APCAT Alberta Police Cognitive Ability Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: An officer must choose between attending a debrief about last week's operation or responding to a call about a disturbance involving weapons at a local bar. What is the correct decision?

Ask a colleague to cover the disturbance while attending the debrief
Attend the debrief since it was planned in advance
Attend part of the debrief and then respond to the call
Respond to the weapons disturbance call immediately (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Respond to the weapons disturbance call immediately

A reported weapons disturbance is an active, dangerous situation that takes clear precedence over a scheduled administrative debrief.

Question 2: A complainant reports seeing four suspects flee a scene in a silver SUV. The complainant describes the rear plate as starting with the letters 'DK'. Officers locate a silver SUV with plate DK-4492. A second SUV has plate KD-9821. Which vehicle should be prioritized?

KD-9821, because reversed letters suggest a misread
Both equally, as eyewitness plate readings are unreliable
DK-4492, because it matches the initial letter sequence reported (Correct answer)
Neither, without a full plate number

Correct answer: DK-4492, because it matches the initial letter sequence reported

When a witness reports initial letters, the vehicle whose plate begins with those exact letters (DK) should be prioritized, as it directly matches the reported detail.

Question 3: Sergeant Liu filed a use-of-force report following an arrest at 1200 Centre Street N. The subject, Amara Osei, 31, had refused verbal commands and adopted an aggressive stance. Sergeant Liu deployed a CEW after the subject reached toward her waistband. Osei fell and struck her head on the pavement, resulting in a minor scalp laceration. EMS was called. Osei was later charged with obstructing a peace officer. What charge was Osei ultimately facing?

Breach of recognizance
Assault of a peace officer
Obstructing a peace officer (Correct answer)
Possession of a weapon

Correct answer: Obstructing a peace officer

The passage states Osei was charged with obstructing a peace officer.

Question 4: Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

The officer filed the report; and submitted it to the sergeant.
The suspect fled the scene; the officer gave chase immediately. (Correct answer)
He arrived late; because traffic was heavy.
She wrote the statement; carefully and thoroughly.

Correct answer: The suspect fled the scene; the officer gave chase immediately.

A semicolon joins two independent clauses without a conjunction; it should not precede coordinating conjunctions or dependent clauses.

Question 5: Dispatch received a call at 14:32 reporting a vehicle collision at the intersection of Maple Avenue and 52nd Street. Three vehicles were involved: a red sedan, a blue pickup truck, and a silver minivan. The driver of the red sedan reported chest pain and was transported to Foothills Medical Centre. The other two drivers declined medical attention. A witness stated the blue pickup truck ran the red light. According to the passage, what did the witness claim caused the collision?

The blue pickup truck ran a red light (Correct answer)
The traffic signal was malfunctioning
The silver minivan failed to yield
The red sedan was speeding

Correct answer: The blue pickup truck ran a red light

The witness stated the blue pickup truck ran the red light.

Question 6: Read the following incident description and answer the question. On Sunday, November 7, Constable Danko attended a residential break and enter at 72 Sunridge Way NE. The resident, Mr. Patel, reported arriving home at 17:30 to find the rear patio door forced open. A laptop, two watches, and $200 cash were taken. No suspects were observed. What day of the week did the incident occur?

Sunday (Correct answer)
Friday
Saturday
Monday

Correct answer: Sunday

The passage states the incident occurred on Sunday, November 7.

Question 7: An officer documents a scene with the following details: victim lying face-up, right arm extended toward the door, left shoe missing, wallet open and empty on the floor 1.2 meters to the right of the body. What does the position of the victim's arm most likely suggest?

The victim was dragged into the room
The victim's arm was moved post-mortem
The victim was attempting to reach the door (Correct answer)
The victim was thrown backward

Correct answer: The victim was attempting to reach the door

An arm extended toward a door is consistent with a person attempting to crawl or reach toward an exit, suggesting a final effort to escape.

Question 8: Identify the sentence free of pronoun-antecedent disagreement.

Every witness must submit our statement by Friday.
Every witness must submit their statement by Friday.
Every witness must submit its statement by Friday.
Every witness must submit his or her statement by Friday. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Every witness must submit his or her statement by Friday.

'Every witness' is singular, so 'his or her' is the traditionally correct formal agreement for official writing.

Question 9: Which phrase correctly uses passive voice appropriately in a police report context?

The suspect punched the victim in the face.
The person got punched.
The suspect hit the person.
The victim was struck in the face by the suspect. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The victim was struck in the face by the suspect.

Option B is precise, formal, and appropriate — specifying location of injury and perpetrator.

Question 10: Two officers submit reports about the same traffic incident. Officer A's report states: 'The driver of Unit 1 failed to yield the right-of-way while turning left.' Officer B's report states: 'Unit 1 was struck by Unit 2, which was proceeding through the intersection on a green light.' When consolidating these reports, what is the most accurate and objective summary statement?

Both officers agreed that the driver of Unit 1 was at fault for the collision.
Officer A reported Unit 1 failed to yield, and Officer B reported Unit 2 had a green light. (Correct answer)
The collision occurred because the driver of Unit 1 was not paying attention.
Officer B's report clearly shows that Unit 2 was not at fault for the accident.

Correct answer: Officer A reported Unit 1 failed to yield, and Officer B reported Unit 2 had a green light.

This option accurately and neutrally summarizes the specific facts provided by each officer without drawing conclusions about fault or driver inattention. Police reports should focus on documented facts and statements. Options A, C, and D all make inferential leaps or assign fault, which is not appropriate for a consolidated, objective summary.

Question 11: Choose the correctly spelled word that means to take a person into legal custody.

Arresst
Arest
Arrrest
Arrest (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Arrest

'Arrest' has one 'r' and two 's' letters — a common spelling error is doubling the 'r'.

Question 12: You stop a vehicle and find the driver appears intoxicated, but they pass the roadside sobriety test. What do you do?

Request a breathalyzer or blood test if you still have reasonable grounds to suspect impairment (Correct answer)
Arrest the driver based on appearance alone
Follow the driver and stop them again in a few minutes
Let the driver go since they passed the test

Correct 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.

Question 13: Patrol officers were dispatched to a domestic disturbance at Unit 412, 88 Cougar Ridge Drive SW at 19:08. Upon arrival they spoke with Ingrid Sorensen, 45, who had a bruise forming under her left eye. Ingrid stated her husband, Frank Sorensen, 48, had struck her during an argument over finances. Frank was located in the attached garage. Frank denied striking Ingrid and claimed she had fallen. Photographs of Ingrid's injury were taken. Frank was arrested and held for a bail hearing. What was the subject of the argument, according to Ingrid?

An argument over finances (Correct answer)
A dispute about childcare
A conflict over Frank's employment
A disagreement about property

Correct answer: An argument over finances

Ingrid stated the argument that preceded the assault was over finances.

Question 14: A patrol officer has three tasks left in the shift: submitting a use-of-force report due today, checking in on a vulnerable witness, and re-interviewing a suspect. Which should the officer prioritize first?

Checking in on the vulnerable witness for their safety (Correct answer)
Submitting the use-of-force report to meet the deadline
None — hand them all off to the oncoming shift
Re-interviewing the suspect to advance the investigation

Correct answer: Checking in on the vulnerable witness for their safety

A vulnerable witness may face ongoing risk or anxiety, making their welfare the most time-sensitive human-centered task.

Question 15: Study the following two alphanumeric sequences. How many characters are different between them? Sequence 1: 8GHY45TR1P0L. Sequence 2: 8GHY4S TRIPL.

Three (Correct answer)
Two
Four
One

Correct answer: Three

Comparing the two sequences character by character reveals three differences. The '5' in the first sequence is an 'S' in the second. The '1' in the first is an 'I' in the second. The '0' in the first is an 'O' in the second. The final 'L' is the same in both.

