LASD - Los Angeles Sheriff Department Interpersonal Skills Assessment Questions and Answers

Question 1

A deputy responds to a call about a man shouting in a public park.
The man appears agitated and is gesturing wildly but is not armed and has not threatened anyone.
Which action demonstrates the most effective initial approach to de-escalation?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining a safe distance, using a calm and non-threatening tone, and attempting to start a dialogue by asking what is wrong.

Answer

Immediately ordering the man to get on the ground in a loud, authoritative voice.

Answer

Approaching the man quickly and using physical restraint to control him.

Answer

Ignoring the man's emotional state and focusing only on what laws he might be breaking.

Question 2

A deputy is speaking with a victim of a residential burglary who is visibly upset and frustrated. The victim feels violated and is concerned about their safety. What is the deputy's most appropriate response to demonstrate empathy and build trust?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledging the victim's feelings by saying something like, "I understand this is a frightening and frustrating experience," before proceeding with the investigation.

Answer

Telling the victim, "You shouldn't feel so upset; it's just property that can be replaced."

Answer

Focusing exclusively on gathering the facts for the report without acknowledging the victim's emotional state.

Answer

Immediately asking if they have insurance to cover the losses.

Question 3

Which of the following is a primary principle of procedural justice that helps improve community trust in law enforcement?

Accepted Answer

Giving individuals a voice during encounters and listening to their side of the story.

Answer

Ensuring that arrest quotas are met each month to show productivity.

Answer

Asserting authority in every interaction to maintain control.

Answer

Making decisions based on personal feelings rather than departmental policy.

Question 4

A deputy is attempting to interview an elderly witness to a crime who recently immigrated to the U.S. and seems hesitant to speak with anyone in a uniform. Which approach is most likely to be successful in obtaining cooperation?

Accepted Answer

Asking a bilingual deputy to assist or requesting a professional interpreter, and patiently explaining the deputy's role is to help.

Answer

Insisting that the witness must cooperate or face legal consequences.

Answer

Speaking loudly and slowly, assuming the witness cannot understand English well.

Answer

Deciding the witness is uncooperative and leaving to find other witnesses.

Question 5

Two deputies are dispatched to a loud music complaint. Upon arrival, they encounter two neighbors shouting at each other on the sidewalk. The primary interpersonal goal of the deputies in this situation should be to:

Accepted Answer

Take control by separating the individuals and facilitating a calm conversation to find a resolution.

Answer

Immediately determine which neighbor is legally in the wrong and issue a citation.

Answer

Tell both neighbors to go inside and that the deputies will be back to make arrests if they get another call.

Answer

Take one neighbor's side to resolve the argument quickly.

Question 6

During a lawful interaction, a citizen begins recording a deputy with their cell phone and verbally challenging the deputy's actions. What is the most professional and appropriate interpersonal response from the deputy?

Accepted Answer

Remain calm, continue to act professionally, and clearly explain their actions as required by policy, without becoming argumentative.

Answer

Demand the citizen stop recording immediately because it is a safety risk.

Answer

Ignore the citizen entirely and refuse to speak with them.

Answer

Confiscate the phone as evidence of interference.

A deputy responds to a call about a man shouting in a public park.The man appears agitated and is gesturing wildly but is not armed and has not threatened anyone.Which action demonstrates the most effective initial approach to de-escalation?

A deputy responds to a call about a man shouting in a public park.
The man appears agitated and is gesturing wildly but is not armed and has not threatened anyone.
Which action demonstrates the most effective initial approach to de-escalation?