their expectations, or to mistake one thing for another. This directly matches the definition provided: 'mistake one thing for another; be confusing or perplexing to.' The other options do not fit this specific meaning.
Question 62: An officer finds an unconscious person in a vehicle with the engine running in a garage. After ensuring personal safety, the FIRST action should be:
- Check the person's pulse before moving them
- Remove the victim from the CO environment to fresh air (Correct answer)
- Call for backup before entering
- Immediately start CPR
Correct answer: Remove the victim from the CO environment to fresh air
Removing the victim from the carbon monoxide environment to fresh air is the priority before any medical treatment.
Question 63: An officer observes a blue sedan parked in front of a building. When writing the report, the officer should record the vehicle as:
- A blue sedan with a partial description of distinguishing features observed (Correct answer)
- A blue vehicle of unknown type
- A suspicious vehicle that seemed out of place
- Possibly blue, maybe a car
Correct answer: A blue sedan with a partial description of distinguishing features observed
Officers should record exactly what they observed: the color (blue), type (sedan), and any other objective details noted such as make, model, license plate, or damage. Qualifying language weakens the description.
Question 64: A witness to an assault says it happened so fast I did not get a good look. This statement indicates:
- The witness was not paying attention intentionally
- The witness is lying and trying to avoid involvement
- The assault did not occur
- The witness's observation time was short, which may reduce description accuracy (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The witness's observation time was short, which may reduce description accuracy
Short observation time is one of the strongest predictors of reduced eyewitness accuracy. Officers and courts must weigh this when evaluating the reliability of the description that follows.
Question 65: A hate crime is distinguished from other crimes primarily by:
- The location where the crime took place
- The severity of the physical injury inflicted
- The offender's bias motivation based on the victim's actual or perceived protected characteristic (Correct answer)
- The type of weapon used in the crime
Correct answer: The offender's bias motivation based on the victim's actual or perceived protected characteristic
Hate crimes are crimes committed against victims because of their actual or perceived race, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or other protected characteristic - the bias motivation is the defining element.
Question 66: During a foot pursuit of a fleeing suspect, the officer loses sight of the suspect. What is the BEST immediate action?
- Broadcast the suspect's last known location and description to dispatch (Correct answer)
- Continue running in the same direction indefinitely
- Give up and return to the patrol car
- Call a supervisor before taking any further action
Correct answer: Broadcast the suspect's last known location and description to dispatch
Broadcasting last known position and description allows other units to assist and contain the suspect.
Question 67: A vehicle started at Park Ave, turned east on Oak St, then turned north on Elm Ave. If a witness is facing north (the vehicle's starting direction), which direction did the vehicle turn onto Oak Street from the witness's perspective?
- To the right (Correct answer)
- Straight ahead
- To the left
- Behind the witness
Correct answer: To the right
The vehicle turned east onto Oak St. Facing north, east is to the right. So from the witness's northward-facing perspective, the vehicle turned right.
Question 68: Which sentence uses active voice correctly in a police report?
- The entering of the vehicle by the suspect was what was observed
- The vehicle was entered by the suspect, as was observed
- It was observed that entry of the vehicle occurred
- Officer Jones observed the suspect enter the vehicle (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Officer Jones observed the suspect enter the vehicle
Active voice (Officer Jones observed the suspect enter the vehicle) is clearer, more direct, and preferred in modern police report writing. It identifies who did what without ambiguity.
Question 69: A police department policy on handling evidence states: 'All seized property must be properly tagged and sealed in an evidence bag before the end of the officer's shift. The officer must complete an evidence submission form, detailing the chain of custody, and deposit the sealed evidence into a designated evidence locker.' Which of the following actions would be a violation of this policy?
- An officer deposits a sealed and tagged evidence bag into the locker and then completes the digital submission form.
- An officer takes a seized firearm back to the station and asks the evidence technician to tag and package it. (Correct answer)
- An officer places a seized wallet in an evidence bag, seals it, and fills out the submission form before placing it in the locker.
- An officer completes the evidence submission form on a laptop in their patrol vehicle before arriving at the station.
Correct answer: An officer takes a seized firearm back to the station and asks the evidence technician to tag and package it.