Question 16: Which sentence avoids the use of jargon and is most suitable for a report read by the public?

The ROE was followed before the MO was confirmed by the IO.
HQ confirmed comms after the BOL was put out by dispatch.
The 10-4 was given by dispatch after the APB was broadcast.
Dispatch confirmed the message after an all-points bulletin was issued. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Dispatch confirmed the message after an all-points bulletin was issued.

Option B uses plain language that a general audience can understand, replacing radio codes and acronyms with clear terms.

Question 17: An officer inventories items from a suspect's backpack. The list includes: one 15-inch laptop (silver), a black spiral notebook, a wallet containing $145 in various bills, a set of keys with a green fob, a half-eaten sandwich, and a transit pass valid until July 31st. Later, the officer needs to confirm a detail without looking at the list. Which of the following is correct?

The laptop was black and 13 inches.
The wallet contained exactly $150.
The transit pass had an expiration date. (Correct answer)
The keys had a blue fob.

Correct answer: The transit pass had an expiration date.

The inventory list explicitly states that the transit pass was 'valid until July 31st', which is an expiration date. The other options are incorrect: the wallet had $145, the laptop was silver and 15 inches, and the key fob was green.

Question 18: Select the option that corrects the run-on sentence: 'The witness was nervous she refused to make eye contact with the officers.'

The witness was nervous, she refused to make eye contact with the officers.
The witness was nervous and she refused to make eye contact with the officers.
Both B and C are correct. (Correct answer)
The witness was nervous; she refused to make eye contact with the officers.

Correct answer: Both B and C are correct.

A semicolon (option B) or a coordinating conjunction with a comma (option C) both correctly join the two independent clauses.

Question 19: Read the following passage and answer the question below. Passage: "An officer is dispatched to a minor traffic collision in a residential area. Upon arrival, she observes two vehicles with minimal damage. Driver A claims Driver B failed to stop at a stop sign, while Driver B insists that Driver A was speeding. There are no independent witnesses. The officer's report must objectively document the damage to both vehicles, the road conditions, the exact statements from each driver, and a diagram of the final resting positions of the cars. The officer is not to assign fault in the report but must record all available facts." In the described scenario, what should the officer's report primarily focus on?

Objectively documenting all factual details of the scene. (Correct answer)
Estimating the monetary cost of the vehicle damage.
Interviewing neighbors to find potential witnesses.
Determining which driver was at fault for the collision.

Correct answer: Objectively documenting all factual details of the scene.

The passage explicitly states, 'The officer is not to assign fault in the report but must record all available facts.' It then lists the factual details that must be documented, such as damage, statements, and road conditions. The other options are either contradicted by the text or not mentioned as the primary focus.

Question 20: An officer is asked to confirm whether a suspect matches a description received 20 minutes ago: male, 5'10", slim build, black hoodie, blue jeans, white sneakers, carrying a grey backpack. The officer locates a male, 5'10", slim, now wearing a dark blue hoodie instead of black. What is the most appropriate conclusion?

The suspect is definitively a different person because the hoodie color is wrong
The suspect should be detained and the hoodie discrepancy noted for follow-up (Correct answer)
No further action is needed since the description doesn't fully match
The officer should wait for a confirmed positive ID before approaching

Correct answer: The suspect should be detained and the hoodie discrepancy noted for follow-up

Dark blue and black hoodies can appear similar under different lighting; close match on height, build, and other items justifies a brief investigative detention.

Question 21: Which sentence uses 'its' and 'it's' correctly?

It's important that the report reflects its findings accurately. (Correct answer)
Its important that the report reflects its findings accurately.
Its important that the report reflects it's findings accurately.
It's important that the report reflects it's findings accurately.

Correct answer: It's important that the report reflects its findings accurately.

'It's' is a contraction for 'it is,' while 'its' is the possessive form; option B uses both correctly.

Question 22: Using the same collision passage: Where were the injured occupants transported?

Rockyview General Hospital
South Health Campus
Foothills Medical Centre (Correct answer)
Peter Lougheed Centre

Correct answer: Foothills Medical Centre

The passage states two occupants were transported to Foothills Medical Centre.

Question 23: Patrol officers were dispatched to a domestic disturbance at Unit 412, 88 Cougar Ridge Drive SW at 19:08. Upon arrival they spoke with Ingrid Sorensen, 45, who had a bruise forming under her left eye. Ingrid stated her husband, Frank Sorensen, 48, had struck her during an argument over finances. Frank was located in the attached garage. Frank denied striking Ingrid and claimed she had fallen. Photographs of Ingrid's injury were taken. Frank was arrested and held for a bail hearing. Who was arrested according to the passage?

Both were arrested
Frank Sorensen (Correct answer)
Ingrid Sorensen
Neither was arrested

Correct answer: Frank Sorensen

The passage states Frank Sorensen was arrested and held for a bail hearing.

Question 24: A surveillance image shows a robbery suspect. The suspect's face is partially obscured, but the following are visible: a distinctive anchor tattoo on the right hand, a missing left earlobe, and a university ring on the left ring finger. If only one feature can be described in an immediate broadcast, which should be prioritized?

Obscured face
Anchor tattoo on right hand
Missing left earlobe (Correct answer)
University ring

Correct answer: Missing left earlobe

A missing earlobe is a permanent, highly distinctive, and easily visible physical characteristic that is extremely rare and immediately identifiable.

Question 25: An officer issues 6 tickets on Monday, 4 on Tuesday, 9 on Wednesday, and 5 on Thursday. What is the average number of tickets issued per day?

7
5
8
6 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 6

(6 + 4 + 9 + 5) ÷ 4 = 24 ÷ 4 = 6 tickets per day.

Question 26: An officer notes a vehicle with the following features: silver pickup truck, Alberta plate TXP-8834, tow hitch attached, cracked windshield on the driver's side, and a 'Calgary Flames' bumper sticker on the rear. What is the vehicle's licence plate number?

TXP-8834 (Correct answer)
TPX-8834
TXP-3884
TXP-8843

Correct answer: TXP-8834

The correct plate is TXP-8834 as noted by the officer.

Question 27: Identify the sentence with an error in verb tense consistency.

The constable will approach the vehicle and request identification.
The constable had approached the vehicle before backup arrived.
The constable approached the vehicle and asks the driver for identification. (Correct answer)
The constable approached the vehicle and asked the driver for identification.

Correct answer: The constable approached the vehicle and asks the driver for identification.

Mixing past tense 'approached' with present tense 'asks' creates an inconsistent and incorrect verb tense shift.

Question 28: An officer is reviewing CCTV footage of a theft. A suspect in the footage is wearing sunglasses and a hat, making facial recognition difficult. Which feature should the officer focus on to aid identification?

Facial symmetry
Eye color
Hair color visible under the hat
Gait pattern, hand tattoos, and body proportions (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Gait pattern, hand tattoos, and body proportions

When the face is obscured, non-facial features like gait, tattoos, and body proportions become the most reliable identifying characteristics on CCTV.

Question 29: Sergeant Liu filed a use-of-force report following an arrest at 1200 Centre Street N. The subject, Amara Osei, 31, had refused verbal commands and adopted an aggressive stance. Sergeant Liu deployed a CEW (conducted energy weapon) after the subject reached toward her waistband. Osei fell and struck her head on the pavement, resulting in a minor scalp laceration. EMS was called. Osei was later charged with obstructing a peace officer. Why did Sergeant Liu deploy the CEW?

A second officer requested the deployment
The subject had already struck the officer
The subject reached toward her waistband (Correct answer)
The subject attempted to flee the scene

Correct answer: The subject reached toward her waistband

The report states Liu deployed the CEW after the subject reached toward her waistband.

Question 30: What does 'chain of custody' mean in police work?

