Reading Comprehension Skills Flashcards
7 cards from real LAPD practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Reading Comprehension Skills flashcards as text
An LAPD training bulletin states: 'Confirmation bias occurs when an investigator focuses on evidence that supports an initial theory while discounting contradictory evidence.' Which investigative behavior BEST demonstrates confirmation bias?
Answer: Focusing exclusively on one suspect's background after initially suspecting them, while ignoring evidence pointing to others
Focusing only on one suspect and ignoring contradictory evidence is the definition of confirmation bias as stated in the bulletin.
Read this passage: 'An officer may conduct a pat-down search for weapons when the officer has reasonable, articulable suspicion that the individual is armed and dangerous.' Which situation MOST justifies a pat-down under this standard?
Answer: The subject is wearing a heavy coat in warm weather and repeatedly reaches toward their waistband during questioning
Wearing a heavy coat in warm weather and repeatedly reaching toward the waistband provides articulable, specific indicators of possible weapon concealment.
A crime analysis report states: 'Residential burglaries in Division 7 increased 18% in Q2 compared to Q1, with 73% of incidents occurring between 1000 and 1400 hours on weekdays.' Which deployment strategy is MOST directly supported by this data?
Answer: Increased weekday midday patrols in Division 7
The data shows most burglaries occur on weekdays between 10 AM and 2 PM, making increased midday weekday patrols the most logical response.
A policy reads: 'Officers are prohibited from conducting searches of digital devices, including cell phones, without a warrant, except when the device owner gives voluntary, knowing, and uncoerced consent.' A suspect says 'Fine, check it' after being told they do not have to allow a search. Is this valid consent?
Answer: Yes, because the suspect gave verbal consent and was informed they could refuse
The suspect was informed they could refuse and still consented verbally, satisfying the voluntary, knowing, and uncoerced consent standard.
A witness says: 'The car was definitely blue — or maybe dark green. It was nighttime so I couldn't really tell.' How should an officer record this in a report?
Answer: Vehicle color: blue or dark green (witness uncertain due to low lighting)
The report should accurately capture the witness's uncertainty and the reason for it, rather than oversimplifying or discarding the information.
An operations order states: 'Unit commanders shall ensure that all personnel under their command are briefed on any changes to the Rules of Engagement prior to deployment.' The primary responsibility described in this order rests with:
Answer: Unit commanders to brief their personnel before deployment
The order explicitly assigns responsibility to unit commanders to brief personnel prior to deployment.
The following appears in a crime report: 'The complainant stated she returned home at approximately 1730 hours and discovered her front door had been forced open. Nothing appeared to be missing from the living room. The master bedroom was ransacked, and her jewelry box was empty.' What can be inferred about the suspect's likely motive?
Answer: The suspect was primarily interested in valuables such as jewelry
The ransacked bedroom and empty jewelry box indicate the suspect specifically targeted valuables, most likely jewelry.