APCAT Logical Reasoning in Policing 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A suspect's cell phone records show calls made 15 minutes before and 10 minutes after an assault. The assault lasted approximately 5 minutes. Does the phone record evidence rule out the suspect's involvement?
- Yes, because the suspect was on the phone the entire time
- No, because the 15-minute gap between calls is long enough for the assault to occur (Correct answer)
- Yes, because making calls proves he was elsewhere
- No, but only if the calls were to the victim
Correct answer: No, because the 15-minute gap between calls is long enough for the assault to occur
A 15-minute gap between calls is more than sufficient for a 5-minute assault, so the phone records do not provide an alibi for that window.
Question 2: 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?
- Yes, verbal abuse justifies any level of response
- No, verbal abuse alone does not meet the necessity and proportionality threshold (Correct answer)
- Yes, if the officer feels personally threatened
- No, only supervisors can authorize force in verbal situations
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 3: During an investigation, an officer learns: Fact 1 — The suspect owns a red truck. Fact 2 — A red truck was seen near the scene. Fact 3 — Red trucks are common in the area. What level of suspicion does this evidence establish?
- Proof beyond a reasonable doubt
- Reasonable grounds to arrest
- Reasonable suspicion warranting further investigation (Correct answer)
- No valid basis for any investigative action
Correct answer: Reasonable suspicion warranting further investigation
Ownership of a common-colored vehicle seen near a scene creates reasonable suspicion to investigate further, but is insufficient for arrest or conviction.
Question 4: A patrol officer hears two versions of an altercation: Version A says the fight started when Person 1 pushed Person 2. Version B says Person 2 threw the first punch at Person 1. A bystander video shows Person 2 raising their fist before contact. Which account is best supported?
- Version A, because it was stated by the victim
- Version B, because the officer should always believe the second account
- Version A is likely incorrect — the video evidence supports Version B's account of Person 2 acting first (Correct answer)
- Neither account, because videos can be manipulated
Correct answer: Version A is likely incorrect — the video evidence supports Version B's account of Person 2 acting first
Objective video evidence of Person 2 raising their fist first directly corroborates Version B and contradicts Version A's claim that Person 1 initiated contact.
Question 5: A department protocol requires officers to check in by radio every 30 minutes during solo foot patrols. Officer Garcia last checked in 55 minutes ago. What should dispatch do first?
- Wait another 30 minutes before taking any action
- Attempt to contact Officer Garcia immediately and alert a supervisor (Correct answer)
- Assume Officer Garcia is busy and log the missed check-in
- Dispatch all available units to search the entire patrol area
Correct answer: Attempt to contact Officer Garcia immediately and alert a supervisor
A missed check-in 25 minutes past the required interval is an officer safety concern requiring immediate contact attempts and supervisor notification before escalating further.
Question 6: In a robbery series, the offender always strikes on Fridays, targets small convenience stores, and demands cigarettes in addition to cash. A new incident occurs on a Saturday at a pharmacy where only cash was taken. Is this likely the same offender?
- Yes, because robberies are always committed by repeat offenders
- No, the deviation from all three established patterns suggests a different offender (Correct answer)
- Yes, because the geographic area is the same
- No, but only because the day of the week is different
Correct answer: No, the deviation from all three established patterns suggests a different offender
Divergence from all three signature behaviors (day, store type, and demand pattern) together indicates a different offender rather than a pattern deviation.
Question 7: A new traffic enforcement policy states: 'Officers must issue a written warning for a first speeding offense of 1–15 km/h over the limit and a fine for 16+ km/h over.' A driver is caught going 14 km/h over the limit for the first time. What must the officer issue?
- A fine, because any speeding is a safety risk
- A written warning, because 14 km/h falls within the 1–15 km/h range (Correct answer)
- A verbal warning only, since it is a minor infraction
- Either a fine or warning at the officer's discretion
Correct answer: A written warning, because 14 km/h falls within the 1–15 km/h range
14 km/h over the limit falls squarely within the 1–15 km/h range for first offenses, mandating a written warning per the stated policy.
APCAT Logical Reasoning in Policing 5
A suspect's cell phone records show calls made 15 minutes before and 10 minutes after an assault.
The assault lasted approximately 5 minutes.
Does the phone record evidence rule out the suspect's involvement?