APCAT - Alberta Police Cognitive Ability Logical Reasoning in Policing Flashcards

Three suspects each made one statement. Only one is lying. Ali: 'Ben took it.' Ben: 'Cam took it.' Cam: 'Ben is lying.' Who took it, if exactly one person is guilty and only one statement is false?

Answer: Ben

Ben and Cam contradict each other so one is lying; thus Ali is truthful, meaning Ben took it, making Ben's own claim false and Cam's true.

Which piece of information is MOST relevant for determining whether a suspect was at the scene at 11 p.m.?

Answer: Time-stamped transit card records near the scene

Time-stamped location data directly places a person at a place and time.

A report says the vehicle was 'travelling fast.' Which revised statement is the most objective?

Answer: The vehicle was travelling at 95 km/h in a 50 km/h zone per radar

A measured speed and posted limit are factual and verifiable rather than interpretive.

A map shows the station due north of the park, and the library due east of the park. In which direction is the library from the station?

Answer: Southeast

The library is south and east of the station, placing it southeast.

Officers must file a report if force is used OR if someone is injured. In which case is a report NOT required?

Answer: No force used and no injury

A report is required if either condition is met, so only neither condition means no report.

Of 40 reported thefts, 25% were recovered. Of the recovered items, 60% were returned to owners the same week. How many items were returned the same week?

Answer: 6

25% of 40 is 10 recovered, and 60% of 10 is 6.

A detective argues: 'Every burglary in the district happened on a night with no moon, so the burglar must avoid moonlight.' What is the main weakness of this reasoning?

Answer: It assumes correlation proves the burglar's intent

A pattern in timing does not prove motive; other factors such as darkness or schedules could explain it.