FREE SHERIFF Observation and Memory Recall Questions and Answers

Question 1

You are dispatched to a silent alarm at a jewelry store at 1422 W.
Oak Street.
Upon arrival, you observe a white panel van with no side windows parked 50 feet past the store's entrance.
The van has a notable large dent on the rear passenger-side door and a license plate of 7-KING-ADAM-3-8-1.
A man in a green jacket exits the store, sees your patrol car, and runs east on Oak Street.
He drops a red pry bar on the sidewalk as he flees.
Based on the information provided, which of the following details accurately describes the suspect vehicle?

Accepted Answer

A white panel van with license plate 7-KING-ADAM-3-8-1.

Answer

A white van with a dent on the rear driver-side door.

Answer

A white van parked directly in front of 1422 W. Oak Street.

Answer

A panel van with a red pry bar visible inside.

Question 2

While on patrol, you observe a vehicle matching the description of one used in a recent armed robbery. The BOLO (Be On the Look Out) alert emphasized the suspects were armed and dangerous. As you follow the vehicle waiting for backup, which of the following is the MOST critical piece of information to observe and relay to dispatch?

Accepted Answer

The number of occupants and their movements inside the vehicle.

Answer

The driver's style of driving (e.g., aggressive, slow).

Answer

The make and model of a car driving in front of the suspect vehicle.

Answer

A minor traffic infraction committed by the suspect vehicle, like failing to signal.

Question 3

When interviewing a witness immediately after a stressful, high-threat event involving a weapon, a deputy should be aware that the witness's memory of specific details may be affected. Which of the following is a well-documented phenomenon in such situations?

Accepted Answer

The witness's memory of the primary threat (e.g., a weapon) may be enhanced, while memory of the suspect's facial features may be diminished.

Answer

Witnesses typically recall non-threatening background details with perfect clarity.

Answer

The witness will have a better recollection of events if interviewed several days later.

Answer

Stress and fear almost always improve the accuracy and completeness of memory recall for all aspects of the event.

Question 4

An incident report describes a person of interest as follows: 'A male, approximately 5'8", with a thin build, short brown hair, a scar above his right eyebrow, and wearing a black t-shirt with a small white logo on the left chest.' Which of the following statements most accurately reflects this description?

Accepted Answer

The person of interest is a thinly built male, 5'8" tall, with a scar above his right eyebrow.

Answer

The person of interest is a male of average height, with a scar over his left eyebrow.

Answer

The person of interest is a male with short brown hair, a thin build, and a large white logo on his t-shirt.

Answer

The person of interest is 5'8" tall, with short black hair and a scar on his right cheek.

Question 5

You arrive at a residence in response to a 'check the welfare' call. Looking through the front window, you see a television is on, an overturned lamp is on the floor next to a sofa, and a half-full coffee mug is on the end table. Based only on these visual cues, which of the following is a direct observation, not an inference?

Accepted Answer

An overturned lamp is on the floor.

Answer

A struggle occurred inside the residence.

Answer

The resident left in a hurry.

Answer

The resident was recently watching television.

Question 6

Read the following narrative: 'Deputy Smith arrived on scene and first spoke with the complainant, who was waiting by the curb. He then approached the front door of the residence and knocked. After receiving no answer, he walked the perimeter of the house. Finally, he contacted his sergeant to provide an update before re-interviewing the complainant.' What was the deputy's third action in this sequence?

Accepted Answer

Walking the perimeter of the house.

Answer

Contacting his sergeant.

Answer

Re-interviewing the complainant.

Answer

Speaking with the complainant for the first time.