CPD Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CPD facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which medication are CPD officers trained and authorized to administer for suspected opioid overdose? → Naloxone (Narcan)
2. What is the proper field treatment for a victim with a suspected broken arm? → Immobilize the arm in the position found and apply a splint
3. What is the 'Golden Hour' concept in trauma care as it applies to officer first response? → The first 60 minutes after traumatic injury when prompt treatment is critical to survival
4. What is the first priority for a CPD officer arriving at an active shooter scene? → Stop the killing by locating and neutralizing the threat
5. What safety technique should a CPD officer use when stopping a vehicle at night? → Use a spotlight or flashlight to illuminate the vehicle's interior
6. When a victim has received an electric shock, what is the officer's FIRST action before providing aid? → Ensure the power source is turned off before approaching the victim
7. What is 'reasonable articulable suspicion' in the context of a CPD traffic stop? → Specific, objective facts supporting belief that a violation has occurred
8. What does CPD policy require regarding body-worn camera (BWC) activation? → Officers must activate BWCs before all law enforcement activities and citizen contacts
9. What must a CPD officer do before questioning a suspect who is in custody? → Advise the suspect of their Miranda rights
10. When treating a victim with severe uncontrolled bleeding, what is the first priority action? → Apply direct pressure to the wound
11. What is the first action a CPD officer should take when a vehicle fails to yield during a traffic stop attempt? → Notify dispatch of the vehicle description and direction of travel
12. What is the primary function of a CPD field training officer (FTO)? → To evaluate and mentor probationary officers during on-the-job training after the academy
13. What is the purpose of establishing an Incident Command System (ICS) at a major CPD incident? → To coordinate multiple agencies through a unified, standardized command structure
14. Under CPD policy, what events require an officer to immediately notify a supervisor? → Use of force, any arrest, and response to major incidents
15. What is the universal sign that a conscious victim is choking? → Clutching the throat with both hands
16. In which situation should an AED NOT be applied to a victim? → When the victim is lying in standing water
17. What is the correct position for placing an unconscious but breathing victim while awaiting EMS? → Recovery position (on their side)
18. What does the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) field sobriety test detect? → Involuntary eye jerking caused by alcohol impairment
19. In CPD's use-of-force continuum, what level of force is authorized only when there is an imminent threat of death or great bodily harm? → Deadly force
20. Under Illinois law, what is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for non-commercial drivers aged 21 and older? → 0.08%
21. In which scenario is the 'Hands-Only CPR' technique most appropriate for a trained officer to use? → Both when PPE is unavailable and when the officer is not trained in rescue breathing
22. How deep should chest compressions be when performing CPR on an adult victim? → 2 to 2.4 inches
23. What do 'exigent circumstances' allow a CPD officer to do without a warrant? → Enter a premises to prevent imminent harm, hot pursuit, or evidence destruction
24. What is the primary purpose of a tourniquet in emergency medical response? → Controlling life-threatening hemorrhage from a limb
25. What does CPD's 'beat' assignment system refer to? → A specific geographic patrol area assigned to officers for consistent coverage
26. When performing CPR on an adult, what is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio? → 30:2
27. Under CPD pursuit policy, what factor is MOST important when deciding whether to continue a vehicle pursuit? → Whether the ongoing risk to the public outweighs the need to apprehend the suspect
28. Under Illinois's Implied Consent Law, what consequence does a driver face for refusing a chemical test? → Automatic statutory summary suspension of driving privileges
29. When CPD officers respond to a call involving a juvenile offender in Illinois, what special consideration applies? → Juveniles have separate processing procedures and may be referred to juvenile court
30. What does the CPD's CAPS program stand for? → Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy