Free QPSea Report Writing Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Scenario: You attend a minor traffic collision. The driver of Vehicle 1, John Smith, is shouting and waving his arms. Which is the most professional way to describe his demeanor in your report?
- The driver was clearly very angry and out of control.
- The driver, John Smith, spoke in a raised voice and made expansive hand gestures. (Correct answer)
- Mr. Smith was acting aggressively and was probably at fault.
- The male driver appeared hysterical and irrational.
Correct answer: The driver, John Smith, spoke in a raised voice and made expansive hand gestures.
Police reports must be objective and factual. Describing specific actions ('spoke in a raised voice', 'made expansive hand gestures') is objective. Using subjective labels like 'angry', 'hysterical', or 'aggressive' introduces opinion and should be avoided.
Question 2: Scenario: Vehicle 2 has damage to the front passenger door. How should you describe this in your report?
- The car was totally wrecked on the passenger side.
- The vehicle sustained significant damage to its front end.
- The red hatchback had a large dent in the front passenger-side door and a broken side mirror. (Correct answer)
- The car looked like it had been hit hard on the side.
Correct answer: The red hatchback had a large dent in the front passenger-side door and a broken side mirror.
Clarity and specificity are crucial in report writing. Vague terms like 'wrecked' or 'significant damage' are unhelpful. Stating the exact location and nature of the damage provides a clear, factual record.
Question 3: Scenario: A witness states, "The blue car definitely ran the red light." How should this be documented in the report?
- It was confirmed by a witness that the blue car ran the red light.
- A witness stated that Vehicle 1 proceeded through a red traffic signal. (Correct answer)
- A witness accused the driver of Vehicle 1 of breaking the law.
- The cause of the collision was Vehicle 1 failing to stop at a red light.
Correct answer: A witness stated that Vehicle 1 proceeded through a red traffic signal.
A witness statement is evidence, but it is not confirmed fact until proven. The report should accurately reflect what was said without presenting it as an undeniable truth. Paraphrasing accurately ('proceeded through a red traffic signal') is a professional way to record this.
Question 4: Scenario: It is raining lightly at the collision scene. Which statement is most appropriate for the report?
- The weather was miserable, which made conditions dangerous.
- The collision was likely caused by the poor weather.
- Weather conditions at the scene were overcast with light rain, and the road surface was wet. (Correct answer)
- It was raining at the time of the incident.
Correct answer: Weather conditions at the scene were overcast with light rain, and the road surface was wet.
The report should include relevant conditions that might have contributed to the incident. The best answer is factual, precise, and notes the effect of the weather (wet road surface) without drawing conclusions about causation.
Question 5: Which is the best opening sentence for a police report summary about the traffic collision?
- This report details a traffic accident between two vehicles.
- At approximately 14:30 hours on 15/07/2023, I was dispatched to a two-vehicle traffic collision at the intersection of Main St and High St. (Correct answer)
- John Smith and Jane Doe were involved in a car crash on Tuesday afternoon.
- On the date in question, a blue sedan and a red hatchback collided.
Correct answer: At approximately 14:30 hours on 15/07/2023, I was dispatched to a two-vehicle traffic collision at the intersection of Main St and High St.
A strong opening sentence should be a concise summary of the key facts: who, what, where, and when. This option provides the time, date, nature of the incident, and location, giving the reader immediate context.
Question 6: Which of the following statements is INAPPROPRIATE for a police report because it is based on opinion rather than fact?
- I observed a strong smell of alcohol on the driver's breath.
- The driver of Vehicle 2 was obviously lying about her speed. (Correct answer)
- The driver of Vehicle 1 stated he was not injured.
- A road-side breath test was administered to both drivers.
Correct answer: The driver of Vehicle 2 was obviously lying about her speed.
Police reports must be based on observable facts and direct statements. Stating that someone is 'obviously lying' is a conclusion and an opinion, not an observation. An officer should report on the person's statements and any conflicting evidence, but not on their perceived truthfulness.
Question 7: Scenario: The driver of Vehicle 2, Jane Doe, refuses to provide her driver's license when you request it. How should you document this?
- Ms. Doe was being difficult and uncooperative.
- The driver had a bad attitude and wouldn't show me her license.
- When requested, Jane Doe failed to produce her driver's license for inspection. (Correct answer)
- Jane Doe illegally refused to provide her identification.
Correct answer: When requested, Jane Doe failed to produce her driver's license for inspection.
The most professional and objective way to report this is to state the facts of the event. 'Failed to produce' is neutral, factual language that describes the action (or lack thereof) without adding subjective or emotional commentary like 'uncooperative' or 'bad attitude'.
Free QPSea Report Writing Questions and Answers 1
Scenario: You attend a minor traffic collision.
The driver of Vehicle 1, John Smith, is shouting and waving his arms.
Which is the most professional way to describe his demeanor in your report?