911 Operator Test Reading Comprehension and Clarity Questions and Answers

Question 1

An operator reads the following entry in a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system: 'RPTS 415 MALE, 10-20 IS 800 BLK MAIN ST.
SUBJ IS WMA, LSW BLK JKT, BLU JNS.
POSS 5150.
UTL AT THIS TIME.' What is the most accurate interpretation of this information for a responding officer?

Accepted Answer

The person who reported a disturbance at 800 Main St. described a white male in a black jacket and blue jeans who may have mental health issues, but this person was gone when the reporter looked again.

Answer

A man causing a disturbance was reported at the 800 block of Main St, but the reporting party was unable to locate him.

Answer

A white male wearing a black jacket and blue jeans, who is possibly a danger to himself or others, was arrested for disturbing the peace at 800 Main St.

Answer

A man with a weapon, described as a white male in a black jacket and blue jeans, was reported at 800 Main St. and is now in custody.

Question 2

When providing pre-arrival instructions to a caller for a medical emergency, why is it critical for a 911 operator to use plain, clear language instead of technical medical terms or jargon?

Accepted Answer

To prevent panic and ensure the caller can understand and correctly follow life-saving directions without confusion.

Answer

To ensure the dispatcher sounds professional and authoritative.

Answer

To save time by using standardized medical phrasing.

Answer

To accurately document the instructions given in the official call record for legal purposes.

Question 3

An operator receives the following BOLO (Be On the Lookout) message via teletype from a neighboring agency: 'BOLO FOR GRY SEDAN, L/S N/B ON HWY 101 FROM OUR JURIS. INVOLVED IN 211. USE CAUTION.' Which of the following is the most critical clarifying question the operator should ask the originating agency?

Accepted Answer

Can you provide a license plate number or any further description of the vehicle or occupants?

Answer

What time did the original incident occur?

Answer

Was anyone injured during the robbery?

Answer

Which of your officers is the primary on the case?

Question 4

Which of the following radio broadcasts demonstrates the highest level of clarity and efficiency for dispatching units to a report of a residential burglary?

Accepted Answer

"Unit 21, respond Code 3 to a 459 in progress at 1245 West Oak Street. Suspect is a male, wearing a red shirt, currently in the backyard attempting to force entry through a window."

Answer

"All units, we have a call, someone says a guy is breaking into a house, I think it's on Oak Street. They said he's wearing a hoodie. Can anyone head that way?"

Answer

"Units responding to 1245 West Oak Street, be advised the reporting party can see a male in the backyard trying to open a window. He is wearing a red shirt. This will be a Code 3 response."

Answer

"Attention all units, be on the lookout for a possible burglary suspect somewhere on the west side of town, possibly near the Oak Street area. Caller was not totally sure."

Question 5

A written agency directive states: 'For silent, open-line 911 calls from a landline, dispatch police for a welfare check. If any signs of a struggle (e.g., shouting, muffled sounds) are heard, upgrade the call to the highest priority. For silent open-lines from a cell phone, attempt a text-back and two voice call attempts before dispatching.' An operator receives a silent, open-line call from a cell phone that plots to a residence. They hear what sounds like a muffled thump and then the line disconnects. What is the correct action based on the directive?

Accepted Answer

Dispatch a high-priority police response immediately due to the sound of a possible struggle.

Answer

Follow the cell phone protocol by attempting to text and call the number back twice before dispatching.

Answer

Do not dispatch since the call came from a cell phone and the line disconnected.

Answer

Dispatch a routine welfare check because the sound was not clearly identified as a struggle.

Question 6

A caller reports a theft, stating, 'This guy, I don't know, maybe 6 feet, wearing a green hat and a jacket, just grabbed my purse and ran towards the bus station on 5th!' Which of the following responses best uses the technique of paraphrasing to ensure clarity and comprehension?

Accepted Answer

"Okay, let me confirm: a male, approximately 6 feet tall, wearing a green hat and a jacket, stole your purse and was last seen running toward the bus station on 5th Street. Is that correct?"

Answer

"Okay, so a tall guy in a green hat stole your purse and ran away?"

Answer

"Did he have any other distinguishing features?"

Answer

"What kind of jacket was he wearing and what color was it?"