National Criminal Justice Officer Selection Inventory (NCJOSI2) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: During a traffic stop, you notice a driver is nervous and avoiding questions. What should you do?

Calmly ask open-ended questions to gather more information (Correct answer)
Call for backup without further engagement
End the stop and let them go to avoid conflict
Immediately arrest the driver for suspicious behavior

Correct answer: Calmly ask open-ended questions to gather more information

During a traffic stop, if a driver is nervous and avoiding questions, the most professional approach is to remain calm and ask open-ended questions. This technique helps gather more information, assess the situation accurately, and potentially de-escalate any anxiety the driver might be experiencing. Jumping to conclusions or immediately arresting them without further information would be premature and unprofessional.

Question 2: Over the last six months, an officer has noticed a trend of car break-ins in the mall parking lot. In almost every case, the break-in occurred between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM on a Saturday, and the stolen items were shopping bags left visible on the car seat. What is the most logical conclusion?

The break-ins are random and unrelated.
The mall has poor security in general.
All car break-ins in the city are on the rise.
A specific pattern of theft is targeting shoppers on Saturday afternoons. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A specific pattern of theft is targeting shoppers on Saturday afternoons.

The specific details (location, day, time, and target) form a clear pattern. This allows for the general conclusion that one or more thieves are specifically targeting shoppers who leave their purchases visible in their cars during peak shopping hours on Saturdays.

Question 3: Based on the incident report table, which incident type had the highest number of reports in March?

Vandalism
Assault
Traffic (Correct answer)
Theft

Correct answer: Traffic

To answer this, look at the 'Mar' column and compare the values for each incident type. The values are Theft (52), Assault (20), Vandalism (28), and Traffic (65). The highest value is 65, which corresponds to Traffic incidents.

Question 4: Which sentence is the most clear and concise for a report?

I made contact with the victim who was located in the vicinity of the kitchen.
At that point in time, I proceeded to interview the victim inside the kitchen.
The victim was spoken to by me in the kitchen area.
I spoke with the victim in the kitchen. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: I spoke with the victim in the kitchen.

This sentence is direct and uses simple, unambiguous language. The other options are wordy, use police jargon ('made contact with'), or are phrased in a passive, less clear manner.

Question 5: An officer stops a vehicle and observes the driver appears nervous, avoids eye contact, and has an air freshener hanging from the mirror. Taken together, these observations MOST likely suggest:

The driver may be attempting to conceal contraband (Correct answer)
The driver is unfamiliar with the area
The vehicle was recently purchased
The driver is experiencing a medical emergency

Correct answer: The driver may be attempting to conceal contraband

Nervousness, avoidance of eye contact, and use of air fresheners are recognized behavioral and environmental indicators that, in combination, may suggest an attempt to conceal contraband.

Question 6: An officer witnesses a robbery and later must describe the suspect. Which physical feature is typically the most reliable to recall?

Hairstyle
General build and height (Correct answer)
Skin complexion
Eye color

Correct answer: General build and height

General build and height are the most reliably recalled features because they are observed from a distance and are difficult to quickly alter.

Question 7: Read the following report and identify the main problem: 'A homeowner reports that upon returning from vacation, she found her back door pried open. Inside, her television and some jewelry were missing. She states that she has a security camera, but the wires to it appear to have been cut.'

A residential burglary has occurred. (Correct answer)
A simple theft of property.
A report of vandalism and property damage.
A malfunctioning security system.

Correct answer: A residential burglary has occurred.

The combination of forced entry (pried door), stolen items (TV, jewelry), and deliberate disabling of security measures (cut wires) are all classic elements of a residential burglary. This is the specific crime that has been committed and needs to be investigated.

Question 8: Which sentence contains a spelling error?

The suspect gave a separate statement to the detective.
It is necessary to follow proper procedure.
The incident occured at approximately 2200 hours. (Correct answer)
The witness was embarrassed by the situation.

Correct answer: The incident occured at approximately 2200 hours.

The word 'occurred' is misspelled as 'occured'. This is a common error; words ending in a consonant-vowel-consonant pattern often double the final consonant when a suffix is added.

Question 9: Using the same reference map, which landmark is located southwest of the Courthouse?

Bank
Park (Correct answer)
Police Station
Hospital (at Elm St & 1st St)

Correct answer: Park

The Courthouse is at Maple St & 2nd St. To find a location southwest, you must look south (towards 3rd St) and west (towards Oak Ave). The Park is located at Oak Ave & 3rd St, which fits this description.

Question 10: A radio broadcast describes a suspect as: 'Male, approximately 6 feet tall, blue hoodie, jeans, carrying a black backpack, heading north on Main Street.' Which detail should you prioritize when scanning a crowd?

The black backpack (Correct answer)
Hair color
Approximate height
That the suspect is male

Correct answer: The black backpack

The black backpack is the most distinctive and visible item that sets this suspect apart from other males of similar height in a crowd.

Question 11: An officer sees three individuals near a parked car. Person A wears a red jacket, Person B has a beard, and Person C is holding a bag. Which detail about Person C is MOST important for identification?

That they are holding a bag (Correct answer)
Their approximate height
That they are standing near a car
Whether they made eye contact with the officer

Correct answer: That they are holding a bag

The bag is a distinguishing item that aids in identifying Person C and may contain evidence relevant to an investigation.

Question 12: A person accused of a crime is presumed to be:

Innocent until proven guilty (Correct answer)
Equally likely to be guilty or innocent
Guilty until proven innocent
Responsible for proving their own innocence

Correct answer: Innocent until proven guilty

The principle of 'innocent until proven guilty' is a fundamental tenet of justice systems in many democratic countries, including the United States. This means that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution to demonstrate guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. An accused person does not have to prove their innocence; rather, they are presumed innocent until the state presents sufficient evidence to convince a judge or jury otherwise.

