California POST Test California POST Situational Judgment

Question 1

You stop a driver for speeding and notice open alcohol containers in the backseat. The driver seems sober. What is your BEST first action?

Accepted Answer

Ask the driver about the open containers and conduct a field sobriety assessment

Answer

Immediately arrest the driver for DUI

Answer

Issue only a speeding ticket and ignore the containers

Answer

Call for backup before approaching the vehicle

Question 2

While on patrol, you witness a fellow officer using excessive force on a restrained suspect. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Intervene to stop the excessive force and report the incident

Answer

Ignore it to avoid conflict with your colleague

Answer

Wait until after the incident to discuss it privately with the officer

Answer

Only report it if the suspect files a complaint

Question 3

A citizen approaches you with a complaint about your department but is speaking loudly and drawing a crowd. What is your BEST response?

Accepted Answer

Move the conversation to a quieter location and listen respectfully to their concern

Answer

Tell the citizen to calm down or you will arrest them for disturbing the peace

Answer

Walk away and tell them to file a formal complaint at the station

Answer

Call for a supervisor immediately before engaging with the citizen

Question 4

You are the first to respond to a car accident with injuries. What is your FIRST priority?

Accepted Answer

Secure the scene and call for medical assistance

Answer

Gather witness statements

Answer

Photograph the vehicles

Answer

Issue citations to the at-fault driver

Question 5

A supervisor instructs you to write a report leaving out key facts that reflect poorly on the department. You should:

Accepted Answer

Write the accurate report and report the supervisor's instructions through proper channels

Answer

Follow the order since supervisors have authority over reports

Answer

Refuse to write any report at all

Answer

Write two versions — one for the supervisor and one for your own records

Question 6

During a traffic stop, the driver hands you a license that appears to be altered. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Detain the driver for further investigation and run the license through dispatch

Answer

Return the license and let the driver go with a warning

Answer

Immediately arrest the driver for fraud

Answer

Ask the driver if the license is altered