APCAT - Alberta Police Cognitive Ability Problem Analysis and Resolution Flashcards

A dispatcher receives three calls about the same noise complaint, each with a different street address. What is the best first step in analyzing the problem?

Answer: Compare the details to determine whether they describe one incident or several

Comparing details identifies whether the reports are linked before resources are committed.

An officer must choose between two solutions: one is fast but leaves a risk unaddressed, the other is slower but resolves the root cause. Which factor should weigh most if the risk involves public safety?

Answer: Eliminating the safety risk

When public safety is at stake, removing the risk outweighs speed or cost.

Which statement is an inference rather than an observed fact?

Answer: The man ran from the store because he stole something

The motive for running is assumed, not directly observed.

A problem has five possible causes. Testing one cause takes much longer than the others. What is the most efficient approach?

Answer: Test the quicker and more likely causes first, then the rest

Prioritizing by likelihood and effort narrows the problem fastest.

Three witnesses describe a vehicle as blue, dark green, and black. What is the most reasonable conclusion?

Answer: The vehicle is dark-coloured and lighting may have affected perception

All three colours are dark, so lighting likely explains the variation.

If all patrol vehicles in a fleet need service every 10,000 km, and Unit 12 has driven 28,500 km since its last service, how many services has it missed if none were done?

Answer: 2

28,500 km passes the 10,000 and 20,000 km marks, so two services are due.

Which step normally comes last in a structured problem-solving process?

Answer: Evaluate the outcome of the chosen solution

Evaluation follows implementation to confirm the problem was resolved.