APCAT - Alberta Police Cognitive Ability Test Vocabulary and Spelling 1

Question 1

Which of the following is the correct spelling of the legal term for a writ requiring a person to appear before a court?

Accepted Answer

subpoena

Answer

'Subpoena' is the correct spelling. It derives from Latin meaning 'under penalty' and refers to a court order compelling a person's attendance or production of documents. The silent 'b' and the 'oe' combination are common sources of error.

Question 2

What does the term 'corroborate' mean in the context of a police investigation?

Accepted Answer

To confirm or support a statement with additional evidence

Answer

To corroborate means to strengthen or confirm a claim by providing additional evidence or testimony that supports it. Investigators corroborate witness accounts by seeking physical evidence or other witnesses that are consistent with the original statement.

Question 3

Choose the correctly spelled word for covert observation of a person or location by police:

Accepted Answer

surveillance

Answer

'Surveillance' is the correct spelling, derived from the French word 'surveiller' meaning to watch over. Officers frequently encounter this term in warrants and operational reports; the double 'l' and the '-ance' ending are the most common mistakes.

Question 4

In Canadian criminal law, what does the term 'mens rea' refer to?

Accepted Answer

The guilty mind or criminal intent required to establish an offence

Answer

'Mens rea' is Latin for 'guilty mind' and refers to the mental element of a crime — the intention, knowledge, or recklessness required alongside the physical act (actus reus) for a conviction. Police must gather evidence of both elements when building a case.

Question 5

Which of the following is the correct spelling of the word meaning to formally question a suspect or witness in detail?

Accepted Answer

interrogate

Answer

'Interrogate' is the correct spelling. It comes from the Latin 'interrogare' and refers to systematic, formal questioning. Officers conducting interviews or interrogations will encounter this term in reports and procedures; the double 'r' is the most frequent spelling error.

APCAT - Alberta Police Cognitive Ability Test Practice Test

APCAT - Alberta Police Cognitive Ability Test Practice Test

APCAT - Alberta Police Cognitive Ability Test Vocabulary and Spelling 1