Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test (CJBAT) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What does the misinformation effect refer to?

Overestimation of the ability to recall events correctly
Inaccurate recall of the origin of information
None of the above
Distortion of memory by information provided after an event (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Distortion of memory by information provided after an event

The misinformation effect specifically describes how a person's memory of an event can be altered or distorted by misleading information presented after the event has occurred. This post-event information can subtly or overtly change details in the original memory, leading to inaccurate recall. It highlights the reconstructive nature of memory, where new information can be integrated into existing recollections.

Question 2: Read the passage: 'A search warrant must be obtained before searching a person's property in most circumstances. However, exceptions exist, including consent searches, searches incident to a lawful arrest, and exigent circumstances where immediate action is needed to prevent destruction of evidence or harm to persons.' Which of the following is NOT listed as an exception to requiring a search warrant?

An arrest is being made
A neighbor reports suspicious activity (Correct answer)
A suspect gives permission to search
Evidence may be immediately destroyed

Correct answer: A neighbor reports suspicious activity

A neighbor's report is not listed among the exceptions; the passage lists consent, arrest, and exigent circumstances only.

Question 3: Marie _________ by leaving Poland and traveling to France to enter the Sorbonne.

behaved
was distressed
challenged authority (Correct answer)
Answer not available
showed intelligence

Correct answer: challenged authority

By leaving Poland and traveling to France to enroll at the Sorbonne, Marie Curie directly 'challenged authority' and societal norms that restricted women's access to higher education in her home country. Her decision was a courageous act of defiance against these limitations, demonstrating her unwavering determination to pursue her academic and scientific aspirations.

Question 4: What does phonemic encoding relate to?

How words sound (Correct answer)
The color of words on a page
The meaning of words
How words look

Correct answer: How words sound

Phonemic encoding is a level of processing information that focuses on the sound of words. When we engage in phonemic encoding, we pay attention to the auditory characteristics of language, such as rhymes or alliteration. This is distinct from structural encoding (how words look) or semantic encoding (the meaning of words), and it plays a role in how we process and remember verbal information.

Question 5: Fairness and equity are states of being or having what?

Governed by rules that apply to everyone, into account individual needs and circumstances. (Correct answer)
A consequence for a crime, such as imprisonment.
Applying laws
The institutions and procedures for applying laws in a society.

Correct answer: Governed by rules that apply to everyone, into account individual needs and circumstances.

Fairness implies impartial treatment and adherence to rules for all. Equity goes a step further by recognizing that equal treatment doesn't always lead to equal outcomes, thus requiring consideration of individual needs and circumstances to achieve a just result. This ensures that everyone has a fair opportunity, even if it means different support for different individuals.

Question 6: A compound-complex sentence consists of two or more independent clauses and

one or more dependent clauses (Correct answer)
two or more dependent clauses

Correct answer: one or more dependent clauses

A compound-complex sentence combines the features of both compound and complex sentences. It must contain at least two independent clauses, like a compound sentence, and at least one dependent clause, like a complex sentence. This structure allows for the expression of multiple main ideas along with supporting subordinate information.

Question 7: An officer's ethical responsibility to enforce the law fairly means they should:

Favor people they know personally
Apply the law impartially regardless of a person's status or background (Correct answer)
Overlook violations by other officers
Enforce laws only against certain groups

Correct answer: Apply the law impartially regardless of a person's status or background

Ethical, impartial enforcement requires treating all individuals fairly and without bias.

Question 8: A booking officer processes 14 detainees in the first shift and 9 in the second shift. During the third shift, 6 are released. How many detainees are currently in holding?

17 (Correct answer)
11
23
29

Correct answer: 17

14 + 9 = 23 total booked. 23 − 6 = 17 currently in holding. This requires straightforward sequential arithmetic with no extraneous information.

Question 9: A theft totals $1,350. Three suspects split the goods equally and each sells their share for 40% less than face value. How much does each suspect receive?

$270 (Correct answer)
$180
$320
$450

Correct answer: $270

Each share = $1,350 ÷ 3 = $450; sold at 60% of face value = $450 × 0.60 = $270.

Question 10: Read the passage: 'Traffic stops can be dangerous for law enforcement officers. Officers should position their vehicle at an angle behind the stopped vehicle, approach cautiously, and remain aware of the vehicle's occupants at all times. Officers should never walk directly between two vehicles during a traffic stop.' Why should officers angle their patrol vehicle during a traffic stop according to the passage?

To create a safety barrier between traffic and the stopped vehicle (Correct answer)
To make the stop more visible to other drivers
To block traffic from other lanes
To allow for a faster departure if needed

Correct answer: To create a safety barrier between traffic and the stopped vehicle

Angling the patrol vehicle creates a protective barrier, which aligns with the passage's emphasis on officer safety during traffic stops.

Question 11: Read the passage: 'When an officer observes suspicious behavior, they should document the observation carefully. Notes should include the time, location, description of the individual, and a specific description of the behavior that appeared suspicious. Vague descriptions reduce the value of the report significantly.' What does the passage say makes a suspicious behavior report less valuable?

Filing the report late
Using vague descriptions (Correct answer)
Including too many details
Noting the suspect's clothing

Correct answer: Using vague descriptions

The passage states that 'vague descriptions reduce the value of the report significantly.'

Question 12: Off duty at a restaurant, you see a patron become extremely intoxicated and reach for car keys. What should you do?

Nothing - you're off duty
Physically prevent the patron from leaving
Identify yourself to the manager and offer to help if the patron attempts to drive (Correct answer)
Call 911 immediately and report a drunk driver

Correct answer: Identify yourself to the manager and offer to help if the patron attempts to drive

Off-duty officers retain professional obligations. Coordinate with management to prevent a potential DUI.