The policy explicitly states that the seizing officer must tag and seal the property. Asking another person, even an evidence technician, to perform this step on the officer's behalf violates the procedure described. The other options are consistent with the policy's requirements.
Question 70: An investigator is sketching a crime scene in a rectangular room that is 25 feet long and 18 feet wide. A piece of evidence is located by taking two measurements from one of the corners. The first measurement is 8 feet along the length of the room, and the second is 5 feet along the width. What is the total area of the room?
- 144 square feet
- 40 square feet
- 86 square feet
- 450 square feet (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 450 square feet
The area of a rectangle is calculated by multiplying its length by its width. The location of the evidence is extra information not needed to solve the problem. Area = Length × Width. Area = 25 ft × 18 ft = 450 square feet.
Question 71: During a felony traffic stop, where should the cover officer position themselves relative to the suspect vehicle?
- Beside the driver's door to control the driver
- Directly behind the suspect vehicle
- Behind the patrol car on the passenger side, covering the contact officer (Correct answer)
- At the front passenger window
Correct answer: Behind the patrol car on the passenger side, covering the contact officer
The cover officer uses the patrol vehicle for concealment and covers the contact officer and suspect vehicle from the passenger side.
Question 72: (V)make insensitive or callous; deaden feelings or morals (adj) emotionally harden
- corrupt
- cajole
- copious
- callous (Correct answer)
Correct answer: callous
The word 'callous' can function as both a verb and an adjective, fitting the prompt's structure. As a verb, it means to make someone insensitive or emotionally hardened, while as an adjective, it describes someone who is emotionally hardened or unfeeling. This dual nature and meaning directly correspond to the given definition.
Question 73: An entrance exam asks you to identify the errors in: Between you and I, the report could of been written better. Which TWO errors are present?
- Could of should be could have; written should be wrote
- Report should be capitalized; better should be more well
- Between should be among; been should be being
- I should be me (object of preposition); could of should be could have (Correct answer)
Correct answer: I should be me (object of preposition); could of should be could have
Between you and I is incorrect - prepositions take object case, so me is correct. Could of is a phonetic error; the correct phrase is could have.
Question 74: An officer is writing a report about a domestic dispute. The male party stated he was 'just trying to calm her down,' while the female party stated he 'grabbed my arm aggressively.' Which statement is the BEST way to document these conflicting accounts in the report?
- "The parties provided conflicting stories about the physical contact."
- "Mr. Smith stated, 'I was just trying to calm her down.' Ms. Jones stated, 'He grabbed my arm aggressively.' I observed redness on Ms. Jones's left forearm." (Correct answer)
- "The male subject was likely the primary aggressor based on his demeanor."
- "An altercation occurred where Mr. Smith grabbed Ms. Jones's arm, but his intent was not malicious."
Correct answer: "Mr. Smith stated, 'I was just trying to calm her down.' Ms. Jones stated, 'He grabbed my arm aggressively.' I observed redness on Ms. Jones's left forearm."
This answer is the most effective because it uses direct quotes to capture each party's statement precisely, maintains neutrality, and adds an objective, factual observation made by the officer. This approach avoids interpretation and presents the facts as they were gathered.
Question 75: A police budget allocates 55% to salaries, 20% to equipment, 15% to training, and the remainder to community programs. If the total budget is $2,000,000, how much goes to community programs?
- $400,000
- $300,000
- $100,000
- $200,000 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: $200,000
55+20+15 = 90%. Remainder = 10%. 10% of $2,000,000 = $200,000.
Question 76: A police report states: The complainant Mr. Rivera alleged that the defendant struck him in the face. The defendant denied any physical contact. Based solely on this passage, which statement is TRUE?
- Mr. Rivera was definitely struck in the face
- Mr. Rivera made an accusation and the defendant denied it (Correct answer)
- The report is inconclusive and should be discarded
- The defendant committed assault
Correct answer: Mr. Rivera made an accusation and the defendant denied it
The passage only states what each party claimed. No conclusion about what actually occurred can be drawn from these statements alone.