A procedure for transferring prisoners between facilities
The protocol for handcuffing a suspect
The hierarchy of command within a police department
The documented process tracking evidence from collection to court presentation (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The documented process tracking evidence from collection to court presentation

Chain of custody is the chronological documentation of who collected, handled, transferred, and analyzed evidence to ensure its integrity.

Question 31: Using the same collision passage: What colour was the Ford F-150?

Red (Correct answer)
Silver
Blue
White

Correct answer: Red

The passage describes the Ford F-150 as red.

Question 32: An officer on patrol sees a vehicle run a red light. Moments later, dispatch reports an armed robbery at a store two blocks away. What should the officer do?

Respond to the armed robbery and note the vehicle's plate if possible (Correct answer)
Pursue the vehicle as it may be connected to the robbery
Ignore both and wait for clearer instructions from dispatch
Stop the vehicle for the red-light violation since it was witnessed directly

Correct answer: Respond to the armed robbery and note the vehicle's plate if possible

An armed robbery in progress is a violent crime with immediate risk to victims and takes clear priority over a minor traffic violation.

Question 33: The following sentence from a draft report contains a common word usage error. Which of the options corrects it? 'The new policy will have a significant affect on daily patrol operations.'

The new policy will have a significant effect on daily patrol operations. (Correct answer)
The new policies will have a significant affect on daily patrol operations.
The new policy will have a significant affect to daily patrol operations.
The new policy will have a significant affects on daily patrol operations.

Correct answer: The new policy will have a significant effect on daily patrol operations.

The correct word is 'effect,' which is a noun meaning a result or consequence. 'Affect' is typically a verb meaning to influence or impact. The sentence requires a noun to describe the result of the policy. Therefore, 'effect' is the grammatically correct choice.

Question 34: While canvassing a neighborhood, an officer is told by a resident: 'I saw a man running from the house at about 9 PM, he dropped something near the gate.' The officer later finds a glove near the gate. What is the MOST important thing the officer should do with this information?

Discard the glove as it may not be related
Note the glove's location, leave it in place, and secure the scene pending forensic collection (Correct answer)
Pick up the glove with a bare hand to examine it
Pocket the glove to prevent tampering

Correct answer: Note the glove's location, leave it in place, and secure the scene pending forensic collection

Evidence must be documented in place and protected from contamination; it should never be moved or handled without proper protocols.

Question 35: You stop a cyclist for riding without lights at night. The cyclist argues the lights are not legally required. You are uncertain of the specific bylaw. What do you do?

Let the cyclist go without any interaction
Issue a ticket immediately to assert authority
Acknowledge the uncertainty, advise the cyclist of the safety risk, and verify the law before taking enforcement action (Correct answer)
Detain the cyclist until you confirm the law

Correct answer: Acknowledge the uncertainty, advise the cyclist of the safety risk, and verify the law before taking enforcement action

Admitting uncertainty and verifying the law before acting demonstrates professionalism and prevents unjust enforcement.

Question 36: Read the following and answer the question. At 14:22, dispatch received a report of a vehicle collision at the intersection of 16 Avenue NW and 10 Street NW, Calgary. Three vehicles were involved: a red Ford F-150, a blue Mazda 3, and a white delivery van. Two occupants from the Ford were transported to Foothills Medical Centre. How many vehicles were involved in the collision?

Four
Two
Five
Three (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Three

The passage explicitly states 'Three vehicles were involved'.

Question 37: Choose the correct homophone to complete the sentence: 'The officer was commended for _____ bravery.'

there
thier
their (Correct answer)
they're

Correct answer: their

'Their' is the possessive pronoun meaning 'belonging to them,' which correctly modifies 'bravery.'

Question 38: The following number is 8 + 2 = 10, since the sequence grows by 2 each time.

220 km
200 km
180 km (Correct answer)
150 km

Correct answer: 180 km

The provided question text, 'The following number is 8 + 2 = 10, since the sequence grows by 2 each time,' describes a number sequence and does not align with the options, which are distances in kilometers. Without the actual question that led to '180 km' as the correct answer, it is impossible to provide a specific explanation. In cognitive ability tests, distance problems typically involve calculations based on speed, time, or multiple travel segments, which would yield a numerical result like 180 km.

Question 39: During a search of a home with a valid warrant, you discover a large amount of cash hidden behind a wall. The homeowner is not present. What do you do?

Send photos to your supervisor and wait for instructions before touching anything
Pocket some of the cash — there is no one watching
Leave the cash where it is as it was not listed specifically in the warrant
Document and seize the cash in accordance with the search warrant and have it properly logged as evidence (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Document and seize the cash in accordance with the search warrant and have it properly logged as evidence

All items discovered during a lawful search must be documented and seized following proper evidence procedures.

Question 40: Read the following passage and answer the question below. Passage: "The use of force by police officers is governed by a 'continuum' model, which provides a framework for officers to use an appropriate level of force based on a subject's resistance. The levels typically range from officer presence and verbal commands at the low end, to empty-hand controls, intermediate weapons (like batons or tasers), and finally, lethal force. The principle of proportionality is paramount; the force used must be reasonable and necessary in relation to the threat posed by the subject. An officer's assessment of the situation is continuous, and they must de-escalate the level of force as soon as a subject complies or the threat is neutralized." What is the guiding principle of the use-of-force continuum described in the passage?

Applying the maximum force possible to ensure compliance.
Maintaining the same level of force throughout an encounter.
Exclusively using non-lethal methods in all situations.
Using a level of force proportional to the subject's resistance. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Using a level of force proportional to the subject's resistance.

The passage highlights that 'the principle of proportionality is paramount; the force used must be reasonable and necessary in relation to the threat posed by the subject.' This directly supports the idea of using force proportional to resistance.

Question 41: An officer writes: 'The complainant was very upset and crying hysterically.' Which revision best improves this sentence for a police report?

The complainant was quite emotional and a bit teary.
The complainant was really, really upset.
The complainant seemed sad.
The complainant appeared highly distressed; she was crying and speaking with difficulty. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The complainant appeared highly distressed; she was crying and speaking with difficulty.

Option B uses formal language, replaces the loaded word 'hysterically' with specific observable behaviours, and avoids hyperbole.

Question 42: You are on patrol and observe a vehicle parked in a fire lane outside a grocery store. The driver is inside the vehicle. What is the most appropriate first action?

Ignore it since the driver is present in the vehicle
Approach the driver and ask them to move the vehicle (Correct answer)
Call for backup before taking any action
Immediately issue a parking ticket without speaking to the driver

Correct answer: Approach the driver and ask them to move the vehicle

Approaching the driver first allows for a quick, courteous resolution without immediately escalating to a ticket.

Question 43: An officer observes a parked car in a no-parking zone at 11:05 PM. The car's engine is running but no one is visible inside. The windows are completely fogged from the inside. What does the fogging most likely indicate?

The vehicle has a coolant leak
It is an abandoned vehicle
One or more people are inside the vehicle producing body heat (Correct answer)
The car's defroster is malfunctioning

Correct answer: One or more people are inside the vehicle producing body heat

Internal window fogging is caused by warm humid breath from occupants, strongly suggesting at least one person is inside the vehicle.

Question 44: Which number comes after 2, 4, 6, 8, and why?

16
10 (Correct answer)
12
14

Correct answer: 10

This is an arithmetic sequence where each number increases by 2. The pattern is consistently adding 2 to the previous number (2+2=4, 4+2=6, 6+2=8). Therefore, the next number in the sequence is 8 + 2 = 10.

Question 45: An officer is scanning a crowd for a suspect described as wearing a green hoodie. The officer spots three people in green hoodies. What should the officer do next?

Note any additional descriptors to narrow the match before approaching (Correct answer)
Disregard the sighting and wait for backup
Approach only the closest individual
Detain all three immediately

Correct answer: Note any additional descriptors to narrow the match before approaching

Using additional descriptors such as height, build, or other clothing refines the identification before contact, reducing unnecessary detentions.