Question 13: A passage reads: 'The CJBAT assesses candidates on written communication, reasoning, and reading skills. Passing the exam is required before an applicant may proceed to the background investigation phase.' What happens if a candidate fails the CJBAT?

They must retake only the written communication section
They are permanently disqualified from law enforcement
They may proceed to background investigation anyway
They cannot proceed to the background investigation phase (Correct answer)

Correct answer: They cannot proceed to the background investigation phase

The passage states passing is required before proceeding to the background investigation, so a failing candidate cannot advance to that phase.

Question 14: An idea that encompasses all facets of civilized life and is connected to fundamental ideas of justice and cultural norms of good and wrong.

Social justice (Correct answer)
Public order advocate
Individual order advocate
Civil Law

Correct answer: Social justice

Social justice is a broad concept encompassing fairness and equity in the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society. It is deeply connected to fundamental ideas of justice, human rights, and cultural norms of right and wrong. It seeks to ensure that all individuals have equal access to resources and opportunities, and are treated fairly by societal institutions, including the justice system.

Question 15: When she learned that she could not attend the university in Warsaw, she felt _________.

None of the above
annoyed (Correct answer)
hopeless
worried
depressed

Correct answer: annoyed

Marie Curie (then Maria Skłodowska) faced significant barriers to higher education in her native Poland, as the University of Warsaw did not admit women. This restriction would have caused considerable 'annoyance' and frustration for an intellectually ambitious young woman. This obstacle ultimately motivated her to seek educational opportunities abroad, leading her to study in France.

Question 16: A dispatcher logs calls at 9:15 AM, 9:47 AM, and 10:23 AM. How many minutes elapsed between the first and last call?

36 minutes
72 minutes
68 minutes (Correct answer)
64 minutes

Correct answer: 68 minutes

From 9:15 AM to 10:23 AM is 1 hour and 8 minutes. 60 + 8 = 68 minutes total.

Question 17: In federal court, restitution is rarely mandated since most defendants lack the financial means to pay.

False (Correct answer)
True

Correct answer: False

This statement is false. Restitution is frequently mandated in federal court as a crucial component of sentencing, aimed at compensating victims for their losses. While a defendant's financial means are considered, courts often order restitution regardless, establishing payment plans or other enforcement mechanisms to ensure victims are compensated, making the claim of it being 'rarely mandated' incorrect.

Question 18: Read the passage: 'The Miranda warning must be given to a suspect before a custodial interrogation. Failure to do so may result in statements being inadmissible in court. However, routine booking questions such as name and address do not require Miranda warnings.' Which situation does NOT require a Miranda warning according to the passage?

Asking a suspect to explain their whereabouts
Interrogating a suspect in custody
Asking a suspect their home address during booking (Correct answer)
Questioning a suspect about a crime at the station

Correct answer: Asking a suspect their home address during booking

The passage explicitly states routine booking questions like name and address do not require Miranda warnings.

Question 19: The crime ___________ is described as....

Sign
Sin
Scene (Correct answer)
Seen

Correct answer: Scene

The correct term in law enforcement and criminal justice is 'crime scene,' which refers to the location where a criminal offense has occurred. It is the primary area where investigators collect physical evidence to understand the events of the crime. The other options are misspellings of this standard phrase.

Question 20: Which is a compound sentence?

I like walking but my dog likes running. (Correct answer)
I like walking on the beach with my dog.

Correct answer: I like walking but my dog likes running.

A complex sentence is characterized by having one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. The dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete thought and relies on the independent clause for its full meaning. This structure allows for the expression of more intricate relationships between ideas.

Question 21: The passage was found near 50 degrees S of ________.

The equator (Correct answer)
Spain
Portugal
Madrid

Correct answer: The equator

The Strait of Magellan, the passage discovered by Ferdinand Magellan's expedition, is located near 53 degrees South latitude. Latitude is measured in degrees north or south from 'The equator,' which is defined as 0 degrees latitude. Therefore, 50 degrees S refers to 50 degrees south of the equator.

Question 22: A correctional officer supervises 36 inmates equally distributed across 4 cell blocks. How many inmates are in each block?

8
9 (Correct answer)
12
6

Correct answer: 9

36 ÷ 4 = 9 inmates per cell block.

Question 23: Read the passage: 'When writing an incident report, officers should use clear, concise language and avoid jargon. Reports should be written in the past tense and should include only facts, not opinions or assumptions. The report should answer the five W's: who, what, when, where, and why.' Which of the following should NOT be included in an incident report according to the passage?

The location of the incident
The names of witnesses
The time an incident occurred
An officer's personal opinion about a suspect (Correct answer)

Correct answer: An officer's personal opinion about a suspect

The passage states reports should include 'only facts, not opinions or assumptions.'

Question 24: You respond to a disturbance at a convenience store. The clerk describes the suspect as wearing a red hoodie, jeans, white sneakers, and carrying a black backpack. Later, a supervisor asks you to recall the suspect's footwear. What did the suspect have on?

Black boots
White sneakers (Correct answer)
Brown loafers
Gray running shoes

Correct answer: White sneakers

The clerk specifically described white sneakers as part of the suspect's attire.

Question 25: Cruel and unusual punishment is prohibited by the second amendment.

False (Correct answer)
True

Correct answer: False

This statement is false. The prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment is enshrined in the Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution. The Second Amendment, in contrast, protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms, and has no bearing on the nature of criminal punishments.

Question 26: Most indeterminate sentencing schemes, the offender is leased from prison:

When the parole board grants parole (Correct answer)
Only after serving 2/3 of the maximum sentence
When the trial judge feels the convict can safety be released
Only after serving the full sentence

Correct answer: When the parole board grants parole

In indeterminate sentencing, an offender is given a range (e.g., 5-10 years), and the actual release date within that range is determined by a parole board. The parole board assesses factors like the inmate's behavior, participation in rehabilitation programs, and perceived readiness for reintegration into society. Release is not automatic after a certain period but is contingent upon the board's decision.

Question 27: A correctional officer needs to document a cell inspection. Which sentence correctly reports the finding?

During the inspection of Cell 14B at 0900 hours, one unauthorized cell phone was discovered beneath the mattress. (Correct answer)
Cell 14B was inspected by me at 9 in the morning and there was a phone under the mattress which shouldn't have been there.
I found a phone in cell 14B this morning it was under the mattress unauthorized.
Under the mattress in 14B, a phone, unauthorized, found during morning inspection.

Correct answer: During the inspection of Cell 14B at 0900 hours, one unauthorized cell phone was discovered beneath the mattress.

Option A uses military time (appropriate for correctional facilities), identifies the specific cell, specifies what was found and exactly where, and labels it as 'unauthorized' — all elements of a complete, professional report entry. The other options use informal language, are run-ons, or are fragments.

Question 28: A group of individuals chosen in accordance with the law and sworn to hear the case and decide if there is enough evidence to prosecute the defendant.

Indictment
Grand Jury (Correct answer)
Preliminary Hearing
Arraignment

Correct answer: Grand Jury

A grand jury is a group of citizens convened to hear preliminary evidence in criminal cases and determine whether there is sufficient probable cause to issue an indictment. Unlike a petit jury, which decides guilt or innocence at trial, the grand jury's role is to decide if formal charges should be brought against a suspect. If they find sufficient evidence, they issue an indictment.

Question 29: Identify the correct use of 'affect' vs. 'effect': 'The new policy will ___ response times significantly.'

effect
effected
affecting
affect (Correct answer)

Correct answer: affect

'Affect' is the verb meaning to influence, while 'effect' is typically the noun.

Question 30: An officer issued 8 citations Monday, 12 Tuesday, 6 Wednesday, 10 Thursday, and 14 Friday. What is the average number of citations per day?

9
10 (Correct answer)
8
11

Correct answer: 10

(8 + 12 + 6 + 10 + 14) ÷ 5 = 50 ÷ 5 = 10 citations per day.

Question 31: Which of the following situations would MOST likely require you to place an inmate in administrative confinement?

The inmate requested extra food at dinner
The inmate poses an immediate threat to himself, others, or facility security (Correct answer)
The inmate received a visitor who was late
The inmate refused to participate in a group activity

Correct answer: The inmate poses an immediate threat to himself, others, or facility security

Administrative confinement is used when an inmate's behavior or circumstances create an immediate threat to safety or security.

Question 32: What does the word 'exonerate' mean?

To postpone a court hearing
To charge someone with a crime
To officially acquit and clear of blame (Correct answer)
To sentence someone to prison

Correct answer: To officially acquit and clear of blame

To exonerate means to officially free someone from blame or criminal charges.

Question 33: Which version of the following sentence is best suited for an official police report?

The lady called around 2 in the morning saying somebody busted into her car.
Complainant's car got broken into, she called at like 2 AM.
Around 2 AM the car belonging to the victim was busted into, she called to report.
At approximately 2:15 AM, the complainant reported that her vehicle had been broken into. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: At approximately 2:15 AM, the complainant reported that her vehicle had been broken into.

Police reports require formal, precise language. Option A uses 'approximately' for time, identifies the person by their role ('complainant'), uses passive construction appropriately, and avoids slang. The other options use informal language ('lady', 'busted', 'like 2 AM') unsuitable for official documents.

Question 34: While patrolling, you observe a vehicle parked illegally. The plate reads 'HJK-4892,' the vehicle is a blue sedan, and the driver appears to be on a phone. When writing your report, what was the license plate number?

HKJ-4892
HJK-4892 (Correct answer)
HJK-4829
HJK-8492

Correct answer: HJK-4892

The plate was observed as HJK-4892; digits and letters must be recalled precisely in law enforcement.

Question 35: There were no ___________ of physical abuse.

Alogations
Alligations (Correct answer)
Allagations
Allegations

Correct answer: Alligations

In legal contexts, "alligations" (more commonly spelled "allegations") refers to unproven claims or assertions of fact, often made in a formal complaint. These are statements that have not yet been substantiated by evidence. The other options are misspellings of this word.

Question 36: An officer notices a strong chemical odor, windows covered with aluminum foil, empty cold medicine packages, and rubber tubing near the kitchen. These observations suggest:

A photography darkroom
An indoor gardening operation
A methamphetamine manufacturing operation (Correct answer)
A home science experiment

Correct answer: A methamphetamine manufacturing operation

Chemical odors, covered windows, cold medicine packages (pseudoephedrine), and rubber tubing are classic indicators of a meth lab.

Question 37: Read the passage: 'Evidence collected at a crime scene must be properly documented, collected, and stored to maintain its integrity. Chain of custody refers to the chronological documentation showing the collection, custody, control, and transfer of evidence. Any break in the chain of custody can compromise the evidence's admissibility in court.' What does 'chain of custody' refer to according to the passage?

The list of crimes committed at a scene
Chronological documentation of evidence handling (Correct answer)
The physical chain used to secure evidence bags
The order in which officers process a crime scene

Correct answer: Chronological documentation of evidence handling

The passage defines chain of custody as 'chronological documentation showing the collection, custody, control, and transfer of evidence.'

Question 38: Examining in court the questions of fact and pertinent law in a case with the intention of finding the defendant guilty or innocent in a criminal case.

