Situational Judgement Scenarios Flashcards

A complainant tells you they were assaulted but does not want to press charges. How should you proceed?

Answer: Document the incident and explain that charging decisions rest with the Crown, not the victim

The decision to charge rests with the Crown, so the officer should document thoroughly and inform the complainant of the process.

You receive a call about a neighbor dispute over noise. When you arrive, both neighbors begin yelling at each other in front of you. What is your first step?

Answer: Calmly ask both parties to lower their voices so you can understand the situation

Restoring calm communication is the first step so you can gather accurate information and find a resolution.

You stop a vehicle and find the driver appears intoxicated, but they pass the roadside sobriety test. What do you do?

Answer: Request a breathalyzer or blood test if you still have reasonable grounds to suspect impairment

Field sobriety tests are not conclusive; reasonable grounds to suspect impairment justify requesting a breath sample.

While off duty, you witness a shoplifting incident at a convenience store. What is the most appropriate action?

Answer: Identify yourself as a police officer, observe, and call it in to on-duty officers

Off-duty officers should use their authority cautiously, identifying themselves and supporting on-duty response rather than acting unilaterally.

A person experiencing a mental health crisis is standing on a bridge ledge. What is the most important initial action?

Answer: Establish calm verbal contact and request specialized crisis support

Calm verbal engagement and calling for crisis resources are the safest approach to someone in a mental health emergency.

You are writing a report and realize you made a factual error in a previous report you already submitted. What should you do?

Answer: Notify your supervisor and file a supplementary report correcting the error

Report accuracy is essential to justice; errors must be corrected through proper channels as soon as discovered.

During a search authorized by warrant, you find evidence of a crime not listed in the warrant. What should you do?

Answer: Note its location, leave it in place, and seek an additional warrant if needed

Plain view doctrine may allow seizure in some circumstances, but noting the item and seeking proper authorization ensures evidence is lawfully obtained.