Question 46: Which sentence uses apostrophes correctly?

The officers report's were submitted on time.
The officers' reports were submitted on time. (Correct answer)
The officers reports was submitted on time.
The officer's reports' were submitted on time.

Correct answer: The officers' reports were submitted on time.

'Officers'' shows plural possessive, indicating multiple officers each with a report.

Question 47: An officer observes a man at a bus stop: approximately 180 cm tall, heavyset build, wearing a black toque, olive green parka, dark blue jeans, and white running shoes. He is carrying a tan backpack on his left shoulder. Which description is accurate?

Slim male, black toque, olive green parka, dark blue jeans, white shoes, tan backpack on left shoulder
Heavyset male, black toque, olive green parka, dark blue jeans, white shoes, tan backpack on left shoulder (Correct answer)
Heavyset male, grey toque, olive green parka, dark blue jeans, white shoes, tan backpack on left shoulder
Heavyset male, black toque, brown parka, dark jeans, white shoes, tan backpack on right shoulder

Correct answer: Heavyset male, black toque, olive green parka, dark blue jeans, white shoes, tan backpack on left shoulder

The accurate description matches all observed details: heavyset, black toque, olive green parka, dark blue jeans, white shoes, left shoulder backpack.

Question 48: A new policy is implemented that you and many of your colleagues believe is inefficient and counterproductive to community policing efforts. Which of the following is the most professional way to address your concerns?

Request a meeting with your direct supervisor to discuss the specific concerns and offer potential alternative solutions. (Correct answer)
Anonymously report your dissatisfaction with the policy to the local news media.
Complain about the policy to your colleagues during your shifts.
Ignore the new policy and continue with the old procedures.

Correct answer: Request a meeting with your direct supervisor to discuss the specific concerns and offer potential alternative solutions.

The correct answer demonstrates professionalism and a proactive, problem-solving approach. Using the chain of command by speaking with a supervisor is the appropriate protocol. Voicing concerns constructively, and especially offering solutions, shows a commitment to improving the service, rather than just complaining. Ignoring policy is insubordination, complaining to peers is unproductive, and going to the media undermines the department's integrity and internal processes.

Question 49: A stolen bicycle is described as: red mountain bike, 21-speed, with a yellow handlebar grip on the right side only and a dent on the left chainstay. An officer finds a bike matching the description except the handlebar grips are both yellow. What is the correct conclusion?

It may be the stolen bike, but the grip discrepancy requires further investigation (Correct answer)
It is not the stolen bike because the grips don't match exactly
The dent on the chainstay is sufficient to confirm it is stolen
It is definitely the stolen bike; minor changes are expected

Correct answer: It may be the stolen bike, but the grip discrepancy requires further investigation

The grip discrepancy is notable but grips can be easily replaced, so the bike warrants further investigation rather than immediate confirmation or exclusion.

Question 50: While writing an occurrence report, an officer must accurately recall a suspect's clothing. The officer observed the suspect for approximately 8 seconds under a streetlight. Which factor most limits the reliability of this recall?

Whether the officer took notes immediately
The officer's training level
The brief duration of observation (Correct answer)
The type of streetlight used

Correct answer: The brief duration of observation

Short observation duration is the primary limiting factor because insufficient time prevents encoding of complete visual details into memory.

Question 51: Shift codes are assigned as follows: Morning=M1, Afternoon=A2, Night=N3, Morning=M4, Afternoon=A5. What is the next shift code?

M6
N7
N6 (Correct answer)
A6

Correct answer: N6

The pattern cycles Morning → Afternoon → Night, and numbers increase sequentially, so next is N6.

Question 52: You are escorting a non-violent prisoner to the station when you witness a serious injury collision ahead. There are no other units in the area. What is the best action?

Continue to the station to secure the prisoner first
Drive past the collision and radio it in without stopping
Release the prisoner and attend the collision
Secure the prisoner in your vehicle and render first aid at the collision (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Secure the prisoner in your vehicle and render first aid at the collision

Securing the prisoner ensures public safety while still allowing the officer to render assistance at the collision scene.

Question 53: An officer notes the following on Elm Street: a red mailbox outside No. 14, a yellow fire hydrant across from No. 18, a broken streetlight between No. 20 and No. 22, and graffiti on the wall of No. 24. Where is the broken streetlight located?

Between No. 20 and No. 22 (Correct answer)
Between No. 18 and No. 20
Outside No. 24
Across from No. 22

Correct answer: Between No. 20 and No. 22

The passage explicitly states the broken streetlight is between No. 20 and No. 22.

Question 54: A BOLO was issued for a suspect in a purse snatching. The suspect was described as a white male, approximately 6'1", 180 lbs, with short brown hair and a beard. He was last seen wearing a grey hoodie and dark blue jeans. He fled westbound on 17th Avenue SW on a black mountain bike. The victim, Ms. Chen, reported losing her purse containing her wallet, phone, and house keys. Which of the following items is NOT listed as being in the stolen purse?

House keys
Credit cards (Correct answer)
Wallet
Phone

Correct answer: Credit cards

The passage lists wallet, phone, and house keys; credit cards are not mentioned.

Question 55: Officer Reyes documented a break-and-enter at 4418 Crowchild Trail NW. The point of entry was a smashed rear window. Items reported stolen included a laptop computer, a watch valued at $2,400, and $340 in cash. The homeowner, Mr. Duval, stated he had been away from 09:00 to 17:30. Neighbours reported hearing glass breaking around 13:00. Based on the passage, what was the reported value of the stolen watch?

$1,200
$2,400 (Correct answer)
$340
$2,740

Correct answer: $2,400

The passage specifically states the watch was valued at $2,400.

Question 56: A surveillance camera rotates 90 degrees every 30 seconds. How many full rotations does it complete in 12 minutes?

10
6 (Correct answer)
8
12

Correct answer: 6

12 minutes = 720 seconds ÷ 30 = 24 intervals; 24 × 90° = 2,160° ÷ 360° = 6 full rotations.

Question 57: In a patrol zone, incidents requiring immediate response always occur between 20:00 and 02:00. An incident is reported at 23:45. What can be logically inferred?

The incident may or may not require immediate response.
Incidents at 23:45 are always minor.
The incident requires immediate response. (Correct answer)
The incident does not require immediate response.

Correct answer: The incident requires immediate response.

23:45 falls within the 20:00–02:00 window, and incidents in that window always require immediate response.

Question 58: A dispatcher receives a call at 14:47. Department policy requires all calls to be logged within 15 minutes of receipt and assigned to an officer within 30 minutes. The call is logged at 15:00 and assigned at 15:19. Which policy requirement, if any, was violated?

Both the logging and assignment requirements were violated
Only the assignment requirement was violated
Only the logging requirement was violated
Neither requirement was violated (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Neither requirement was violated

The call was received at 14:47. Logging at 15:00 is 13 minutes later (within the 15-minute window). Assignment at 15:19 is 32 minutes after receipt — wait, 15:19 minus 14:47 is 32 minutes, which exceeds 30. Re-checking: 14:47 + 30 min = 15:17, and 15:19 is 2 minutes past that. Only the assignment requirement was violated.

Question 59: During a traffic stop, an officer notes the following about the driver: male, mid-40s, beard with grey streaks, glasses with black frames, wearing a red plaid shirt, tattoo of an anchor on his right forearm. The officer is later asked to describe the glasses frames. What colour are they?

Tortoiseshell
Brown
Silver
Black (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Black

The officer noted the glasses had black frames.

Question 60: When triaging multiple calls of varying urgency, which framework best reflects APCAT-aligned critical action prioritization?

