LAPD - Los Angeles Police Department Writing Clarity and Grammar Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following sentences is the clearest and most appropriate for a police report?

Accepted Answer

I observed the suspect pacing back and forth near the vehicles in the parking lot. His fists were clenched and he was scanning the area.

Answer

The suspect, who seemed to be agitated, was pacing back and forth and was looking around nervously near the vehicles in the parking lot.

Answer

The suspect was acting in a suspicious manner in the parking lot where the cars were, and his behavior made me think he was going to do something.

Answer

It was observed that the suspect was moving in an erratic way near the cars in the lot, causing concern.

Question 2

Identify the sentence that contains a grammatical error.

Accepted Answer

Each of the reports were filed before the end of the shift.

Answer

Officer Ramirez and I responded to the scene.

Answer

The witness described the vehicle in great detail.

Answer

The evidence was properly collected and secured.

Question 3

An officer is writing a report about a traffic collision. Which sentence uses the correct grammar and word choice?

Accepted Answer

The vehicle lost its front bumper in the collision.

Answer

The driver said their were no injuries, but the passenger complained of neck pain.

Answer

Its a two-door sedan, and it's color is dark blue.

Answer

The two drivers began to loose there tempers at the scene.

Question 4

Which of the following statements is written in the preferred active voice for a police report?

Accepted Answer

Officer Chen apprehended the suspect at 1430 hours.

Answer

The suspect was apprehended by Officer Chen at 1430 hours.

Answer

The firearm was found under the driver's seat of the vehicle.

Answer

The Miranda rights were read to the suspect.

Question 5

An officer needs to document a witness's statement. Which of the following is the most clearly and correctly written sentence?

Accepted Answer

The witness stated that he saw the man run out of the store.

Answer

The witness stated that, 'He saw the man run out of the store.'

Answer

The witness stated, "He seen the man run out of the store."

Answer

The witness stated, he saw the man run out of the store and he was carrying a bag.

Question 6

Choose the sentence that is grammatically correct and most concise for an official report.

Accepted Answer

We arrived at the residence, conducted a search, and found the stolen property.

Answer

At that point in time, we made the decision to effect an arrest of the individual.

Answer

Upon arrival, the location was secured by me and my partner.

Answer

It was determined by responding officers that the suspect had already fled from the scene prior to our arrival.