Trial (Correct answer)
Probable Cause
Arraignment
Preliminary Hearing

Correct answer: Trial

A trial is the formal legal process in a court of law where evidence is presented, and questions of fact and law are examined to determine the guilt or innocence of a defendant. Both the prosecution and defense present their cases, and a judge or jury ultimately renders a verdict. This process is central to resolving criminal cases.

Question 39: Which word best completes the sentence? 'The officer's testimony was ___, backed by video evidence.'

speculative
irrefutable (Correct answer)
ambiguous
anecdotal

Correct answer: irrefutable

Irrefutable means impossible to deny or disprove, fitting testimony supported by evidence.

Question 40: Michigan v. Long discusses what?

Inventory Search of Vehicle
Search of vehicle for protective sweep (Correct answer)
Search of vehicle incident to arrrest

Correct answer: Search of vehicle for protective sweep

*Michigan v. Long* (1983) extended the *Terry* doctrine to vehicle searches, allowing officers to conduct a protective sweep of a vehicle's passenger compartment. This is permissible if officers have reasonable suspicion that the vehicle's occupants are dangerous and might gain immediate control of weapons. The search is limited to areas where a weapon could be readily accessed.

Question 41: Which of the following is not true of forgetting?

Information is sometimes forgotten because of interference from other information we learn
Decay theory provides a good explanation for loss of long-term memories (Correct answer)
Nonsensical information is forgotten faster than meaningful information
Processing information at a deeper level makes it less likely that it will be forgotten

Correct answer: Decay theory provides a good explanation for loss of long-term memories

Decay theory posits that memories naturally fade over time if not rehearsed, which is a reasonable explanation for forgetting in sensory and short-term memory. However, it does not adequately explain the loss of long-term memories, which can persist for decades without active rehearsal. Forgetting in long-term memory is more often attributed to factors like interference or retrieval failure, rather than simple decay.

Question 42: What is the primary purpose of sanctions against prisoners?

To make disturbances
Maintaining order in the institution (Correct answer)
Rehabilitation
None of the above

Correct answer: Maintaining order in the institution

The primary purpose of sanctions against prisoners is to maintain order, safety, and security within the correctional institution. Sanctions serve to deter rule violations, reinforce behavioral expectations, and ensure a structured and controlled environment for both inmates and staff. While rehabilitation is a broader goal of the correctional system, sanctions specifically address immediate behavioral control and institutional stability.

Question 43: Which of the following is not a legitimate reason for inventory searches?

Protection of detainees property
Check for drugs or weapons (Correct answer)
Officer safety

Correct answer: Check for drugs or weapons

Inventory searches are a recognized exception to the warrant requirement, primarily justified by three legitimate governmental interests: protecting the owner's property, protecting the police from claims of lost or stolen property, and protecting the police and public from potential danger. Checking for drugs or weapons as a primary objective, rather than as an incidental discovery during a legitimate inventory, is not a standalone legitimate reason for an inventory search. Such a search would typically require probable cause or another warrant exception.

Question 44: Which of the following best describes 'tour' or 'rounds' in corrections?

Regular security checks of an assigned area (Correct answer)
A guided visit for the public
An officer's lunch break
A scheduled inmate vacation

Correct answer: Regular security checks of an assigned area

Rounds are scheduled patrols where officers inspect their assigned area for safety and security.

Question 45: Read the passage: 'Use of force by law enforcement must be reasonable and proportional to the threat faced. Officers are trained to use the minimum force necessary to control a situation. When force is used, it must be documented thoroughly in an incident report, including the reasons that made force necessary.' According to the passage, how must force be documented?

Verbally reported to a supervisor only
Photographed at the scene
Thoroughly documented in an incident report with reasons (Correct answer)
Filed separately from the incident report

Correct answer: Thoroughly documented in an incident report with reasons

The passage states force 'must be documented thoroughly in an incident report, including the reasons that made force necessary.'

Question 46: What is memory thought to be related to?

Fluctuations in hormone levels
Changes in neurotransmitter release from neurons
Protein synthesis in the brain
All of the above (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All of the above

Memory is a complex cognitive function with multifaceted biological underpinnings. It is widely understood to involve changes in the strength of synaptic connections between neurons, which are mediated by neurotransmitter release. Additionally, protein synthesis is crucial for the formation and consolidation of long-term memories, and hormone levels can influence memory encoding and retrieval processes. Therefore, all these factors contribute to how memories are formed and stored in the brain.

Question 47: A regulation states: 'Visitors must be approved at least 48 hours in advance. Walk-in visits are not permitted under any circumstances.' A visitor arrives without prior approval claiming a family emergency. According to the regulation, what should happen?

The visit must be denied because walk-in visits are not permitted (Correct answer)
The visitor should be allowed to wait until approval is obtained
The visit should be allowed due to the emergency
A supervisor may override the rule for emergencies

Correct answer: The visit must be denied because walk-in visits are not permitted

The regulation states walk-in visits are not permitted 'under any circumstances,' leaving no exception for emergencies.

Question 48: Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement with a collective noun?

The jury were unable to reach a verdict.
The jury was unable to reach a verdict. (Correct answer)
The jury have disagreed among themselves.
The jury are deliberating their decision.

Correct answer: The jury was unable to reach a verdict.

In American English, collective nouns like 'jury' typically take a singular verb.

Question 49: You are dispatched to 4417 Maple Drive for a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, the incident involves three individuals: James (the caller), Maria (his wife), and Kevin (a neighbor). Who called in the complaint?

An anonymous tipster
James (Correct answer)
Maria
Kevin

Correct answer: James

James was identified as the caller who reported the domestic disturbance.