Question 77: A citizen reports seeing someone take a package from a neighbor's porch and points to a person one block away who matches the description. You make contact but see no package. You should:
- Conduct a brief investigation: get the person's information, speak to the witness, check the area, and document the contact (Correct answer)
- Ignore the complaint since you didn't personally witness the theft
- Let the person go since there's no physical evidence
- Make an immediate arrest based on the witness's account alone
Correct answer: Conduct a brief investigation: get the person's information, speak to the witness, check the area, and document the contact
The situation warrants a brief investigation, not an immediate arrest (which requires probable cause) and not dismissal. Gathering information from both parties, checking the area, and documenting the contact is correct procedure.
Question 78: During a foot pursuit, an officer radios: Suspect entered gray building, northwest corner of 5th and Oak. This communication demonstrates:
- Good situational awareness and precise location reporting (Correct answer)
- Unnecessary detail that slows the pursuit
- A failure to maintain visual contact
- A violation of radio protocols
Correct answer: Good situational awareness and precise location reporting
Providing specific, real-time location information (building color, corner of intersection) enables other units to respond accurately and effectively.
Question 79: An officer working in a community policing role focuses on:
- Maintaining strict separation between police and community members
- Focusing exclusively on high-crime areas with heavy enforcement
- Making as many arrests as possible to demonstrate productivity
- Building partnerships between police and the community to proactively address underlying causes of crime (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Building partnerships between police and the community to proactively address underlying causes of crime
Community policing emphasizes police-community partnerships, problem-solving, and addressing root causes of crime rather than reactive enforcement alone.
Question 80: An officer is facing north and turns 90 degrees clockwise. Which direction is the officer now facing?
- West
- Northeast
- South
- East (Correct answer)
Correct answer: East
Starting from north, a 90-degree clockwise rotation points the officer east. Clockwise movement goes N, E, S, W.
Question 81: A police department has 240 officers and needs to staff 3 patrol shifts equally. How many officers will be assigned per shift?
- 75
- 60
- 90
- 80 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 80
240 officers divided by 3 shifts equals 80 officers per shift.
Question 82: An officer is alone and must handcuff a compliant subject. What is the correct handcuffing technique?
- Using zip ties as a faster alternative
- Double-locking handcuffs with hands behind the back, palms outward (Correct answer)
- Single-locking to save time
- Hands in front for comfort and compliance
Correct answer: Double-locking handcuffs with hands behind the back, palms outward
Standard procedure is to double-lock handcuffs with the subject's hands behind their back, palms outward, to prevent slipping and injury.
Question 83: A supplemental report is written when:
- New information is discovered after the original report was filed (Correct answer)
- An officer disagrees with a supervisor's conclusions
- The incident occurs in another jurisdiction
- The original officer is unavailable
Correct answer: New information is discovered after the original report was filed
Supplemental reports are used to add new information, update findings, or correct errors in the original report. They are filed whenever significant new facts come to light during an ongoing investigation.
Question 84: You stop a vehicle for a broken taillight. A check reveals an outstanding misdemeanor warrant. The driver has two young children in the car. The BEST course of action is to:
- Arrest the driver on the warrant, call for assistance regarding the children, and document the situation fully (Correct answer)
- Issue only a fix-it ticket and let the driver go
- Tell the driver about the warrant and ask them to turn themselves in tomorrow
- Ignore the warrant because children are present
Correct answer: Arrest the driver on the warrant, call for assistance regarding the children, and document the situation fully
An outstanding warrant is a lawful basis for arrest that the officer is required to execute. The presence of children creates a complicating factor requiring additional coordination, not a reason to ignore the warrant.
Question 85: On a grid map, an officer needs to travel from 2nd Street and 3rd Avenue to 5th Street and 7th Avenue. How many blocks must the officer travel assuming no diagonal routes?
- 7 blocks (Correct answer)
- 12 blocks
- 3 blocks
- 5 blocks
Correct answer: 7 blocks
North-south: 5th minus 2nd = 3 blocks. East-west: 7th minus 3rd = 4 blocks. Total = 3 + 4 = 7 blocks.
Question 86: An officer drives 45 miles per hour for 2 hours and 30 minutes. How many miles does the officer travel?
- 135 miles
- 97.5 miles
- 90 miles
- 112.5 miles (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 112.5 miles
2 hours 30 minutes equals 2.5 hours. Distance equals speed times time: 45 times 2.5 equals 112.5 miles.