Question 13: A suspect refuses to comply with your commands during an arrest. What is your next step?

Ignore the suspect and move on to another task
Call for backup and maintain a safe distance
Use reasonable force to gain compliance (Correct answer)
Allow the suspect to leave the scene

Correct answer: Use reasonable force to gain compliance

When a suspect refuses to comply with lawful commands during an arrest, officers are authorized to use reasonable force to gain compliance and effect the arrest. This force must be proportionate to the resistance offered and necessary to ensure officer safety and the successful apprehension of the suspect. Allowing the suspect to leave or ignoring non-compliance would compromise public safety and the officer's duty.

Question 14: Which of the following is an example of a felony?

Theft of property worth $50
Speeding in a school zone
Trespassing on private property
Arson causing extensive property damage (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Arson causing extensive property damage

A felony is a serious crime, typically punishable by imprisonment for more than a year or by death. Arson, especially when causing extensive property damage, is classified as a felony due to its severe nature and potential for significant harm. In contrast, speeding, petty theft, and trespassing are generally considered misdemeanors or minor infractions, carrying less severe penalties.

Question 15: Which term refers to the intent to commit a crime?

Habeas corpus
Mens rea (Correct answer)
Actus reus
Stare decisis

Correct answer: Mens rea

Mens rea is a Latin term meaning 'guilty mind,' and it refers to the mental state or intent required for a crime to have been committed. For most criminal offenses, both an act (actus reus) and a culpable mental state (mens rea) must be present. This distinguishes accidental harm from intentional criminal behavior, making intent a crucial element in criminal law.

Question 16: What is the first action an officer must take after noticing a potential break in the chain of custody for a piece of evidence? Policy 401.5 Excerpt: The chain of custody form must be initiated by the collecting officer and signed by every individual who subsequently handles the evidence. Access to the main evidence locker is restricted. Any suspected breach in the chain of custody must be reported to the Shift Supervisor immediately for documentation.

Wait until the end of the shift to file a report.
Correct the form themselves.
Discard the evidence.
Report it to the Shift Supervisor. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Report it to the Shift Supervisor.

The policy provides a clear directive for this situation. Any suspected breach must be reported to the Shift Supervisor immediately to ensure it is properly documented and investigated.

Question 17: Rule: Department vehicles may only be used for official business. Transporting non-department personnel is prohibited unless they are a victim, witness, or suspect in an official investigation. Scenario: Officer Davis finishes his shift and, on his way to the station, stops to pick up his dry cleaning while in his patrol car.

Officer Davis is in compliance because he was on his way back to the station.
Officer Davis is in compliance as long as he did not transport any non-department personnel.
There is not enough information to determine if a violation occurred.
Officer Davis is in violation of the rule. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Officer Davis is in violation of the rule.

Picking up personal dry cleaning is not considered official police business. The rule strictly limits the use of department vehicles to official duties. Therefore, Officer Davis is in violation of the vehicle use policy.

Question 18: During a traffic stop, the driver becomes argumentative and refuses to provide identification. What is your best course of action?

Calmly explain the legal requirement and consequences of noncompliance. (Correct answer)
Ignore their behavior and let them go.
Threaten to tow their vehicle unless they comply.
Order them out of the vehicle immediately.

Correct answer: Calmly explain the legal requirement and consequences of noncompliance.

In domestic disturbance cases, even if the injured party refuses to press charges, officers have a duty to document the injuries and gather evidence. This is crucial for several reasons, including potential future prosecution, ensuring the victim's safety, and complying with mandatory reporting laws for domestic violence incidents. Leaving the scene without documentation could put the victim at further risk.

Question 19: Organize the following events of a suspect arrest and booking into the most logical sequence. (1) The suspect was transported to the county jail. (2) I placed the suspect in handcuffs after advising him he was under arrest. (3) The suspect's personal property was inventoried and secured. (4) I read the suspect his Miranda Rights.

1, 2, 3, 4
4, 2, 1, 3
2, 1, 4, 3
2, 4, 1, 3 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 2, 4, 1, 3

The arrest itself (handcuffing) comes first. Immediately following the arrest, Miranda Rights must be read. Then, the suspect is transported, and the booking process (inventorying property) occurs at the facility.

Question 20: An officer observes that a vehicle has been parked in the same location for three days. What is the MOST important detail to document?

How many times the officer drove past it
Whether the vehicle is clean or dirty
The vehicle's license plate and any changes in its appearance (Correct answer)
The color of the vehicle

Correct answer: The vehicle's license plate and any changes in its appearance

Documenting the license plate and any changes in appearance creates an official record and enables investigators to check the vehicle's registration and owner.

Question 21: Which memory technique is MOST useful for accurately recalling the exact sequence of events during a fast-moving incident?

Waiting 24 hours to allow the memory to consolidate fully
Discussing the incident with colleagues before writing notes
Mental replay — visualizing the incident from beginning to end immediately afterward (Correct answer)
Writing only the final outcome of the incident

Correct answer: Mental replay — visualizing the incident from beginning to end immediately afterward

Mental replay immediately after an incident helps officers accurately reconstruct the sequence of events while details are still fresh and uncontaminated by outside input.

Question 22: Look at this series: 90, 83, 77, 72, 68, __. What number should come next?

65 (Correct answer)
64
66
63

Correct answer: 65

The pattern is to subtract a sequentially decreasing number from each term. First, 7 is subtracted (90-7=83), then 6 is subtracted (83-6=77), then 5 (77-5=72), then 4 (72-4=68). The next step is to subtract 3, so 68-3=65.