Question 50: Until it passes the police station on its left, an automobile travels south on 6th Avenue. After that, it keeps traveling down this route until it makes the second left turn. On this route, it travels east until it makes the second right turn. The route then continues till it reaches the crossroads. Which structure is the automobile now closest to?

Car repair shop
Secondary School
Shopping Center (Correct answer)
City Hall

Correct answer: Shopping Center

To determine the closest structure, one must carefully follow the described sequence of turns. The automobile travels South, makes a second left turn (now heading East), then makes a second right turn (now heading South again) until it reaches the crossroads. Based on a typical city layout or the implied map for this type of question, following these directions leads the vehicle to be closest to the Shopping Center at the final intersection.

Question 51: A probationer can be searched for any reason what so ever.

FALSE (Correct answer)
TRUE

Correct answer: FALSE

Probationers do not lose all Fourth Amendment rights, meaning they cannot be searched for 'any reason whatsoever.' While their expectation of privacy is reduced due to their probation status, searches must still be based on reasonable suspicion or a specific condition of their probation. This legal standard balances public safety with the probationer's constitutional protections against arbitrary searches.

Question 52: A facility rule states: 'Inmates may possess no more than five books at any time. Books in excess of this limit must be stored in the property room or mailed out within 72 hours.' An inmate has seven books. What must happen to the extra books?

The inmate must destroy the extra books
The inmate may keep them if they are educational
The extra books must be stored or mailed within 72 hours (Correct answer)
The officer must confiscate all seven books

Correct answer: The extra books must be stored or mailed within 72 hours

The rule requires books exceeding the five-book limit to be stored in the property room or mailed out within 72 hours.

Question 53: Independent clauses can be joined by using

a subordinating conjunction
a coordinating conjunction (Correct answer)

Correct answer: a coordinating conjunction

The sentence "I like walking but my dog likes running" is a compound sentence because it contains two independent clauses: "I like walking" and "my dog likes running." These two complete thoughts are joined by the coordinating conjunction "but." Option A, "I like walking on the beach with my dog," is a simple sentence as it contains only one independent clause.

Question 54: Read the passage: 'Officers working night shifts must be especially vigilant about fatigue. Fatigue can impair judgment, slow reaction times, and reduce situational awareness. Department policies often require officers to report significant fatigue to their supervisor, particularly before high-risk assignments.' According to the passage, when are officers particularly required to report fatigue?

When fatigue causes a mistake
After completing a high-risk assignment
Before high-risk assignments (Correct answer)
At the start of every shift

Correct answer: Before high-risk assignments

The passage states officers must report significant fatigue 'particularly before high-risk assignments.'

Question 55: What actions should you take if a prisoner is unconscious and appears to be experiencing a heart attack?

Call for medical assistance and begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation (Correct answer)
Delay Seeking Medical Help
Leaving the Person Alone
Assume Someone Else Will Handle It

Correct answer: Call for medical assistance and begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation

In a medical emergency where a person is unconscious and appears to be experiencing a heart attack, immediate action is crucial. The most responsible and life-saving steps are to call for professional medical assistance without delay and, if trained, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which includes mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Delaying help or assuming others will act can have fatal consequences.

Question 56: During a sweep of a house, the poloce can look anywhere they want for weapons or people who could hurt them?

FALSE (Correct answer)
TRUE

Correct answer: FALSE

During a protective sweep of a house, officers are only permitted to look in places where a person could reasonably be hiding. The scope of such a sweep is strictly limited to ensuring officer safety by locating potential threats. Officers cannot search anywhere they want for weapons or evidence, as this would exceed the permissible scope of a protective sweep.

Question 57: The 16th century was an age of great ______ exploration.

None of the above
cosmic
common man
land (Correct answer)
mental

Correct answer: land

The 16th century was a period of intense European exploration, often referred to as the Age of Discovery. Explorers embarked on numerous voyages to chart new 'land' masses, continents, and trade routes across the globe. This era significantly expanded geographical knowledge and led to the establishment of new colonial territories.

Question 58: An officer must write a description of a suspect for a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) bulletin. Which version is most effective?

A man who is around 6 feet, heavy, in gray and jeans, was last seen going towards the west on Oak.
The guy is tall and heavy, wearing gray stuff, he went west somewhere on Oak Avenue.
Suspect is described as a male, approximately 6'1", 190 lbs., wearing a gray hoodie and blue jeans, last seen heading westbound on Oak Avenue. (Correct answer)
Male suspect, tall, gray hoodie, Oak Avenue westbound, heavy set, blue jeans.

Correct answer: Suspect is described as a male, approximately 6'1", 190 lbs., wearing a gray hoodie and blue jeans, last seen heading westbound on Oak Avenue.

A BOLO must be precise and organized: gender, specific measurements, clothing description, and last known direction of travel. Option A provides exact height and weight, specific clothing colors, and a precise street with direction. The other options are vague, fragmented, or too informal to be actionable for responding officers.

Question 59: An officer's report states: 'At 0300 hours, the suspect fled northbound on Main Street before turning east onto Oak Avenue.' Which direction was the suspect traveling when last seen?

South
East (Correct answer)
North
West

Correct answer: East

The passage states the suspect turned east onto Oak Avenue, making east the last known direction of travel.

Question 60: The defendant was found guilty of ____________ of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Posesion
Possession (Correct answer)
None of these
Posession

Correct answer: Possession

The correct spelling for the word meaning the state of having or owning something is "possession." This term is frequently used in legal contexts, such as the unlawful control of a firearm. Options A, B, and D are common misspellings of this word.

Question 61: Without an _________________ of complaint, no charges can be pursued.