Question 87: In law enforcement, the term deposition refers to:
- Sworn testimony taken outside of court, under oath, as part of the pretrial discovery process (Correct answer)
- The process of removing an officer from duty
- A written confession signed by a suspect
- The formal filing of criminal charges
Correct answer: Sworn testimony taken outside of court, under oath, as part of the pretrial discovery process
A deposition is formal, sworn testimony recorded outside the courtroom during the discovery phase of civil or criminal litigation. Depositions are used to preserve testimony and gather information before trial.
Question 88: An officer who regularly patrols the same beat should pay special attention to what does not belong. This skill is known as:
- Pattern recognition through baseline observation (Correct answer)
- Stereotyping
- Criminal profiling
- Racial profiling
Correct answer: Pattern recognition through baseline observation
Effective patrol requires establishing a mental baseline of what is normal for an area, then recognizing anomalies - people, vehicles, or activities that deviate from the expected pattern.
Question 89: You respond to a call about a suspicious person in a park late at night. Upon arrival, you find an individual who is disoriented and appears to be experiencing a mental health crisis. They are not committing a crime but are causing a minor disturbance. What is the most appropriate course of action?
- Ignore the individual since no crime has been committed and clear the call.
- Arrest the individual for loitering to remove them from the park.
- Use a calm and reassuring tone, attempt to establish communication, and request a specialized unit (like a Crisis Intervention Team) if available. (Correct answer)
- Tell the individual to go home and threaten arrest if they do not comply.
Correct answer: Use a calm and reassuring tone, attempt to establish communication, and request a specialized unit (like a Crisis Intervention Team) if available.
Modern policing emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appropriately responding to individuals in mental health crisis. The primary goal is de-escalation and connecting the person with the right resources, not enforcement. Using a calm approach and calling for a specialized unit demonstrates professionalism, empathy, and an understanding of the proper tools for the situation. The other options are likely to escalate the situation or neglect a person in need of help.
Question 90: An officer is interviewing a witness to a highly stressful event. The witness is having trouble recalling details in a clear, sequential order. What is the most likely reason for this, and what is the best approach for the officer to take?
- Short-term memory is unreliable; the officer should wait 48 hours for two full sleep cycles before re-interviewing the witness.
- The witness probably wasn't paying close attention; the officer should ask them to only state facts they are 100% certain about.
- Trauma and stress can fragment memory, making linear recall difficult; the officer should use cognitive interviewing techniques, such as asking about sensory details. (Correct answer)
- The witness is likely being deceptive; the officer should use a more direct, accusatory questioning style to get the truth.
Correct answer: Trauma and stress can fragment memory, making linear recall difficult; the officer should use cognitive interviewing techniques, such as asking about sensory details.
Neuroscience research shows that memories of traumatic experiences are often fragmented and not recalled in a linear way because the brain focuses on survival. Cognitive interviewing techniques, which involve asking about sensory details (sights, sounds, smells) and using open-ended questions, can help a witness recall these fragmented memories more effectively. While waiting for sleep cycles can help an officer consolidate their own memory, it's not the primary immediate technique for a witness on scene. Direct, accusatory questioning can be counterproductive and re-traumatizing.
Question 91: An officer writes: I arrested the subject. Which word in this sentence should be replaced for more professional report writing?
- I should be changed to the officer
- The sentence is written correctly as is
- Arrested should be replaced with detained
- Subject should be replaced with the person's full name or suspect (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Subject should be replaced with the person's full name or suspect
Using subject without identification is vague. Reports should use the person's full legal name or describe them as suspect with identifying information. The first-person I is acceptable in modern police report writing.
Question 92: The principle of witness unreliability in law enforcement refers to the fact that:
- Witnesses with criminal records cannot testify
- Witnesses always lie to protect suspects
- All eyewitness testimony is inadmissible in court
- Human memory is reconstructive and can be influenced by stress, lighting, time, and post-event information (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Human memory is reconstructive and can be influenced by stress, lighting, time, and post-event information
Memory research consistently shows that human recall is imperfect and can be distorted by high stress, poor lighting, short observation time, and information received after the event.
Question 93: In contrast to being guilty is
- wanted
- arrested
- innocent (Correct answer)
Correct answer: innocent
'Guilty' means legally responsible for committing a crime or wrongdoing. The direct opposite, or contrast, to being guilty is being 'innocent,' which means free from moral or legal wrong. The other options, 'arrested' and 'wanted,' describe actions or states related to crime but are not antonyms of guilty.