Question 23: You observe a suspicious individual for approximately one minute before they flee. Which action is BEST to take immediately after?

Rely on nearby security camera footage instead
Discuss the details with a bystander to confirm your memory
Wait until backup arrives before writing notes
Write down or dictate key details immediately (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Write down or dictate key details immediately

Recording key details immediately after an observation preserves accuracy before human memory begins to fade or distort.

Question 24: Rule: All off-duty officers must secure their service weapon in a locked container when not in their immediate possession. Scenario: Officer Miller is at home watching television in his living room. His service weapon is on the nightstand in his bedroom.

There is not enough information to determine if a violation occurred.
Officer Miller is in violation of the rule. (Correct answer)
Officer Miller is in compliance because the weapon is on private property.
Officer Miller is in compliance because he is in his own home.

Correct answer: Officer Miller is in violation of the rule.

The weapon is not in Officer Miller's immediate possession, as it is in a different room. According to the rule, it must therefore be secured in a locked container, which it is not. This constitutes a violation of the rule.

Question 25: A detective notes that in five recent home burglaries, the suspect only stole prescription medication and small, high-value electronics like phones and tablets. The burglaries all occurred in the early afternoon, and entry was gained by prying open a rear window. Which conclusion is most supported by this pattern?

The city is experiencing a random increase in property crime.
The suspect is likely stealing items that are easily pawned or sold for cash. (Correct answer)
The burglaries are committed by teenagers looking for random items.
The suspect is a professional cat burglar who is difficult to catch.

Correct answer: The suspect is likely stealing items that are easily pawned or sold for cash.

The specific pattern of items stolen (prescription drugs and small electronics) suggests the suspect is targeting items that are easy to carry and sell quickly, possibly to fund a drug habit. The consistent method of entry and time of day further strengthen the conclusion that the crimes are linked and committed by the same person or group.

Question 26: An officer is driving south on Elm St and makes a left turn onto 2nd St. Which direction is the officer now traveling?

South
North
West
East (Correct answer)

Correct answer: East

The map's orientation has north at the top. When traveling south (down), a left turn will always be towards the east (right side of the map). Therefore, the officer is now traveling east.

Question 27: During foot patrol, you notice a broken window in a business that was intact on your previous patrol. What should you do FIRST?

Contact the business owner before calling for backup
Ask a nearby bystander if they saw anything before documenting it
Immediately note the time, location, and condition before taking further action (Correct answer)
Wait until your shift ends and include it in your daily report

Correct answer: Immediately note the time, location, and condition before taking further action

Immediately documenting the time, location, and condition establishes the factual baseline needed for any subsequent investigation or report.

Question 28: Arrange the sentences to describe a logical response to a dispatch call. (1) I interviewed both parties separately to get their statements. (2) I was dispatched to a report of a domestic disturbance. (3) Upon arrival, I separated the two individuals involved. (4) I submitted my report detailing the incident.

3, 2, 1, 4
2, 1, 3, 4
2, 3, 1, 4 (Correct answer)
1, 3, 2, 4

Correct answer: 2, 3, 1, 4

The sequence begins with receiving the call, followed by arriving and taking immediate action to de-escalate (separating parties). Then, the investigation (interviewing) takes place, and the final step is documentation (filing the report).

Question 29: A new library is built at the intersection of Maple St and 3rd St. Which landmark is now located directly north of the new library?

The Bank
The Park
The Courthouse (Correct answer)
The Police Station

Correct answer: The Courthouse

The new library is at Maple St & 3rd St. 'Directly north' means staying on the same north-south street (Maple St) but moving to a street with a lower number. The Courthouse is located at Maple St & 2nd St, which is directly north of the library's location.

Question 30: You respond to a domestic disturbance where one party is visibly injured but refuses to press charges. What should you do?

Ignore the situation and focus on preventing further conflict.
Document the injuries, gather evidence, and report the incident. (Correct answer)
Leave the scene since no charges will be filed.
Insist they press charges before taking further action.

Correct answer: Document the injuries, gather evidence, and report the incident.

The primary purpose of criminal law is to maintain public order, protect citizens from harm, and ensure justice within society. It establishes rules of conduct, defines crimes, and prescribes punishments for those who violate these laws. This framework aims to deter criminal behavior and uphold the safety and well-being of the community.

Question 31: Reference Chart: A bar chart shows arrests by shift for the first quarter: Day Shift - 120 arrests, Evening Shift - 150 arrests, Night Shift - 90 arrests. What was the total number of arrests made across all three shifts?

360 (Correct answer)
390
270
330

Correct answer: 360

To find the total number of arrests, you must add the number of arrests from each shift together. The calculation is 120 (Day) + 150 (Evening) + 90 (Night), which equals 360.

Question 32: Read the following report and identify the main problem: 'Officer Diaz is on patrol and observes two teenagers on a street corner. As his car approaches, they exchange a small plastic bag for cash. When the teenagers see his patrol car, they immediately walk away in opposite directions.'

A report of two suspicious persons.
Two friends are exchanging money.
An observation of a probable narcotics transaction. (Correct answer)
Two teenagers are loitering on a street corner.

Correct answer: An observation of a probable narcotics transaction.

The officer witnessed actions that are highly indicative of a street-level narcotics transaction: the exchange of a small bag for cash and the evasive behavior upon seeing law enforcement. This observation forms the basis of the problem, which is a likely illegal drug deal.

Question 33: What is the primary purpose of criminal law?