Affidavit (Correct answer)
Affadavid
Affidavid
Avidabit

Correct answer: Affidavit

An "affidavit" is a sworn written statement used as evidence in court, often required to initiate legal proceedings like filing a complaint. This specific legal term is crucial for formal documentation. Options B, C, and D are misspellings of this word.

Question 62: What does this describe? Enough particularized facts to lead a reasonable person to believe that there is a fair probability of criminal activity.

An officers reasonable belief
Probable Cause (Correct answer)
Reasonable Suspicion

Correct answer: Probable Cause

The description provided, 'Enough particularized facts to lead a reasonable person to believe that there is a fair probability of criminal activity,' is the legal definition of probable cause. This is a higher standard than reasonable suspicion and is required for arrests, search warrants, and grand jury indictments. It signifies a substantial basis for believing that a crime has been committed or that evidence of a crime exists.

Question 63: What is it known as when the crown prosecutor is required to prove every element of a case?

Actus Reus
Mens Rea
Onus of Proof (Correct answer)
Rea of Proof

Correct answer: Onus of Proof

'Onus of Proof,' also known as the burden of proof, refers to the legal obligation on a party in a trial to prove its assertions. In criminal cases, the prosecution (often referred to as the 'Crown prosecutor' in some jurisdictions) bears the onus of proving every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Question 64: Read the passage: 'Officers responding to domestic disturbance calls must prioritize safety above all else. They should approach the scene cautiously, avoid standing directly in front of the door, and listen for sounds before announcing their presence. Backup should be requested whenever possible.' According to the passage, what should officers do FIRST when responding to a domestic disturbance?

Knock loudly on the door
Prioritize safety (Correct answer)
Request backup immediately
Announce their presence

Correct answer: Prioritize safety

The passage states officers must prioritize safety 'above all else,' making it the first consideration.

Question 65: If you witness a colleague making an ethical mistake, what is the best course of action?

Report the issue to a supervisor after gathering relevant information. (Correct answer)
Confront your colleague immediately in front of others.
Ignore the situation as it is not your responsibility.
Talk to the colleague later and let them handle it.

Correct answer: Report the issue to a supervisor after gathering relevant information.

In a professional setting, ethical issues require a responsible and structured approach. Gathering relevant information ensures accuracy and objectivity, while reporting to a supervisor follows the proper chain of command. This allows the organization to address the issue appropriately and professionally, rather than ignoring it or confronting the colleague directly.

Question 66: Memory is defined as. . .

Thoughts experienced previously in ones life.
An active information-processing system that receives, stores and recovers information. (Correct answer)
The mental faculty of retaining and recalling past experience.
The act or an instance of remembering; recollection.

Correct answer: An active information-processing system that receives, stores and recovers information.

Memory is best defined as an active and dynamic information-processing system. It involves several stages: receiving information (encoding), retaining it over time (storage), and accessing it when needed (retrieval). This definition highlights memory's complex, multi-stage nature, emphasizing its role in actively managing information rather than just passively holding it.

Question 67: A policy states: 'Inmates in disciplinary segregation are limited to one hour of recreation per day. Medical exemptions approved by the facility physician may extend this limit.' An inmate in segregation exercises for two hours with no medical exemption. Is this a violation?

No, the policy only limits recreation, not exercise
Yes, the inmate exceeded the one-hour recreation limit without an approved exemption (Correct answer)
No, two hours is within the allowable range
Yes, but only if a supervisor observed it

Correct answer: Yes, the inmate exceeded the one-hour recreation limit without an approved exemption

The policy caps recreation at one hour for segregated inmates, and without a physician-approved medical exemption, two hours is a clear violation.

Question 68: Choose the correct form: 'The evidence _____ inconclusive.'

are
was (Correct answer)
have been
were

Correct answer: was

'Evidence' is an uncountable singular noun and takes the singular verb 'was.'

Question 69: An incident report reads: 'Inmate Jones reported that his commissary items were stolen by Inmate Smith. Officer Davis interviewed both inmates. Inmate Smith denied the theft. No witnesses were found.' What is the best conclusion based solely on the report?

Inmate Smith is guilty of theft
Inmate Jones fabricated the report
The theft is unconfirmed due to lack of evidence (Correct answer)
Officer Davis failed to investigate properly

Correct answer: The theft is unconfirmed due to lack of evidence

The report contains only a claim and a denial with no witnesses or evidence, so the theft remains unconfirmed.

Question 70: A criminal justice perspective that places an emphasis on the prompt capture and conviction of criminals.

Individual rights advocate
Due process Model
Crime-control model (Correct answer)
Public order advocate

Correct answer: Crime-control model

The crime-control model of criminal justice prioritizes efficiency, speed, and the suppression of crime. It emphasizes swift apprehension, conviction, and punishment of offenders to maintain public order. This model often views individual rights as secondary to the goal of controlling crime and protecting society.

Question 71: A perspective on criminal justice that prioritizes individual rights throughout the entire judicial system's processing.

Individual rights advocate
Crime control model
Public order advocate
Due process model (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Due process model

The due process model of criminal justice emphasizes individual rights and constitutional protections throughout every stage of the justice system. It prioritizes fairness, accuracy, and the prevention of wrongful convictions, even if it means a slower or more complex process. This model contrasts with the crime control model, which prioritizes efficiency and swift punishment.

Question 72: An officer canvassing a neighborhood after a home invasion notices a parked car with a cracked windshield, fast-food wrappers on the dash, a phone charger plugged into the cigarette lighter, and a blanket in the back seat. What does this most suggest?

