Police Written Exam practice test

An officer on patrol observes a vehicle weaving between lanes at low speed late at night. The driver is not exceeding the speed limit. What is the most appropriate action?

When writing an incident report, an officer should describe events using which of the following approaches?

An officer witnesses a suspect flee a robbery. To provide the most useful description, the officer should focus on which type of detail?

All officers in the precinct completed firearms training. Officer Lee is an officer in the precinct. Which conclusion logically follows?

While off duty, an officer witnesses a minor traffic accident with no injuries. What is the most appropriate first action?

Read the passage and answer the question. Passage: Community policing emphasizes building partnerships between officers and the residents they serve. Rather than focusing solely on responding to calls, officers engage with neighborhood groups, attend local meetings, and work to identify the root causes of recurring problems. This proactive approach aims to reduce crime over the long term. According to the passage, what is a primary goal of community policing?

An officer begins a shift with 40 blank citation forms. During the shift the officer issues 13 citations and gives 5 forms to a partner. How many citation forms does the officer have left?

An officer is offered a free meal by a restaurant owner who later asks the officer to overlook a parking violation. What is the most appropriate response?

An officer drives north for 3 blocks, turns right and drives 4 blocks, then turns right again and drives 3 blocks. In what direction relative to the starting point is the officer now, ignoring the eastward offset?

During a domestic disturbance call, an officer finds two parties arguing loudly but no signs of physical violence. What is the most appropriate initial action?

An officer writes: The suspect was acting suspicious. Why is this sentence considered weak for an incident report?

Read the passage and answer the question. Passage: When collecting physical evidence, officers must document its location, photograph it before it is moved, and place it in a properly labeled container. Each transfer of evidence from one person to another must be recorded to maintain the chain of custody. A break in this chain can render the evidence inadmissible in court. According to the passage, what could happen if the chain of custody is broken?

If no person who has a valid alibi is a suspect, and Mr. Cole has a valid alibi, which conclusion logically follows?

An officer stops a motorist for a minor traffic violation. The motorist becomes verbally agitated but remains compliant and is not threatening. What is the most appropriate response?

A patrol officer covers a route of 60 miles in 2 hours. At the same average speed, how long would it take to cover 90 miles?

An officer reviews a wanted bulletin and must memorize key suspect details before patrol. Which strategy best supports accurate recall?

Read the passage and answer the question. Passage: Use of force policies require officers to apply only the amount of force that is objectively reasonable given the circumstances. Officers must continually reassess the situation, and as a threat decreases, the level of force used must also decrease. Excessive force exposes officers and their departments to legal liability. According to the passage, what must officers do as a threat decreases?

An officer observes a fellow officer using excessive force on a subdued suspect. What is the most appropriate action?

An officer arrives first at a multi-vehicle collision with possible injuries. What should be the officer first priority?