First-in, first-out: handle calls in the exact order received
Property crimes first because they generate the most arrests
Administrative tasks first to clear the queue, then field calls
Life safety → scene safety → property protection → administrative tasks (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Life safety → scene safety → property protection → administrative tasks

The correct framework places immediate threats to life at the top of the priority hierarchy, followed by scene safety, property, and finally administrative work.

Question 61: Dispatch received a call at 14:32 reporting a vehicle collision at the intersection of Maple Avenue and 52nd Street. Three vehicles were involved: a red sedan, a blue pickup truck, and a silver minivan. The driver of the red sedan reported chest pain and was transported to Foothills Medical Centre. The other two drivers declined medical attention. A witness stated the blue pickup truck ran the red light. How many drivers declined medical attention?

Three
Two (Correct answer)
One
None

Correct answer: Two

The passage states the other two drivers (pickup truck and minivan) declined medical attention.

Question 62: Which of the following best defines 'probable cause' as used in Canadian policing?

Reasonable grounds to believe that an offence has been committed (Correct answer)
Proof beyond a reasonable doubt
An admission of guilt by a suspect
A guess that a crime has occurred

Correct answer: Reasonable grounds to believe that an offence has been committed

In Canadian policing, 'probable cause' aligns with the standard of 'reasonable grounds to believe' — objective facts supporting a conclusion that an offence occurred.

Question 63: What does the term 'corroborate' mean in the context of a police investigation?

To transfer a case to a higher court
To formally charge a suspect with an offence
To confirm or support a statement with additional evidence (Correct answer)
To place a suspect under lawful arrest

Correct answer: To confirm or support a statement with additional evidence

To corroborate means to strengthen or confirm a claim by providing additional evidence or testimony that supports it. Investigators corroborate witness accounts by seeking physical evidence or other witnesses that are consistent with the original statement.

Question 64: You and your partner pull over a vehicle for a minor traffic infraction. As you approach, you notice the driver attempting to hide a small, unidentifiable object under the seat. The driver appears extremely nervous. What is the best course of action?

Ask the driver what they placed under the seat, while maintaining a safe distance and observing their hands. (Correct answer)
Order the driver out of the vehicle and immediately conduct a full search of the car.
Ignore the action as it may be insignificant and proceed with the traffic citation.
Immediately draw your weapon and demand the driver show you the object.

Correct answer: Ask the driver what they placed under the seat, while maintaining a safe distance and observing their hands.

Officer safety is paramount, but actions must be based on reasonable suspicion. Asking the driver about the object is a reasonable and prudent step. It allows the officer to gather more information to justify further action, if necessary, while remaining vigilant. Immediately searching the car may not be legally justifiable at this stage. Ignoring the furtive movement would be a neglect of officer safety. Drawing a weapon is an overreaction based on the current information and could dangerously escalate the situation.

Question 65: Sergeant Liu filed a use-of-force report following an arrest at 1200 Centre Street N. The subject, Amara Osei, 31, had refused verbal commands and adopted an aggressive stance. Sergeant Liu deployed a CEW after the subject reached toward her waistband. Osei fell and struck her head on the pavement, resulting in a minor scalp laceration. EMS was called. Osei was later charged with obstructing a peace officer. What injury did the subject sustain?

A broken wrist from the fall
No injuries were reported
A minor scalp laceration from striking the pavement (Correct answer)
Burns from the CEW probes

Correct answer: A minor scalp laceration from striking the pavement

Osei sustained a minor scalp laceration after falling and striking her head on the pavement.

Question 66: An officer observes the following suspect from store security footage: female, approximately 165 cm, slim build, shoulder-length auburn hair, navy blue blazer, black pants, silver earrings, carrying a large beige purse. Which description is accurate?

Female, 165 cm, medium build, auburn hair, navy blazer, black pants, silver earrings, beige purse
Female, 165 cm, slim, brown hair, navy blazer, black pants, silver earrings, beige purse
Female, 165 cm, slim, auburn hair, navy blazer, black pants, silver earrings, beige purse (Correct answer)
Female, 165 cm, slim, auburn hair, navy blazer, black pants, gold earrings, beige purse

Correct answer: Female, 165 cm, slim, auburn hair, navy blazer, black pants, silver earrings, beige purse

Option B matches all details: female, 165 cm, slim, auburn hair, navy blazer, black pants, silver earrings, beige purse.

Question 67: Using the same passage: Who provided a witness statement?

Ms. Reeves
The male in the red jacket
Ms. Afolabi (Correct answer)
Mr. Afolabi

Correct answer: Ms. Afolabi

The passage states that Ms. Afolabi provided a statement.

Question 68: You are patrolling alone and observe what appears to be a drug transaction between two individuals in an alley. What should you do first?

Immediately confront both individuals without backup
Call the station and wait in your vehicle until backup arrives without observing further
Ignore it and continue patrol since you are alone
Observe carefully, note descriptions, and request backup before approaching (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Observe carefully, note descriptions, and request backup before approaching

Officer safety requires calling for backup before approaching a potentially dangerous situation, while continuing to observe preserves evidence.

Question 69: A bulletin shows a suspect sketch with: oval face, bushy eyebrows, a scar on the left cheek, short dark hair, and a goatee. An officer encounters a man matching all features but with a scar on his RIGHT cheek. Should the officer consider this a potential match?

No, because the scar location is different so it cannot be the same person.
Yes, because all other features match and scar location may have been recorded in error. (Correct answer)
Yes, but only if he also has a goatee.
No, because the hair colour is different.

Correct answer: Yes, because all other features match and scar location may have been recorded in error.

All other features match; a single discrepancy in scar location could result from an error in the original sketch, warranting further investigation.

Question 70: A police directive states: 'Officers may use force only when it is necessary, proportional, and there are no reasonable alternatives.' A suspect is verbally abusive but not physically threatening. Is use of physical force justified?

No, only supervisors can authorize force in verbal situations
Yes, if the officer feels personally threatened
No, verbal abuse alone does not meet the necessity and proportionality threshold (Correct answer)
Yes, verbal abuse justifies any level of response

Correct answer: No, verbal abuse alone does not meet the necessity and proportionality threshold

Verbal abuse, without physical threat, does not satisfy the 'necessary' and 'proportional' criteria required under the directive for physical force.

Question 71: You are conducting a traffic stop and the driver begins to record the interaction on their phone. What is the most appropriate response?

Ask them to put the phone away as it is distracting
Demand they stop recording and confiscate the phone
Allow the recording to continue — members of the public have the right to film police in public spaces (Correct answer)
Terminate the stop and leave to avoid being recorded

Correct answer: Allow the recording to continue — members of the public have the right to film police in public spaces

Members of the public have a legal right to film police officers performing their duties in public.

Question 72: At 22:15 officers responded to a disturbance at the Riverside Bar located at 901 Edmonton Trail NE. Upon arrival, two men were found fighting outside the entrance. One male, later identified as Hector Vargas, 34, had a laceration on his forearm. The second male, Kevin Hardt, 29, was uninjured. Both men were intoxicated. Vargas stated Hardt had thrown the first punch. Hardt claimed Vargas had broken a bottle and swung it at him first. What was the address of the Riverside Bar?

910 Edmonton Trail NW
901 Elbow Drive SW
901 Edmonton Trail NE (Correct answer)
190 Edmonton Trail NE

Correct answer: 901 Edmonton Trail NE

The passage states the bar was located at 901 Edmonton Trail NE.

Question 73: During a high-risk warrant execution, an officer discovers that the address may be incorrect and an innocent family is inside. What should the officer do?

Continue entry but apologize to the family afterward
Proceed with the warrant since it was legally authorized
Request a supervisor's approval before halting operations
Immediately halt the operation and verify the address before proceeding (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Immediately halt the operation and verify the address before proceeding

Proceeding with a possibly incorrect address risks harming innocent people; immediately halting to verify is the legally and ethically required action.