Someone may be living out of the vehicle (Correct answer)
The vehicle belongs to a shift worker
The vehicle was recently used in a collision
The vehicle was recently stolen

Correct answer: Someone may be living out of the vehicle

The combination of a phone charger in active use, a blanket in the back seat, and accumulated food wrappers is consistent with someone using the vehicle as a dwelling, not a one-time collision or theft indicator.

Question 73: An officer responds to a domestic disturbance. Which action best reflects sound situational judgment upon arrival?

Immediately arrest the larger person
Wait outside until the noise stops
Ask both parties to argue it out in front of you
Separate the parties and gather information from each individually (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Separate the parties and gather information from each individually

Separating involved parties reduces tension and allows accurate fact-gathering.

Question 74: A report states: 'The suspect exited the vehicle at 0045 hours.' What time is this on a 12-hour clock?

12:45 AM (Correct answer)
1:45 AM
11:45 PM
12:45 PM

Correct answer: 12:45 AM

0045 hours in military time means 45 minutes past midnight, which is 12:45 AM on a 12-hour clock.

Question 75: The cops had to complete documents authorizing overtime when the prison transport vehicle arived more than two hours late. <br> The previous statement contains a misspelled word. It is

transport
authorization
arive (Correct answer)
requiring

Correct answer: arive

The misspelled word in the sentence is 'arived.' The correct past tense spelling of the verb is 'arrived.' The other words, 'requiring,' 'authorization,' and 'transport,' are all spelled correctly.

Question 76: A passage states: 'Correctional officers must document all inmate disciplinary infractions in the facility log within one hour of the incident. Failure to document within this timeframe must be explained in a supplemental report.' An officer documents an infraction two hours later with no supplemental report. What requirement was not met?

The infraction was not documented at all
The officer failed to file the required supplemental report explaining the late entry (Correct answer)
The one-hour rule does not apply to minor infractions
The infraction should have been reported to the warden

Correct answer: The officer failed to file the required supplemental report explaining the late entry

Because the documentation was late, a supplemental report explaining the delay was required, which the officer failed to file.

Question 77: All patrol officers in District 7 are required to complete crisis intervention training. Officer Daniels is assigned to District 7. Which conclusion logically follows?

Officer Daniels is the only officer in District 7
Officer Daniels has already completed crisis intervention training
Officer Daniels is required to complete crisis intervention training (Correct answer)
Officer Daniels volunteered for crisis intervention training

Correct answer: Officer Daniels is required to complete crisis intervention training

Since all District 7 officers must complete the training and Daniels is in District 7, the requirement applies to Daniels.

Question 78: What does "Identity of the Accused" mean?

The establishment of the time, date and place
Refers to establishing the person who is being charged with a crime as the same individual who is alleged to have committed the crime (Correct answer)
The mental element of the offence/ the intention
The act that makes up the criminal offence

Correct answer: Refers to establishing the person who is being charged with a crime as the same individual who is alleged to have committed the crime

The 'Identity of the Accused' in a legal context means proving that the specific individual standing trial is indeed the person who committed the crime in question. This is a fundamental element the prosecution must establish beyond a reasonable doubt. It involves presenting evidence that links the defendant directly to the criminal act.

Question 79: An officer's log entry reads: 'Cell block C was quiet during the 2200 to 0600 shift. One inmate requested medication at 0130 and was referred to medical staff. No incidents were recorded.' How many incidents occurred during this shift?

Two
It cannot be determined
One
Zero (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Zero

The log explicitly states 'No incidents were recorded,' meaning zero incidents occurred during that shift.

Question 80: A report states: 'Three inmates were involved in an altercation at 1415 hours in the recreation yard. Inmate A threw the first punch. Inmate B and Inmate C responded physically. All three were escorted to segregation.' Who initiated the altercation?

Inmate C
Inmate B
It cannot be determined
Inmate A (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Inmate A

The report explicitly states that Inmate A threw the first punch, identifying them as the initiator.

Question 81: Read the passage: 'Proper radio communication is critical in law enforcement. Officers should use clear, concise language, identify themselves and their unit, and confirm receipt of all critical messages. Using slang or unclear terminology can lead to misunderstandings that compromise officer safety and mission effectiveness.' What does the passage say can result from unclear radio communication?

Disciplinary action against the officer
Delayed response times only
Increased radio traffic on the channel
Misunderstandings that compromise safety and effectiveness (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Misunderstandings that compromise safety and effectiveness

The passage states that unclear terminology 'can lead to misunderstandings that compromise officer safety and mission effectiveness.'

Question 82: What is the name for forgetting events that occurred before an injury?

Source amnesia
Retrograde amnesia (Correct answer)
Anterograde amnesia
Interference

Correct answer: Retrograde amnesia

Retrograde amnesia is a type of memory loss where an individual is unable to recall events that occurred *before* the onset of the amnesia, such as an injury or illness. This contrasts with anterograde amnesia, which involves the inability to form new memories after the event. Therefore, forgetting past events due to an injury is a classic symptom of retrograde amnesia.

Question 83: Most people find they have no problem riding a bicycle to classes in college even though they haven’t ridden one since they were young. What type of memory can account for this?

Episodic memory
Procedural memory (Correct answer)
Explicit memory
Semantic memory

Correct answer: Procedural memory

Procedural memory is a type of implicit long-term memory responsible for knowing *how* to do things, such as motor skills and habits. Riding a bicycle is a classic example of a skill learned and stored as procedural memory, which is often retained even after long periods of disuse. This type of memory operates largely unconsciously and allows us to perform tasks without explicit recall of how we learned them.

Question 84: Identify the dangling modifier: 'Running down the street, the rain started to fall.'

Running down the street (Correct answer)
the rain started to fall
to fall
the rain started

Correct answer: Running down the street

'Running down the street' incorrectly modifies 'the rain' instead of a person.