To punish offenders without regard for justice
To resolve civil disputes between individuals
To maintain public order and protect society (Correct answer)
To impose personal moral beliefs

Correct answer: To maintain public order and protect society

Criminal law establishes rules to ensure safety, order, and justice within a community by defining and punishing unlawful acts.

Question 34: While patrolling, you find a wallet with $500 in cash but no identification. What is the most professional action to take?

Hold onto it until someone comes looking for it.
Turn it over to your supervisor or lost-and-found immediately. (Correct answer)
Ask nearby businesses if they know who might have lost it.
Keep the money since no one can claim it.

Correct answer: Turn it over to your supervisor or lost-and-found immediately.

As a law enforcement officer, maintaining integrity and transparency is paramount. Turning over found property, especially cash, to your supervisor or a designated lost-and-found immediately ensures proper procedure is followed and prevents any appearance of impropriety. This action upholds ethical standards and increases the likelihood of the property being returned to its rightful owner.

Question 35: Rule: Officers are required to complete a Use of Force report whenever they use physical force that is more than 'soft empty hand control' used for escorting or handcuffing a compliant subject. Scenario: A protestor goes limp and refuses to walk. Officer Rodriguez has to physically lift and carry the protestor to his patrol car.

Officer Rodriguez does not need to complete a report because no one was injured.
Officer Rodriguez does not need to complete a report because the protestor was non-violent.
Officer Rodriguez must complete a Use of Force report. (Correct answer)
Officer Rodriguez only needs to complete a report if the protestor files a complaint.

Correct answer: Officer Rodriguez must complete a Use of Force report.

Physically lifting and carrying a non-compliant person is a use of force that goes beyond 'soft empty hand control' on a compliant subject. The subject is non-compliant, and the force used is significant. Therefore, a Use of Force report is required.

Question 36: You are a police officer responding to a noise complaint. When you arrive, the residents are agitated and uncooperative. What should you do?

Calmly explain the reason for your visit and listen to their concerns. (Correct answer)
Threaten to arrest them if they don’t comply.
Leave the scene and report the issue later.
Demand compliance using a firm tone.

Correct answer: Calmly explain the reason for your visit and listen to their concerns.

Police officers have a duty to intervene and report any misconduct, especially the use of excessive force. Ignoring such behavior or waiting to address it privately compromises ethical standards and accountability within the force. Immediate intervention protects the suspect and upholds the integrity of law enforcement.

Question 37: While on patrol, you observe a man walking quickly away from a bank. Which observation is MOST important to note?

The color of his shoes
The direction he is walking
His approximate age
A bulge under his jacket consistent with a weapon (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A bulge under his jacket consistent with a weapon

A visible bulge consistent with a weapon is the most critical safety observation and requires immediate attention and appropriate response.

Question 38: Which of the following is a complete and correctly punctuated sentence?

Arrived on scene to find the suspect.
I arrived on the scene, and I saw the suspect fleeing. (Correct answer)
After I arrived on scene, I saw the suspect, he was fleeing.
The suspect fled I gave chase.

Correct answer: I arrived on the scene, and I saw the suspect fleeing.

This is a complete sentence with a subject ('I') and a verb ('arrived', 'saw'). The comma correctly separates the two independent clauses joined by the conjunction 'and'. The other options are a run-on sentence, a fragment, and have incorrect comma usage.

Question 39: What is the primary direction of travel when going from the Park to the Courthouse?

Southeast
Southwest
Northeast (Correct answer)
Northwest

Correct answer: Northeast

The Park is at Oak Ave & 3rd St. The Courthouse is at Maple St & 2nd St. To get there, one must travel north (from 3rd to 2nd St) and east (from Oak to Maple Ave). This combined direction is northeast.

Question 40: Using the incident report table, which month had the lowest number of reported Vandalism incidents?

February
January and March were equal
January
March (Correct answer)

Correct answer: March

Locate the 'Vandalism' row in the table. Compare the values for each month: January (30), February (35), and March (28). The lowest of these three values is 28, which occurred in March.

Question 41: An officer observes a vehicle at a crime scene and must later identify it. Which detail is MOST useful?

The vehicle's cleanliness
The number of occupants
The approximate age of the vehicle
The license plate number (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The license plate number

The license plate number is the most unique identifier for a vehicle and is essential for tracking, registration checks, and identification.

Question 42: Based on Department Policy 401.5, which of the following items should be used to package a bloody shirt collected as evidence? Policy 401.5 Excerpt: All collected evidence must be immediately secured. Biological evidence must be packaged in breathable paper bags, never plastic, to prevent degradation. All items must be logged into the evidence tracking system before the end of the officer's shift. Access to the main evidence locker is restricted to the Evidence Custodian and the on-duty Shift Supervisor.

A sealed plastic evidence bag.
The officer's duty bag until the end of shift.
A standard cardboard box.
A breathable paper bag. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A breathable paper bag.

The policy explicitly states that biological evidence, such as a bloody shirt, must be packaged in breathable paper bags. Using plastic can trap moisture and lead to the degradation of crucial biological material.

Question 43: Organize the following sentences to create a logical narrative of an investigation. (1) The evidence collected at the scene was sent to the crime lab for analysis. (2) Based on the lab results and witness statements, an arrest warrant was issued. (3) Officers responded to a burglary alarm at a local business. (4) A neighborhood canvass located a witness who saw a suspicious vehicle.

3, 1, 4, 2
3, 4, 1, 2 (Correct answer)
1, 4, 2, 3
4, 3, 1, 2

Correct answer: 3, 4, 1, 2

The narrative begins with the initial call for service. The on-scene investigation follows, which includes searching for witnesses. Evidence is then processed, and the results of that processing lead to the final step of securing a warrant.