Question 74: Which sentence avoids a dangling modifier?

Running down the alley, the officer observed the suspect drop his hat. (Correct answer)
Running down the alley, a hat was seen falling off.
Running down the alley, the suspect's hat fell off.
Running down the alley, the hat was lost by the suspect.

Correct answer: Running down the alley, the officer observed the suspect drop his hat.

In option B, 'running down the alley' correctly modifies 'the officer,' the subject of the main clause.

Question 75: Constable Brandt responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle at 03:45 in the parking lot of Sunridge Mall. The vehicle was a white 2019 Ford F-150 with Alberta plates BZK 741. The engine was running and the driver appeared to be asleep. Constable Brandt ran the plate and found the vehicle was reported stolen from a Deerfoot Meadows parking lot the previous evening. The driver was awakened, identified as Dale Pruitt, 22, and taken into custody. What was the condition of the vehicle engine when the constable arrived?

The hood was open and engine exposed
The engine was off and keys were missing
The engine was running (Correct answer)
The engine was smoking

Correct answer: The engine was running

The passage states the engine was running when Constable Brandt arrived.

Question 76: Which revision best corrects this wordy sentence? 'Due to the fact that it was raining, the officer was not able to see clearly.'

Rain caused a situation in which the officer lacked visual clarity.
Because of the fact that rain was happening, the officer couldn't see.
It was raining and therefore clear vision was not possible for the officer.
Due to rain, the officer was unable to see clearly. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Due to rain, the officer was unable to see clearly.

'Due to rain' replaces the wordy phrase 'due to the fact that it was raining,' making the sentence concise.

Question 77: When rendering a decision, a police officer ought to take into account:

Public opinion
Intuition
All available evidence (Correct answer)
Personal biases

Correct answer: All available evidence

Police officers are mandated to make decisions based on objective facts and comprehensive information. Relying on personal biases, intuition, or public opinion can compromise fairness and lead to unjust outcomes. Considering all available evidence ensures a thorough, impartial, and legally sound decision-making process, upholding accountability and justice.

Question 78: Which sentence uses 'affect' and 'effect' correctly?

The new policy will effect how reports are filed.
The affect of the ruling was significant.
Stress can affect an officer's decision-making. (Correct answer)
The weather effected the officer's ability to patrol.

Correct answer: Stress can affect an officer's decision-making.

'Affect' is typically used as a verb meaning to influence, while 'effect' is typically the noun result.

Question 79: An officer receives a description of a robbery suspect: female, mid-20s, 5'6", athletic build, long red braided hair, a nose ring, and wearing green scrubs. Ten minutes later, the officer observes a female matching all features except she now has her hair tied up. What is the most appropriate response?

Arrest her immediately for robbery
Wait and continue surveillance without making contact
Disregard her because the hair doesn't match
Approach and conduct an investigative stop given the strong overall match (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Approach and conduct an investigative stop given the strong overall match

Hair can be quickly rearranged, and the match on build, height, nose ring, scrubs, and approximate age justifies an investigative stop.

Question 80: Select the word that is spelled correctly.

Necessary (Correct answer)
Neccesary
Necessery
Neccessary

Correct answer: Necessary

'Necessary' has one 'c' and two 's' letters — a frequently misspelled word in police report writing.

Question 81: Using the same passage: What was taken from the residence?

A laptop, two watches, and $200 cash (Correct answer)
A laptop, three watches, and $200 cash
A laptop, two watches, and $120 cash
A tablet, two watches, and $200 cash

Correct answer: A laptop, two watches, and $200 cash

The passage states a laptop, two watches, and $200 cash were taken.

Question 82: You are assigned four tasks: (A) investigate a theft reported three days ago; (B) respond to a report of a person brandishing a firearm; (C) follow up on a noise complaint from last week; (D) deliver a community notice to a business. What should you do first?

A
D
C
B (Correct answer)

Correct answer: B

A person brandishing a firearm is an immediate and dangerous in-progress situation that takes absolute priority.

Question 83: An officer observes a vehicle at 2:14 PM: a blue 2019 Honda Civic, plate ABX-7734, with a cracked rear bumper and a parking permit sticker on the windshield. Which detail is LEAST likely to help identify the vehicle later?

Blue 2019 Honda Civic
Cracked rear bumper
Parking permit sticker (Correct answer)
License plate ABX-7734

Correct answer: Parking permit sticker

A parking permit sticker is common and non-unique, making it the least reliable identifying detail compared to the plate, model, or distinctive damage.

Question 84: During a search of a vehicle following a lawful traffic stop, an officer finds a small amount of an unidentified white powder. What is the MOST appropriate next step?

Dispose of the substance at the roadside
Secure the substance and use a field-test kit or wait for a forensic analysis (Correct answer)
Assume it is an illegal drug and make an immediate arrest
Taste the substance to identify it

Correct answer: Secure the substance and use a field-test kit or wait for a forensic analysis

Field-test kits or forensic analysis are the proper and safe means to identify unknown substances; tasting is dangerous and disposal destroys evidence.

Question 85: Identify the sentence that incorrectly shifts verb tense.

She interviewed the witness and submits the report the next day. (Correct answer)
The officer arrived at the scene and secured the perimeter.
He called dispatch, waited for backup, and then entered the building.
The detective reviewed the evidence and filed the charges.

Correct answer: She interviewed the witness and submits the report the next day.

Option B shifts from past tense ('interviewed') to present tense ('submits'), creating an inconsistent tense shift.

Question 86: What is the name given to the process of retrieving information from memory?

Retrieval (Correct answer)
Encoding
Recognition
Learning

Correct answer: Retrieval

Retrieval is the cognitive process of accessing and bringing stored information from memory into conscious awareness. This is distinct from encoding, which is the initial process of converting information for storage, or learning, which is the acquisition of new knowledge. Recognition is a specific type of retrieval where one identifies previously encountered information.

Question 87: In policing, tactical priorities during a critical incident follow a recognized hierarchy. Which of the following lists these priorities in the correct descending order of importance?

Protection of property, protection of life, apprehension of suspects, preservation of evidence.
Preservation of evidence, protection of life, protection of property, apprehension of suspects.
Apprehension of suspects, preservation of evidence, protection of property, protection of life.
Protection of life, protection of property, apprehension of suspects, preservation of evidence. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Protection of life, protection of property, apprehension of suspects, preservation of evidence.

The universally accepted order of tactical priorities is based on the 'Priority of Life' model. The first and foremost duty is to protect human life (victims, bystanders, first responders). Once life is no longer at immediate risk, the focus shifts to protecting property. Apprehending suspects and preserving evidence follow as subsequent priorities.

Question 88: You are given a series of address numbers from a single block: 1302, 1306, 1310, 1314, ____, 1322. What is the missing number in this sequence?

1320
1316
1318 (Correct answer)
1317

Correct answer: 1318

The pattern is an increment of 4 for each address number (1302 + 4 = 1306, 1306 + 4 = 1310, etc.). Therefore, the missing number is 1314 + 4, which equals 1318. This is confirmed by 1318 + 4 = 1322.

Question 89: An officer arrives at a multi-vehicle collision. One driver is unconscious, another is arguing loudly about fault, a third is texting on their phone, and bystanders are crowding the scene. What is the FIRST action the officer should take?

Clear bystanders from the area
Request medical assistance for the unconscious driver (Correct answer)
Separate the arguing drivers
Take statements from witnesses

Correct answer: Request medical assistance for the unconscious driver

Medical assistance for the unconscious driver is the top priority because life safety supersedes all other scene management tasks.

Question 90: Which option identifies the correct sentence structure? 'Although exhausted from the night shift, the officer completed the report.'

