APCAT Problem Analysis and Resolution 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Officer Reyes is dispatched to a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, both parties deny any argument occurred. However, Reyes notices a broken lamp and a fresh bruise on one person's arm. What should Reyes do?
- Leave since both parties deny the incident
- Document observations, speak to both parties separately, and investigate further (Correct answer)
- Arrest both parties immediately
- Accept their account and file a false-alarm report
Correct answer: Document observations, speak to both parties separately, and investigate further
Physical evidence of potential violence warrants further investigation even when parties deny an incident, as victims may be afraid to speak openly.
Question 2: A shopkeeper reports that a regular customer has been stealing small items for weeks but has no video footage. What is the FIRST step the officer should take?
- Arrest the customer based on the shopkeeper's accusation
- Advise the shopkeeper to install cameras and gather evidence before proceeding (Correct answer)
- Tell the shopkeeper this is a civil matter
- Dismiss the complaint as unsubstantiated
Correct answer: Advise the shopkeeper to install cameras and gather evidence before proceeding
Without evidence, an arrest would be improper; advising on evidence gathering is the appropriate first step to support a future investigation.
Question 3: An officer is told by a supervisor to falsify a small detail in a use-of-force report to protect the department's image. The officer should:
- Comply since supervisors must be obeyed
- Refuse and report the instruction through the proper complaint process (Correct answer)
- Comply but note the discrepancy in a personal diary
- Ask another officer to write the report instead
Correct answer: Refuse and report the instruction through the proper complaint process
Falsifying official reports is illegal and unethical; officers must refuse unlawful orders and report misconduct through appropriate channels.
Question 4: An officer arrives at the scene of a reported break-in at a business. The front door is unlocked and slightly ajar. What should the officer do first?
- Enter immediately to apprehend any suspect inside
- Secure the perimeter, call for backup, and wait before entering (Correct answer)
- Assume the owner forgot to lock up and leave
- Knock loudly and announce presence before requesting backup
Correct answer: Secure the perimeter, call for backup, and wait before entering
Securing the perimeter and waiting for backup before entering an unsecured building protects officer safety and preserves the scene.
Question 5: A person approaches an officer and reports that their neighbour's dog has been barking continuously for three days. The officer has no animal control authority. What is the BEST response?
- Tell the person this is not a police matter and walk away
- Refer the person to animal control and provide relevant contact information (Correct answer)
- Knock on the neighbour's door and seize the dog
- Warn the person not to contact the police for non-emergencies
Correct answer: Refer the person to animal control and provide relevant contact information
Referring the complainant to the agency with proper jurisdiction is the correct approach when the matter falls outside police authority.
Question 6: While on patrol, an officer observes a cyclist riding without a helmet in a jurisdiction where helmets are mandatory for adults. The officer should:
- Ignore it since cycling infractions are not police matters
- Stop the cyclist, advise them of the law, and issue the appropriate notice (Correct answer)
- Pursue the cyclist at high speed to enforce the infraction
- Radio in the infraction and continue patrol
Correct answer: Stop the cyclist, advise them of the law, and issue the appropriate notice
Stopping the cyclist and issuing the appropriate notice is the correct proportionate enforcement of the applicable law.
Question 7: An officer conducting a foot patrol notices a wallet on the ground containing cash and identification. What is the MOST appropriate action?
- Pocket the cash and submit the identification to lost property
- Submit the entire wallet, including the cash, to the property office and attempt to notify the owner (Correct answer)
- Leave the wallet and note the location in a report
- Return only the identification to the owner if found
Correct answer: Submit the entire wallet, including the cash, to the property office and attempt to notify the owner
Found property including cash must be submitted intact to the property office, and efforts should be made to identify and contact the owner.
APCAT Problem Analysis and Resolution 3
Officer Reyes is dispatched to a domestic disturbance.
Upon arrival, both parties deny any argument occurred.
However, Reyes notices a broken lamp and a fresh bruise on one person's arm.
What should Reyes do?