Question 44: When recalling details from a crime scene, which memory technique is most effective?

Memorizing only the most unusual items
Using a systematic scan from one area to another (Correct answer)
Focusing exclusively on the center of the scene
Recalling only what seems relevant at the time

Correct answer: Using a systematic scan from one area to another

A systematic scanning technique ensures all areas are observed in an organized way, reducing the likelihood of overlooking critical details.

Question 45: Rule: An officer may only make a warrantless arrest for a misdemeanor if the offense was committed in the officer's presence. Scenario: An officer arrives at a scene where two drivers are arguing. Driver A claims Driver B ran a red light and hit him. Driver B claims Driver A was speeding. The officer did not witness the accident.

The officer must arrest the driver who is determined to be at fault.
The officer can arrest Driver B based on Driver A's statement.
The officer cannot make a warrantless arrest for the traffic offense. (Correct answer)
The officer can arrest both drivers for disorderly conduct.

Correct answer: The officer cannot make a warrantless arrest for the traffic offense.

Running a red light is a misdemeanor traffic offense. Since the officer did not personally witness the alleged offense, they cannot make a warrantless arrest based on the rule provided. The officer can investigate and issue citations, but not arrest on-scene for the misdemeanor.

Question 46: Look at this series: 4, 5, 7, 10, 14, __. What number should come next?

19 (Correct answer)
17
20
18

Correct answer: 19

The pattern is to add a sequentially increasing number to each term. First, 1 is added (4+1=5), then 2 is added (5+2=7), then 3 is added (7+3=10), and then 4 is added (10+4=14). The next step is to add 5, so 14+5=19.

Question 47: While responding to a domestic disturbance, both parties are yelling at each other. What is the best approach?

Immediately arrest both parties for creating a disturbance
Take one person outside to de-escalate the situation (Correct answer)
Leave the scene if no physical violence is occurring
Join the argument to show authority

Correct answer: Take one person outside to de-escalate the situation

In a domestic disturbance where both parties are yelling, separating them is a crucial de-escalation technique. This allows officers to speak with each individual calmly, gather information without interruption, and reduce the immediate tension. It helps prevent the situation from escalating further and facilitates a more effective resolution.

Question 48: While on patrol, you witness a fellow officer using excessive force on a suspect. What is the appropriate action?

Join in to support your colleague.
Immediately intervene and report the incident to your supervisor. (Correct answer)
Ignore the behavior to avoid conflict.
Wait until the situation is over to discuss it with the officer privately.

Correct answer: Immediately intervene and report the incident to your supervisor.

Upon witnessing a suspect fleeing from a burglary in progress, the immediate priority is to ensure officer safety and coordinate an effective response. Calling for backup while observing the suspect's direction allows for a safer and more coordinated pursuit, increasing the chances of apprehension and minimizing risks. Securing the scene or searching the area first would delay the pursuit of an active suspect.

Question 49: An officer responds to a burglary. Which observation from the scene would be LEAST useful in a follow-up investigation?

Any footprints or tool marks left behind
The specific items reported missing
Whether the weather was cold that day (Correct answer)
The point of entry used by the burglar

Correct answer: Whether the weather was cold that day

Weather conditions are rarely relevant to a burglary investigation unless they directly affected physical evidence such as footprints in snow.

Question 50: Which sentence uses the correct word?

The suspects left there vehicle and fled.
There going to leave their car over they're.
They're waiting for their ride to get there. (Correct answer)
The officers put on they're gear.

Correct answer: They're waiting for their ride to get there.

This sentence correctly uses 'their' as a possessive pronoun, 'there' to indicate a location, and 'they're' as a contraction for 'they are'. The other options incorrectly interchange these commonly confused words.

Question 51: Using the same arrest chart data (Day: 120, Evening: 150, Night: 90), how many more arrests were made by the Evening Shift compared to the Night Shift?

90
150
60 (Correct answer)
30

Correct answer: 60

This question requires comparing the values for the Evening Shift and the Night Shift. Subtract the number of Night Shift arrests from the number of Evening Shift arrests: 150 - 90 = 60.

Question 52: Read the following report and identify the main problem: 'An elderly man calls 911, sounding confused. He states that he does not know where he is, but he can see a sign for 'Route 7' and a large red barn. He says he was supposed to be driving to the grocery store but got lost and his phone's battery is about to die.'

A driver needs directions to the grocery store.
A report of a broken-down vehicle on Route 7.
A search for a missing/endangered adult. (Correct answer)
A complaint about poor cell phone service.

Correct answer: A search for a missing/endangered adult.

The primary problem is the immediate need to locate a vulnerable person (elderly, confused) who is lost and about to lose his only means of communication. This is a time-sensitive situation requiring a search and welfare check, not just a traffic issue. His safety is the main concern.

Question 53: Which of the following sentences is the most clearly written and grammatically correct for an incident report?

The driver of the vehicle were unable to provide a drivers license.
The driver of the vehicle was unable to provide a driver's license. (Correct answer)
The vehicles driver couldn't find his drivers license.
I made contact with the driver, who advised me he was unable to locate his license.

Correct answer: The driver of the vehicle was unable to provide a driver's license.

This sentence is the most professional and clear. It uses correct subject-verb agreement ('driver was'), avoids jargon, and is concise. The other options contain errors in agreement, spelling, or clarity.

Question 54: An officer starts at the Police Station, drives 2 blocks east, and then 2 blocks south. Where is the officer's final location?

The Courthouse
The intersection of Maple St & 3rd St
The Park
The Bank (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The Bank

The Police Station is at Oak Ave & 1st St. Driving 2 blocks east moves the officer from Oak Ave to Elm St, while staying on 1st St. Driving 2 blocks south from there moves the officer from 1st St to 3rd St. The final location is the intersection of Elm St & 3rd St, which is the Bank.

Question 55: Arrange the following sentences into the most logical sequence for an incident report about a traffic stop. (1) I approached the driver and explained the reason for the stop. (2) I observed a blue sedan traveling 20 mph over the speed limit. (3) I issued the driver a citation for speeding. (4) I initiated a traffic stop by activating my emergency lights.

2, 4, 1, 3 (Correct answer)
4, 2, 1, 3
2, 1, 4, 3
1, 2, 4, 3

Correct answer: 2, 4, 1, 3

The logical sequence of a traffic stop begins with the observation of a violation, followed by initiating the stop, making contact with the driver, and finally taking enforcement action. Therefore, the correct order is 2, 4, 1, 3.

Question 56: Place the following events of a foot pursuit in the correct chronological order. (1) The suspect ignored my commands and began running. (2) I observed an individual matching the description of a robbery suspect. (3) After a brief chase, I apprehended the suspect and placed him in custody. (4) I exited my vehicle and ordered the individual to stop.

4, 1, 2, 3
2, 4, 1, 3 (Correct answer)
1, 2, 4, 3
2, 1, 4, 3

Correct answer: 2, 4, 1, 3

The sequence starts with the initial observation of the suspect. This is followed by the officer's action of making contact, the suspect's reaction of fleeing, and the final outcome of the pursuit and apprehension.

Question 57: According to Policy 401.5, who is permitted to access the main evidence locker besides the Evidence Custodian? Policy 401.5 Excerpt: All items must be logged into the evidence tracking system before the end of the officer's shift. The chain of custody form must be initiated by the collecting officer. Access to the main evidence locker is restricted to the Evidence Custodian and the on-duty Shift Supervisor. Any suspected breach in the chain of custody must be reported immediately.

Any sworn officer on duty.
The on-duty Shift Supervisor. (Correct answer)
The Chief of Police.
The collecting officer.

Correct answer: The on-duty Shift Supervisor.

The policy clearly lists only two roles with authorized access to the main evidence locker: the Evidence Custodian and the on-duty Shift Supervisor. The collecting officer has responsibility for the evidence initially but not for locker access.

Question 58: An officer must recall the license plate '7KBZ214' from a fleeing vehicle. Which memory grouping is MOST effective?

7KB-Z214 (two meaningful chunks) (Correct answer)
Z214-7KB (reversed for better recall)
7KBZZ14 (grouping similar-looking characters)
7-K-B-Z-2-1-4 (each character separately)

Correct answer: 7KB-Z214 (two meaningful chunks)

Chunking the plate into two groups (7KB-Z214) reduces cognitive load and is proven to improve accurate short-term recall of alphanumeric strings.

Question 59: Read the following report and identify the main problem: 'A restaurant manager called to report that a customer is refusing to pay his $50 bill. The customer claims the food was unsatisfactory. The manager has asked the customer to pay or leave, but the customer is refusing to do either and is causing a scene.'

A civil dispute over payment that has created a disturbance. (Correct answer)
A robbery has occurred at the restaurant.
A customer is complaining about poor food quality.
A customer is trespassing in the restaurant.

Correct answer: A civil dispute over payment that has created a disturbance.

This is not a simple theft, as the customer is still present and stating a reason for non-payment. The problem is a civil dispute over service quality that has escalated into a disturbance, requiring an officer to mediate and keep the peace, a situation often referred to as 'defrauding an innkeeper.'

Question 60: Reference Table: Monthly Incident Reports Type | Jan | Feb | Mar Theft | 45 | 38 | 52 Assault | 22 | 25 | 20 Vandalism | 30 | 35 | 28 Traffic | 60 | 55 | 65 According to the table, what was the total number of incidents reported in January?

153
157 (Correct answer)
155
165

Correct answer: 157

To find the total for January, you must sum all the values in the 'Jan' column. The calculation is 45 (Theft) + 22 (Assault) + 30 (Vandalism) + 60 (Traffic), which equals 157.

Question 61: Look at this series: Z, X, U, Q, L, __. What letter should come next?

G
H
E
F (Correct answer)

Correct answer: F

The pattern is to skip an increasing number of letters in reverse alphabetical order. Z to X skips 1 letter (Y). X to U skips 2 letters (W, V). U to Q skips 3 letters (T, S, R). Q to L skips 4 letters (P, O, N, M). The next step is to skip 5 letters (K, J, I, H, G), which leads to F.

Question 62: Read the following report and identify the main problem: 'Dispatch received a call from a woman who stated a man in a blue van has been parked across the street from a local elementary school for the past hour. The man has not exited the vehicle. School is scheduled to be dismissed in 30 minutes, and the caller is concerned.'

A vehicle is illegally parked near a school.
A routine traffic complaint.
A report of a suspicious vehicle/person requiring a welfare check. (Correct answer)
A potential kidnapping that is already in progress.

Correct answer: A report of a suspicious vehicle/person requiring a welfare check.

The central problem is the presence of an unknown individual in a vehicle near a school, which is perceived as suspicious behavior. The context (near a school, close to dismissal time) elevates this from a simple parking complaint to a potential threat that requires an immediate welfare check by an officer.

Question 63: A community reports increased car break-ins at night. What is the first step in solving this problem?

Install cameras without notifying residents
Assume it is a common occurrence and take no action
Increase patrols and monitor the area for unusual activity (Correct answer)
Arrest anyone acting suspiciously in the area

Correct answer: Increase patrols and monitor the area for unusual activity

The first step in addressing increased car break-ins is to gather information and establish a visible presence. Increasing patrols and monitoring the area allows officers to observe patterns, identify suspicious activity, and potentially deter criminals. This proactive approach helps in understanding the problem before implementing more drastic measures like arrests or camera installations.

Question 64: You are dispatched to a burglary in progress. Upon arrival, you see someone matching the suspect’s description running away. What should you do first?

Search the area thoroughly before taking any action.
Call for backup while observing the suspect’s direction. (Correct answer)
Chase the suspect immediately.
Secure the scene and gather information before pursuing.

Correct answer: Call for backup while observing the suspect’s direction.

When a driver becomes argumentative and refuses identification, the officer should remain calm and clearly communicate the legal requirements. Explaining the law and the potential consequences of noncompliance can often de-escalate the situation and encourage cooperation. Threatening or ignoring the behavior are not professional or effective approaches.

Question 65: Which of the following best demonstrates professionalism during a high-stress situation?

Avoiding conflict to keep the peace
Asserting authority by raising your voice
Remaining calm, focused, and respectful while managing the situation (Correct answer)
Reacting emotionally to diffuse tension

Correct answer: Remaining calm, focused, and respectful while managing the situation

In high-stress situations, a professional law enforcement officer must remain calm, focused, and respectful. This approach helps de-escalate tension, maintain control, and ensure that decisions are made rationally rather than emotionally. Reacting emotionally or asserting authority aggressively can often exacerbate a situation, while a calm demeanor fosters cooperation and trust.

Question 66: Rule: Officers must activate their body-worn camera (BWC) prior to initiating any law enforcement-related encounter. The BWC may be deactivated once the encounter has concluded. Scenario: Officer Chen is dispatched to a noise complaint. He activates his BWC as he gets out of his patrol car and walks toward the house.

Officer Chen is in violation because a noise complaint does not require BWC activation.
Officer Chen is following the rule correctly. (Correct answer)
Officer Chen is in violation because he should have activated it when he received the call.
Officer Chen is following the rule only if he makes an arrest.

Correct answer: Officer Chen is following the rule correctly.

Responding to a dispatch call for a noise complaint is a law enforcement-related encounter. By activating his camera before he makes contact with any individuals at the house, Officer Chen is following the rule correctly. He is activating it prior to initiating the encounter.

Question 67: While scanning a crowd for suspicious activity, an officer notices someone who avoids eye contact and changes direction when the officer approaches. What should the officer primarily note?

The individual's clothing color
The individual's approximate weight
The number of people near the individual
The individual's behavior pattern (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The individual's behavior pattern

Behavior patterns such as avoiding eye contact and redirecting away from the officer are primary indicators of suspicious activity worth documenting and monitoring.

Question 68: Using the same incident report table, how many more theft incidents were reported in March than in February?

14 (Correct answer)
7
12
24

Correct answer: 14

First, find the number of theft incidents for March (52) and February (38). Then, subtract the February value from the March value to find the difference: 52 - 38 = 14.

Question 69: An officer responds to three separate medical calls at a local factory this week. The first was for a worker who fainted, the second for a worker with severe dizziness, and the third for a worker with difficulty breathing. All three were working in the same sealed paint room. What is the most likely conclusion?

The workers have unrelated, coincidental medical issues.
There may be an environmental hazard, like a gas leak, in the paint room. (Correct answer)
The factory's workers are generally in poor health.
The factory has a high rate of workplace accidents.

Correct answer: There may be an environmental hazard, like a gas leak, in the paint room.

The common factors are the location (paint room) and the similar respiratory/neurological symptoms (fainting, dizziness, breathing difficulty). This pattern strongly suggests an environmental cause, such as a chemical leak or poor ventilation, affecting the workers in that specific area.

Question 70: Reference Map: North-South streets are Oak Ave, Maple St, and Elm St (from west to east). East-West streets are 1st St, 2nd St, and 3rd St (from north to south). The Police Station is at Oak Ave & 1st St. The Courthouse is at Maple St & 2nd St. The Bank is at Elm St & 3rd St. The Park is at Oak Ave & 3rd St. What is the most direct driving route from the Police Station to the Bank?

East on 1st St to Maple St, then south on Maple St to 3rd St.
East on 1st St to Elm St, then south on Elm St to 3rd St. (Correct answer)
South on Oak Ave to 2nd St, then east on 2nd St to Elm St, then south on Elm St to 3rd St.
South on Maple St to 3rd St, then west on 3rd St to Oak Ave.

Correct answer: East on 1st St to Elm St, then south on Elm St to 3rd St.

The Police Station is at the northwest corner (Oak & 1st) and the Bank is at the southeast corner (Elm & 3rd). The most direct route involves traveling two blocks east and two blocks south. Traveling south on Oak Ave to 3rd St, then east on 3rd St to Elm St covers this distance efficiently.

Question 71: Which of the following is NOT considered a defense to a criminal charge?

Insanity
Entrapment
Voluntary intoxication (Correct answer)
Self-defense

Correct answer: Voluntary intoxication

Voluntary intoxication is generally not considered a valid defense to a criminal charge because it is a self-induced state. While it might negate specific intent for some crimes, it typically does not excuse criminal behavior. Defenses like self-defense, entrapment, and insanity, however, argue that the defendant lacked culpability or acted under specific circumstances that justify their actions.

Question 72: An officer collects evidence at 3:00 PM and their shift ends at 11:00 PM. According to Policy 401.5, when is the latest the evidence must be logged into the tracking system? Policy 401.5 Excerpt: All collected evidence must be immediately secured by the collecting officer. Biological evidence must be packaged in breathable paper bags. All items must be logged into the evidence tracking system before the end of the officer's shift. The chain of custody form must be initiated by the collecting officer.

