APCAT - Alberta Police Cognitive Ability Observation and Detail Recognition Flashcards

A witness statement says the suspect wore a navy jacket, grey toque, and carried a red backpack. A second statement says navy jacket, grey toque, and a black backpack. Which detail conflicts between the two statements?

Answer: Backpack colour

Only the backpack colour differs (red versus black) while the other items match.

Plate 'BKR 4821' is on a report. Which of these plates is an exact match?

Answer: BKR 4821

Only BKR 4821 matches every letter and digit in order.

An officer reads: 'Incident at 1425 Maple Crescent NW, Unit 12.' Which transcription is accurate?

Answer: 1425 Maple Crescent NW, Unit 12

Only the last option preserves the number, quadrant, and unit exactly.

A scene photo shows a door with a broken pane on the lower left, a mat displaced to the right, and one shoe by the entrance. Which statement describes a change if the later photo shows two shoes?

Answer: An item was added

A second shoe appearing means an item was added to the scene.

Which sequence matches the original list: 7, 3, 9, 1, 5, 8?

Answer: 7, 3, 9, 1, 5, 8

Only the second sequence keeps every number in the original order.

A description lists a suspect as 'approximately 180 cm, medium build, short dark hair, scar over left eyebrow.' Which detail is the most useful distinguishing feature?

Answer: Scar over left eyebrow

A scar is rare and specific, unlike common traits such as build or hair colour.

You have 30 seconds to view a street scene. Which strategy best supports accurate recall afterwards?

Answer: Scan systematically, such as left to right, noting fixed and moving items

Systematic scanning captures more details and reduces tunnel vision.