Question 94: A police officer's use of force must be:
- Only used when commanded by a supervisor
- Always at the minimum level regardless of threat
- The same level for all types of offenders regardless of threat presented
- Objectively reasonable under the circumstances known to the officer at the time (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Objectively reasonable under the circumstances known to the officer at the time
Graham v. Connor (1989) established the objective reasonableness standard: force is evaluated based on what a reasonable officer would do given the circumstances known at the time, not with hindsight.
Question 95: Which type of information should NEVER appear in a police incident report?
- Speculation about a suspect's motive based on the officer's gut feeling (Correct answer)
- Names of all involved parties
- The exact location where the incident occurred
- A description of evidence collected at the scene
Correct answer: Speculation about a suspect's motive based on the officer's gut feeling
Speculation and personal opinion have no place in incident reports. Officers should record only facts and directly observed information. Guesses about motive undermine the report's objectivity and credibility.
Question 96: Which of the following best describes the correct order for writing an incident report narrative?
- Alphabetical by witness name
- Most dramatic events first, then background
- By level of severity of offenses observed
- Chronological order from first arrival to scene clearance (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Chronological order from first arrival to scene clearance
Incident report narratives should follow chronological order, starting with dispatch/initial call and proceeding through each action taken. This mirrors how events actually unfolded.
Question 97: An officer responds to a burglary call. The homeowner is providing a list of stolen items. Which of the following actions demonstrates the best use of observation and memory skills during this initial interview?
- Interrupting the homeowner frequently to ask for specific model numbers for each item.
- Focusing only on high-value items and telling the homeowner to create a full list for the insurance company later.
- Memorizing the entire list of items without writing anything down to show attentiveness.
- Taking detailed notes of the stolen items while also observing the homeowner's demeanor and the condition of the room. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Taking detailed notes of the stolen items while also observing the homeowner's demeanor and the condition of the room.
Effective police work requires multitasking. The officer must accurately record the facts of the crime (the stolen items) by taking detailed notes, as memory alone is unreliable. Simultaneously, the officer should use observation skills to assess the witness's credibility and demeanor, and to notice details about the crime scene (e.g., points of entry, disarray) that might be crucial to the investigation.
Question 98: Which of the following is MOST likely to help an officer retain accurate memories of a critical incident for later reporting?
- Discussing the incident in detail with other officers before writing
- Waiting 24 hours before taking any notes
- Relying entirely on memory without notes
- Writing notes or a brief summary as soon as it is safe to do so (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Writing notes or a brief summary as soon as it is safe to do so
Writing notes immediately after an incident (when safe) captures details before memory fades. Memory degrades rapidly, especially after high-stress events.
Question 99: You respond to a report of a man with a gun in a park. Upon arrival, you see a man matching the description holding what appears to be a handgun. He is not immediately threatening anyone. What is the BEST initial approach?
- Draw your weapon, take cover, and issue loud, clear verbal commands while calling for backup (Correct answer)
- Approach the subject calmly and ask him if he has a carry permit
- Immediately discharge your firearm to neutralize the threat
- Return to your patrol car and wait for your supervisor before taking action
Correct answer: Draw your weapon, take cover, and issue loud, clear verbal commands while calling for backup
When a subject is armed, officers should take cover, draw their weapon as the threat level warrants, request backup, and issue clear verbal commands. This protects the officer while providing the subject an opportunity to comply.
Question 100: Officer Aljem's prior year's pay was $59,800. In 2020, he received a 10% raise in wages. In 2020, how much did Officer Aljem earn?
- $67,110
- $66,810
- $64,980
- $65,780 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: $65,780
First, calculate the amount of the raise by finding 10% of $59,800, which is $5,980. Then, add this raise to Officer Aljem's prior year's pay: $59,800 + $5,980 = $65,780. This sum represents his total earnings in 2020 after receiving the raise.
Police Officer Entrance Exam
The Police Officer Entrance Exam evaluates candidates on reading comprehension, mathematics, report writing, observation, and situational judgment skills required for law enforcement.
Exam Rules
- You can skip questions and return to them later
- Flag questions for review before submitting
- No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
- Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
- 10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
- Timer auto-submits when time runs out
- Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds