Situational Judgment Flashcards

You arrive at a domestic disturbance call and find both parties calm. The caller is no longer present. What is the most appropriate first action?

Answer: Identify yourself and ask both parties what happened

Identifying yourself and gathering information is the appropriate first step even when a scene is calm.

While on patrol you observe a driver run a red light but no collision occurs. What should you do?

Answer: Initiate a traffic stop and address the violation

Running a red light is a traffic violation that warrants a stop regardless of whether an accident occurred.

A citizen approaches you and hands you an envelope of cash, saying it is a 'thank you' for your service. What should you do?

Answer: Politely decline and explain officers cannot accept cash gifts

Officers must decline cash gifts to maintain integrity and comply with department ethics policies.

You are processing paperwork when a citizen rushes in reporting a crime in progress nearby. What is the most appropriate response?

Answer: Stop your paperwork and respond to assess the situation

An in-progress crime is an immediate priority that supersedes routine paperwork.

You stop a motorist and notice the driver matches the description of a suspect from an earlier robbery. What should you do?

Answer: Detain the driver, run their information, and notify dispatch of the potential match

Detaining the driver to verify identity and notifying dispatch is the proper procedure when there is reasonable suspicion.

Your supervisor orders you to do something that you believe violates department policy. What should you do?

Answer: Respectfully express your concern and document the order and your objection

Officers have a professional obligation to raise concerns about potentially improper orders through appropriate channels.