Immediately upon collection.
Within one hour of collection.
Before the end of the officer's shift. (Correct answer)
Within 24 hours of collection.

Correct answer: Before the end of the officer's shift.

The policy mandates that all evidence items must be logged into the system 'before the end of the officer's shift.' This ensures timely documentation and accountability for all collected items.

Question 73: Who is responsible for starting the chain of custody form for a piece of evidence? Policy 401.5 Excerpt: All collected evidence must be immediately secured by the collecting officer. All items must be logged into the evidence tracking system. The chain of custody form must be initiated by the collecting officer and signed by every individual who subsequently handles the evidence.

The Evidence Custodian.
The on-duty Shift Supervisor.
The first officer to sign the log book.
The collecting officer. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The collecting officer.

The policy explicitly states that the chain of custody form 'must be initiated by the collecting officer.' This places the initial responsibility for documentation on the officer who first recovered the evidence.

Question 74: After completing an arrest, an officer is writing an incident report. Which approach BEST reflects proper use of observation in report writing?

Including personal opinions about the suspect's demeanor
Including reasonable speculation about the suspect's motives
Summarizing events based on the most probable scenario
Documenting only what the officer can personally verify through direct observation (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Documenting only what the officer can personally verify through direct observation

Effective police reports are based solely on directly observed facts, which ensures accuracy, credibility, and admissibility in legal proceedings.

Question 75: Place the following steps for processing a crime scene in the most logical order. (1) Photograph the scene in its original state. (2) Secure the perimeter and establish a single point of entry/exit. (3) Collect and package all items of evidentiary value. (4) Conduct a systematic search for evidence.

1, 2, 4, 3
2, 4, 1, 3
3, 4, 1, 2
2, 1, 4, 3 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 2, 1, 4, 3

The first priority at any crime scene is to secure it to prevent contamination. Next, the scene must be documented (photographed) before anything is moved. Then, a search is conducted, and finally, evidence is collected.

Question 76: Read the following report and identify the main problem: 'Officer Miller responded to 125 Maple Ave. The homeowner, Mr. Jones, stated that his neighbor's large dog has been getting into his yard and digging up his garden. Mr. Jones has spoken to the neighbor, who apologized but has not fixed the broken fence panel the dog is using to get through.'

A simple violation of a local leash law.
A report of a potentially dangerous animal.
A dog is digging in a garden.
An ongoing neighbor dispute over an unsecured animal and property damage. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: An ongoing neighbor dispute over an unsecured animal and property damage.

The core issue is not just the dog's behavior but the neighbor's failure to correct the problem that allows it to happen (the broken fence). This makes it a recurring civil issue between neighbors over property damage and animal control. The officer's role would be to address this ongoing, unresolved dispute.

Question 77: The primary purpose of packaging biological evidence in paper, as stated in the policy, is to: Policy 401.5 Excerpt: Biological evidence must be packaged in breathable paper bags, never plastic, to prevent degradation. All items must be logged into the evidence tracking system before the end of the officer's shift.

Make it easier to transport.
Reduce department costs.
Prevent degradation. (Correct answer)
Ensure it fits in the evidence locker.

Correct answer: Prevent degradation.

The policy directly links the use of breathable paper bags to the goal of preventing degradation. This method allows moisture to evaporate, preserving the integrity of the biological sample for later analysis.

Question 78: A neighborhood has ongoing complaints about loud parties late at night. What is the most effective way to address this issue?

Shut down all events in the area to prevent further complaints
Write citations for anyone hosting a party
Work with residents to educate them on local noise ordinances (Correct answer)
Ignore the issue since it doesn’t involve major crimes

Correct answer: Work with residents to educate them on local noise ordinances

Addressing ongoing complaints about loud parties effectively involves community engagement and education. Working with residents to inform them about local noise ordinances can lead to voluntary compliance and a better understanding of community expectations. This approach fosters positive police-community relations and can resolve issues without immediately resorting to punitive measures.

Question 79: Rule: Any evidence collected at a crime scene must be logged on an evidence form and placed in a sealed evidence bag before the end of the officer's shift. Scenario: Officer Smith collects a knife at a crime scene at 2 PM. His shift ends at 4 PM. He places the knife in a sealed evidence bag but decides to fill out the log form the next morning to be more thorough.

Officer Smith is only in violation if the evidence is lost.
Officer Smith is in violation of the rule. (Correct answer)
Officer Smith is in compliance because being thorough is more important than the deadline.
Officer Smith is in compliance because the evidence was properly sealed.

Correct answer: Officer Smith is in violation of the rule.

The rule has two requirements: the evidence must be logged and it must be sealed before the end of the shift. By failing to complete the evidence log form before his shift ended, Officer Smith violated the procedure. Both actions were required.

Question 80: Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?

The officers who were on scene secured the perimeter. (Correct answer)
Each of the suspects have a criminal record.
The team of officers were the first to arrive.
The witness, as well as the victim, were transported to the station.

Correct answer: The officers who were on scene secured the perimeter.

This sentence correctly uses the plural subject 'officers' with the plural verb 'were'. It also correctly uses the pronoun 'who' to refer to the officers. The other options have subject-verb agreement errors or incorrect pronoun usage.

National Criminal Justice Officer Selection Inventory (NCJOSI2)

The NCJOSI2 is a pre-employment cognitive ability test developed by IO Solutions for law enforcement agencies. It evaluates candidates across 10 subject areas including reading comprehension, reasoning, situational judgment, and basic criminal law knowledge.

Questions

150 min

Time Limit

70%

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