APCAT - Alberta Police Cognitive Ability Problem Analysis and Resolution Flashcards

A small business district experiences repeated shoplifting. CCTV footage consistently shows a group of three individuals. Officers have no names but clear footage. What is the most logical investigative step?

Answer: Share footage with the business community and consult records for known associates matching the descriptions

Sharing footage internally and consulting police records for matching descriptions is a methodical, lawful approach to identifying suspects.

You are tasked with reducing graffiti vandalism in a park that is targeted every weekend. Which approach reflects the best problem-solving strategy?

Answer: Install motion-activated lighting and consult with youth workers about underlying causes

Combining environmental deterrence (lighting) with community engagement (youth workers) addresses both the opportunity and the underlying social factors.

Three separate witnesses give conflicting accounts of a suspect's appearance. How should an officer handle this?

Answer: Document all three accounts separately and note specific discrepancies for follow-up

Documenting all accounts separately and identifying discrepancies preserves all available information and supports accurate follow-up investigation.

You observe a pattern of fraud complaints from elderly residents, all involving phone calls from someone claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency. What community-oriented policing response would be most effective?

Answer: Issue a press release and conduct community education sessions targeting elderly residents

Community education targeting the vulnerable population reduces victimisation by raising awareness of the specific scam.

You are first to arrive at a two-vehicle collision with injuries, no other units nearby, and limited medical training. What is the correct problem-resolution sequence?

Answer: Ensure scene safety, call EMS, provide first aid to the extent of your training, then manage traffic

Scene safety, calling EMS, and providing basic first aid in order of training ability is the correct protocol before any enforcement action.

A constable responds repeatedly to the same address for noise complaints. Each visit results in brief improvement but no lasting change. What is the best problem-oriented response?

Answer: Issue a formal noise abatement notice and explore whether there are underlying issues such as mental health or housing instability

A formal notice combined with exploration of underlying factors (mental health, social issues) addresses the root cause of the repeat calls.