IPAT Situational Judgement 6

Question 1

You receive a call about a person threatening self-harm. What is your priority?

Accepted Answer

Get to the person as quickly as possible, keep them talking, and call for medical assistance

Answer

Threats of self-harm must be treated as genuine and urgent. The priority is to reach the person, maintain communication, and secure medical support.

Question 2

A colleague offers to write part of your report for you because you are busy. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Decline — your report must represent your own first-hand account

Answer

A Garda's report is a first-hand account and must reflect their own observations. Having someone else write it would misrepresent the source of information and could be fraudulent.

Question 3

You stop a vehicle and the driver has an expired tax disc but current insurance. What is the appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Issue a fixed-charge penalty notice for the expired tax and advise the driver of the requirement

Answer

Expired road tax is a fixed-charge offence. The appropriate response is to issue a penalty notice and advise the driver. Seizure and arrest would be disproportionate.

Question 4

You are asked to work a double shift unexpectedly. You feel too tired to work safely. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Inform your supervisor that you are not fit to perform the shift safely

Answer

Officer wellbeing and public safety are both compromised by fatigue. Honest communication with a supervisor about fitness to work is the professional and safe course of action.

Question 5

A suspect claims they cannot understand your caution. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Explain it in simpler language and ensure they genuinely understand before proceeding

Answer

The caution must be genuinely understood for it to be legally meaningful. You must ensure the suspect comprehends their rights, using simpler language or an interpreter if needed.

IPAT Practice Test

IPAT Practice Test

IPAT Situational Judgement 6