Compound-complex sentence
Simple sentence
Complex sentence (Correct answer)
Compound sentence

Correct answer: Complex sentence

The sentence has one independent clause and one dependent clause ('Although exhausted from the night shift'), making it a complex sentence.

Question 91: Officer Reyes documented a break-and-enter at 4418 Crowchild Trail NW. The point of entry was a smashed rear window. Items reported stolen included a laptop computer, a watch valued at $2,400, and $340 in cash. The homeowner, Mr. Duval, stated he had been away from 09:00 to 17:30. Neighbours reported hearing glass breaking around 13:00. How many distinct items are listed as stolen in the passage?

Five
Two
Four
Three (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Three

The passage lists three items: a laptop, a watch, and $340 in cash.

Question 92: After receiving a tip that drugs are stored at a residence, an officer wants to search the property. What must the officer obtain before conducting the search?

A signed statement from the informant
Approval from the shift supervisor
Permission from a neighbour
A search warrant issued by a judge (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A search warrant issued by a judge

A search warrant issued by a judge is required to search a private residence in the absence of exigent circumstances or consent.

Question 93: If a suspect provides a false alibi, investigators increase surveillance. If surveillance increases, additional officers are deployed. A suspect has provided a false alibi. What can be concluded?

Surveillance will not change.
Additional officers will be deployed. (Correct answer)
The suspect will be arrested immediately.
No officers will be reassigned.

Correct answer: Additional officers will be deployed.

Applying the chain: false alibi leads to increased surveillance, which leads to additional officers deployed.

Question 94: Which of the following best describes the principle behind prioritizing police actions in multi-incident situations?

Actions protecting human life take precedence over property, order, and administrative tasks (Correct answer)
Officers should handle the easiest task first to clear their queue quickly
The incident reported first chronologically should always be handled first
Tasks assigned by supervisors always come first regardless of field conditions

Correct answer: Actions protecting human life take precedence over property, order, and administrative tasks

The core principle of police prioritization is that human life protection is the paramount value above all other considerations.

Question 95: Which sentence correctly uses a comma after an introductory clause?

After completing the report, the officer submitted it to her supervisor. (Correct answer)
After completing the report the officer, submitted it to her supervisor.
After completing the report the officer submitted, it to her supervisor.
After completing the report the officer submitted it to her supervisor.

Correct answer: After completing the report, the officer submitted it to her supervisor.

A comma is required after an introductory adverbial clause before the main clause.

Question 96: You are processing evidence in a serious assault case when you learn that the assault suspect has been spotted nearby. What should you do?

Secure the evidence and respond to locate the suspect (Correct answer)
Continue your task and report the sighting to dispatch
Immediately alert other units and go to apprehend the suspect
Finish processing the evidence to preserve the chain of custody

Correct answer: Secure the evidence and respond to locate the suspect

Properly securing evidence before responding ensures chain of custody is maintained while still allowing timely action on the suspect sighting.

Question 97: Which of the following words, commonly used in police reports and legal proceedings, is spelled INCORRECTLY?

Contraband
Recidivism
Testamony (Correct answer)
Forfeiture

Correct answer: Testamony

The correct spelling is "testimony." "Testamony" is a common misspelling. Contraband, recidivism, and forfeiture are all spelled correctly.

Question 98: THERMOMETER is to TEMPERATURE as SCALE is to:

Weight (Correct answer)
Height
Time
Music

Correct answer: Weight

A thermometer measures temperature just as a scale measures weight.

Question 99: At 22:15 officers responded to a disturbance at the Riverside Bar located at 901 Edmonton Trail NE. Upon arrival, two men were found fighting outside the entrance. One male, later identified as Hector Vargas, 34, had a laceration on his forearm. The second male, Kevin Hardt, 29, was uninjured. Both men were intoxicated. Vargas stated Hardt had thrown the first punch. Hardt claimed Vargas had broken a bottle and swung it at him first. According to the passage, who sustained a physical injury?

Hector Vargas (Correct answer)
Kevin Hardt
Neither man
Both men

Correct answer: Hector Vargas

The passage states Hector Vargas had a laceration on his forearm; Hardt was uninjured.

Question 100: During a patrol briefing, the following persons of interest are described. Which description contains the most specific and actionable identifying information?

White male, 30s, medium build, brown hair
Hispanic female, approximately 5'4", 130 lbs, with a rose tattoo on her left forearm and a chipped front tooth (Correct answer)
Asian female, young, shoulder-length hair, average build
Black male, tall, wearing casual clothing

Correct answer: Hispanic female, approximately 5'4", 130 lbs, with a rose tattoo on her left forearm and a chipped front tooth

Specific physical measurements, a distinctive tattoo location, and a dental feature provide actionable details that can narrow a search significantly.

Question 101: Identify the sentence that uses the passive voice correctly.

The officer was arrested the suspect.
The evidence was carefully the technician collected.
The report was filed by the detective before midnight. (Correct answer)
The sergeant wrote was the incident report.

Correct answer: The report was filed by the detective before midnight.

Passive voice follows the pattern subject + 'to be' + past participle + 'by' + agent, as in option B.

Question 102: A witness reports: 'The attacker was wearing a light blue shirt, had a shaved head, was about 190 cm tall, and ran toward the parkade on 5th Avenue.' An officer encounters a man near the scene: shaved head, approximately 190 cm, light blue shirt, but running away from the parkade. Is this a strong match?

Mostly yes — most details match, but direction of travel differs from the report. (Correct answer)
No, because a light blue shirt is too common a detail.
Yes, all details match perfectly.
No, because the direction of travel is completely different.

Correct answer: Mostly yes — most details match, but direction of travel differs from the report.

Most physical details match (shaved head, height, shirt colour), but direction of travel differs — warranting investigation.

Question 103: An officer completing a PPSC noted that on October 3rd, a grey 2022 Honda Civic, VIN 2HGFE2F57NH604827, registered to Tanya Blum of Red Deer, was flagged as associated with an active fraud investigation. The vehicle had last been seen in the Beltline neighbourhood of Calgary. The officer was instructed to note the vehicle's location if observed but to take no enforcement action. What type of investigation was the vehicle associated with?

A missing persons investigation
A stolen vehicle investigation
An active fraud investigation (Correct answer)
An active drug trafficking investigation

Correct answer: An active fraud investigation

The passage states the vehicle was flagged as associated with an active fraud investigation.

Question 104: During a lineup identification procedure, a witness selects photograph number 3, saying 'I'm pretty sure, but the hair looks a bit different.' An officer should record this selection as:

An uncertain identification with the witness's specific qualifier noted verbatim (Correct answer)
A positive and confirmed identification of the suspect in photo 3
A failed identification because the witness expressed doubt
Inadmissible, since the witness mentioned a discrepancy

Correct answer: An uncertain identification with the witness's specific qualifier noted verbatim

The witness's qualifier ('pretty sure' and the noted discrepancy) must be recorded exactly as stated; the identification is valid but qualified.

Question 105: Read the following and answer the question. 'The Alberta Police Cognitive Ability Test assesses candidates on several cognitive dimensions, including reading comprehension, written communication, and logical reasoning. Strong performance on the test indicates a candidate's ability to absorb and apply information, a critical skill for police work.' According to the passage, what does strong performance on the APCAT indicate?

The candidate has completed all required training programs
The candidate has prior law enforcement experience
The candidate can absorb and apply information effectively (Correct answer)
The candidate is physically fit for police duty

Correct answer: The candidate can absorb and apply information effectively

The passage states that strong performance indicates a candidate's ability to absorb and apply information.

Question 106: A witness to a vehicle collision gives a statement that contradicts the physical evidence at the scene. What should the officer do?

Note the discrepancy and investigate further to reconcile the accounts (Correct answer)
Discard the witness statement entirely
Charge the witness with providing false information
Accept the statement as accurate since witnesses are reliable

Correct answer: Note the discrepancy and investigate further to reconcile the accounts

Discrepancies between witness accounts and physical evidence require further investigation rather than dismissal or immediate charges.

