California POST Situational Judgment Flashcards

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

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

Officers should investigate all observed violations, including open containers, while assessing the full situation before determining appropriate action.

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

Answer: Intervene to stop the excessive force and report the incident

Officers have a duty to intervene when they witness unlawful use of force and must report such incidents per departmental policy and California law.

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

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

De-escalation includes moving a conversation to a calmer environment and actively listening to maintain positive community relations.

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

Answer: Secure the scene and call for medical assistance

Officer safety and life-safety come first; securing the scene and calling for emergency medical services are the immediate priorities at an injury accident.

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

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

Officers are required to write truthful, accurate reports; falsifying reports is illegal, and improper orders should be reported through proper chain of command or oversight.

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

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

A suspected altered license warrants further investigation, including verification through dispatch, before determining what charge or action is appropriate.