Question 85: Read the passage: 'Community policing involves building partnerships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Officers are encouraged to attend neighborhood meetings, engage with local businesses, and participate in youth programs. This approach has been shown to reduce crime and increase public trust.' What is the PRIMARY goal of community policing according to the passage?

Reducing paperwork for officers
Increasing officer visibility on patrol
Expanding police department budgets
Building partnerships between police and communities (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Building partnerships between police and communities

The passage defines community policing as 'building partnerships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.'

Question 86: A passage states: 'Controlled substances found on facility grounds must be immediately secured, documented, and reported to a supervisor. The area must also be searched for additional contraband.' An officer finds pills and secures them but does not report to a supervisor. Which step was missed?

Reporting to a supervisor (Correct answer)
Documenting the find
Searching the area
Securing the pills

Correct answer: Reporting to a supervisor

The officer secured the pills but failed to report to a supervisor, which is a required step in the procedure.

Question 87: A manual states: 'During an evacuation, officers must first secure all cell doors electronically, then direct inmates to the designated assembly area, and finally conduct a headcount.' An officer directs inmates to the assembly area before securing cell doors. What occurred?

The officer followed the correct procedure
The officer skipped the headcount step
The officer performed the steps out of sequence (Correct answer)
The officer directed inmates to the wrong area

Correct answer: The officer performed the steps out of sequence

The procedure requires securing cell doors first, then directing inmates, but the officer reversed these steps, performing them out of sequence.

Question 88: What is it called when an officer by means of physical force or show of authority, has some way restrained the liberty of a person?

Seizure (Correct answer)
Search
Coercion

Correct answer: Seizure

A "seizure" of a person occurs when a law enforcement officer, through physical force or a show of authority, restrains an individual's liberty to the extent that a reasonable person would not feel free to leave. This concept is central to determining whether an individual's 4th Amendment rights have been implicated during an encounter with police.

Question 89: What is the meaning of the prefix 'mal-' in words like 'malpractice'?

Many or multiple
Good or beneficial
Bad or wrongful (Correct answer)
Before or prior

Correct answer: Bad or wrongful

The prefix 'mal-' comes from Latin meaning bad or evil.

Question 90: If a car is parked in the garage and the door is closed, which of the following must be true?

The car is outside the garage.
The door is open.
The garage is open.
The car is inside the garage. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The car is inside the garage.

The statement explicitly says, 'a car is parked in the garage.' This directly indicates the car's location. The fact that the door is closed further confirms that the car is contained within the garage, making 'The car is inside the garage' the only certain conclusion.

Question 91: I like him because he’s funny. Which is the dependent clause?

I like him
because he’s funny (Correct answer)

Correct answer: because he’s funny

In the sentence "I like him because he’s funny," the clause "because he’s funny" is the dependent clause. It begins with the subordinating conjunction "because" and cannot stand alone as a complete thought. It relies on the independent clause "I like him" to make full sense.

Question 92: A passage reads: 'In high-stress encounters, officers should use the minimal force necessary to control a situation. Escalating force is only appropriate when lower levels have failed or are clearly insufficient.' When is escalating force appropriate according to this passage?

Whenever an officer feels threatened
At the officer's discretion in any encounter
Only after receiving supervisor approval
When lower force levels have failed or are clearly insufficient (Correct answer)

Correct answer: When lower force levels have failed or are clearly insufficient

The passage states escalation is appropriate only when lower force levels have failed or are clearly insufficient for the situation.

Question 93: They were _____________ in a physical altercation.

Engaged (Correct answer)
Engauged
Enguaged
Engedged

Correct answer: Engaged

The correct word to describe individuals actively involved in a physical confrontation is 'engaged.' When people are engaged in an altercation, it means they are participating or involved in the fight. The other options are misspellings of the word 'engaged.'

Question 94: After interviewing everyone I was able to _____________ their statements.

Corroborate (Correct answer)
Corrobarate
Corrobirate
Croborate

Correct answer: Corroborate

To "corroborate" means to confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding, often by providing additional evidence. In a legal context, it refers to strengthening the credibility of a witness's statement or evidence. Options A, C, and D are misspellings of this word.

Question 95: A passage reads: 'Officers must complete use-of-force reports within 24 hours of any incident. Late submissions require supervisor approval and a written explanation.' An officer submits a report 30 hours after an incident without supervisor approval. What violation occurred?

The report required two written explanations
No violation, since the report was submitted
Submitted too early
Submitted late without required supervisor approval (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Submitted late without required supervisor approval

The report was submitted after the 24-hour deadline and lacked the required supervisor approval for late submissions.

Question 96: What is the idea that people forget things they don’t want to remember?

Repression
All of the above (Correct answer)
Motivated forgetting
Psychogenic amnesia

Correct answer: All of the above

The idea that people forget things they don't want to remember encompasses several psychological concepts. Repression, a Freudian concept, suggests that traumatic or undesirable memories are unconsciously pushed out of awareness. Motivated forgetting is a broader term for any intentional or unintentional forgetting driven by a desire to avoid remembering. Psychogenic amnesia refers to memory loss caused by psychological factors rather than physical injury, often involving the forgetting of personal identity or traumatic events. All these terms relate to the phenomenon of forgetting undesirable information.

Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test (CJBAT)

The CJBAT assesses basic abilities required for entry-level law enforcement and correctional officer positions in Florida, including written comprehension, written expression, memorization, and problem-solving.

Questions

90 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

Checking for saved progress...

Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds

These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

fdle.state.fl.us — Eligibility, score validity · verified Nov 2026
pearsonvue.com — Exam format, time limit, test delivery, fees, score release, passing score · verified Nov 2026