Question 107: You are the first officer to arrive at the scene of a multi-vehicle accident on a busy highway. There are several injured people, and traffic is backing up, creating a hazard. Which of the following actions should be your immediate priority?

Assess the scene for hazards and quickly perform triage on the injured to identify the most critical patients. (Correct answer)
Secure all vehicles involved to preserve evidence for the accident investigation.
Begin interviewing uninjured witnesses to get a detailed account of the accident.
Start directing traffic to prevent further collisions.

Correct answer: Assess the scene for hazards and quickly perform triage on the injured to identify the most critical patients.

In an emergency situation with multiple casualties (an MCI), the first responder's primary duty is the preservation of life. This involves a rapid assessment of the entire scene for ongoing dangers (like fuel leaks) and then performing triage to determine the severity of injuries. This ensures that the most critically injured individuals receive attention first when medical help arrives. While directing traffic and gathering witness statements are important, they are secondary to rendering aid and ensuring the safety of those on scene.

Question 108: Dispatch received a call at 14:32 reporting a vehicle collision at the intersection of Maple Avenue and 52nd Street. Three vehicles were involved: a red sedan, a blue pickup truck, and a silver minivan. The driver of the red sedan reported chest pain and was transported to Foothills Medical Centre. The other two drivers declined medical attention. A witness stated the blue pickup truck ran the red light. Based on the passage, which driver was transported to hospital?

The driver of the blue pickup truck
The driver of the silver minivan
All three drivers
The driver of the red sedan (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The driver of the red sedan

The passage states the driver of the red sedan reported chest pain and was transported to Foothills Medical Centre.

Question 109: 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?

Report the complainant for wasting police time
Stop responding, as repeat calls waste resources
Arrest the occupants after the third complaint
Issue a formal noise abatement notice and explore whether there are underlying issues such as mental health or housing instability (Correct answer)

Correct 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.

Question 110: A citizen files a complaint that you used unnecessary force during an arrest last week. You believe your actions were justified. What should you do?

Deny everything and instruct your partner to say nothing
Contact the complainant and try to convince them to withdraw the complaint
Submit your report immediately and refuse any further questioning
Cooperate fully with the internal review process and provide your account through proper channels (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Cooperate fully with the internal review process and provide your account through proper channels

Full cooperation with the professional standards process demonstrates accountability and allows the facts to be properly assessed.

Question 111: A series of case numbers reads: 2024-01, 2024-04, 2024-09, 2024-16. What is the next number?

2024-30
2024-20
2024-21
2024-25 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 2024-25

The suffixes are perfect squares: 1, 4, 9, 16, so the next is 25.

Question 112: You are interviewing a witness in a homicide case when you receive a radio call about a nearby gas leak forcing evacuation of a building. What is the most appropriate action?

Complete only five more questions then respond
Continue the interview since homicide evidence is irreplaceable
Ignore the gas leak since another unit should handle it
Pause the interview, assist with the evacuation, and resume after the emergency (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Pause the interview, assist with the evacuation, and resume after the emergency

A gas leak threatening multiple lives is an active emergency requiring immediate officer response; the witness interview can be resumed.

Question 113: Read the following summary from an investigative file: 'Constable Miller reviewed the file for a recent commercial break-and-enter. The suspect gained entry by prying open a rear door. Footprints were found leading directly to the main office area. Inside the office, a petty cash box had been forced open and emptied. Several high-end laptops, monitors, and other office electronics on the desks were untouched. The only items reported missing were the cash from the box and several rolls of postage stamps from a drawer. The suspect appears to have exited through the same rear door.' Based on the details in the passage, what is the most reasonable inference about the suspect?

The suspect was likely targeting untraceable assets that are easy to carry. (Correct answer)
The suspect was a disgruntled former employee.
The suspect was scared off before they could steal more.
The suspect was not very intelligent and missed valuable items.

Correct answer: The suspect was likely targeting untraceable assets that are easy to carry.

The suspect ignored large, valuable, and traceable electronics (laptops) and focused exclusively on untraceable and easily concealed items: cash and stamps. This suggests a specific goal of acquiring items that are easy to carry and convert to use without being tracked.

Question 114: You are the first officer at a scene where a person has been seriously assaulted. The victim is conscious and wants to tell you who attacked them, but bystanders are filming and shouting. What is your priority?

Address the crowd first to regain control
Attend to the victim, call EMS, and obtain the suspect description as quickly as possible (Correct answer)
Ask bystanders to share their footage before doing anything else
Wait for backup before approaching the victim

Correct answer: Attend to the victim, call EMS, and obtain the suspect description as quickly as possible

Attending to the victim, calling EMS, and securing a suspect description to enable quick apprehension are the priority actions.

Question 115: Officer Reyes documented a break-and-enter at 4418 Crowchild Trail NW. The point of entry was a smashed rear window. Items reported stolen included a laptop computer, a watch valued at $2,400, and $340 in cash. The homeowner, Mr. Duval, stated he had been away from 09:00 to 17:30. Neighbours reported hearing glass breaking around 13:00. What was the reported point of entry?

A smashed rear window (Correct answer)
A forced front door
A broken skylight
An unlocked side gate

Correct answer: A smashed rear window

The passage states the point of entry was a smashed rear window.

Question 116: A police cruiser travels at 55 mph for 2 hours and then at 70 mph for 1 hour. What is the total distance traveled?

170 miles
180 miles (Correct answer)
175 miles
165 miles

Correct answer: 180 miles

(55 × 2) + (70 × 1) = 110 + 70 = 180 miles.

Question 117: An officer notices two teens arguing loudly outside a store. One teen shoves the other, who stumbles but does not fall. What is the BEST immediate action?

Intervene verbally to de-escalate before the situation turns physical (Correct answer)
Ignore it as a minor dispute between minors
Call for backup before taking any action
Immediately arrest both for causing a disturbance

Correct answer: Intervene verbally to de-escalate before the situation turns physical

Early verbal intervention is the least invasive and most effective way to prevent escalation before violence occurs.

Question 118: A supervisor assigns you four tasks for the shift: interviewing a victim, conducting a follow-up on a cold case, filing equipment requisition forms, and attending a training session. Prioritizing by urgency and impact, which should you do first?

Work on the cold case to show initiative
File the equipment requisition forms to meet the deadline
Interview the victim to gather time-sensitive information (Correct answer)
Attend the training session since it is mandatory

Correct answer: Interview the victim to gather time-sensitive information

Victim interviews yield time-sensitive evidence and support the victim's immediate needs, making them the highest priority among the listed tasks.

Question 119: Read the passage and answer the question. 'When interviewing a suspect, officers should use open-ended questions to allow the individual to provide a narrative account. Leading questions, which suggest a desired answer, can compromise the integrity of the interview and may be challenged in court.' What is the main risk of using leading questions during a suspect interview?

They require additional officers to be present
They may produce shorter responses
They take more time to answer
They can compromise interview integrity and face legal challenge (Correct answer)

Correct answer: They can compromise interview integrity and face legal challenge

The passage states leading questions can compromise integrity and may be challenged in court.

Question 120: Choose the correct word order for an indirect question in a police report.

The sergeant asked where was the suspect last seen.
The sergeant asked where the suspect was last seen. (Correct answer)
The sergeant asked where last was the suspect seen.
The sergeant asked was the suspect where last seen.

Correct answer: The sergeant asked where the suspect was last seen.

In indirect questions (reported speech), the word order is statement order (subject + verb), not question order.

APCAT Alberta Police Cognitive Ability Test

The APCAT is Alberta's standardized police applicant screening test measuring judgement, observation, memory recall, written communication, and problem analysis skills.

120

Questions

135 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds