LASD - Los Angeles Sheriff Department Reading Comprehension Questions and Answers

Question 1

Read the following passage and answer the question.

'Department Policy 3-02/110.15, entitled 'Vehicle Pursuits,' strictly governs the circumstances under which a deputy may initiate or continue a vehicle pursuit. The primary consideration must always be the safety of the public and the deputies involved. A pursuit is justified only when the necessity of immediate apprehension of a suspect outweighs the level of danger created by the pursuit. Deputies must continuously re-evaluate the situation, considering factors such as traffic density, weather conditions, the nature of the original offense, and the identity of the suspect, if known. A supervisor's order to terminate a pursuit is final and must be obeyed immediately.'

According to this policy, which of the following is the most important factor for a deputy to consider when deciding to continue a pursuit?

Accepted Answer

The balance between the risk of the pursuit and the need for immediate capture

Answer

The speed at which the suspect is traveling

Answer

The known identity of the suspect

Answer

The direct order of a supervising officer

Question 2

Read the following paragraph from an incident report and answer the question.

'Upon arrival at the scene of the reported disturbance at 1430 hours, I observed a broken window on the front of the residence. A witness, Ms. Jane Doe, stated that she heard a loud argument followed by the sound of glass shattering at approximately 1425 hours. She then observed a male individual, described as tall with a red shirt and blue jeans, running from the location and heading westbound on Elm Street. Ms. Doe could not provide a more detailed description as her view was partially obstructed. A preliminary search of the immediate area for the individual was conducted with negative results.'

Based on the report, which of the following statements is a fact, not an inference or a statement from a witness?

Accepted Answer

A search of the area did not locate the suspect.

Answer

An argument occurred just before the window was broken.

Answer

The suspect wore a red shirt and blue jeans.

Answer

The man running from the scene broke the window.

Question 3

Read the following text and answer the question.

'The use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) by deputies is authorized after the deputy has received proper training and certification. An AED should be used on a person who is unresponsive, not breathing, and has no pulse. The device analyzes the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electrical shock to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm. It is crucial, however, that before activating the shock, the deputy ensures all personnel are clear of the person to avoid accidental injury. Regular equipment checks are mandatory to ensure the AED is in proper working order.'

What is the main purpose of this passage?

Accepted Answer

To describe the function of an AED and the protocol for its use

Answer

To argue that all deputies should carry an AED

Answer

To provide a step-by-step guide on how to perform CPR

Answer

To detail the mandatory equipment checks for all patrol vehicles

Question 4

Read the following scenario and answer the question.

'Property collected as evidence must be properly cataloged and secured in the station's evidence locker. Each item requires a separate evidence tag, detailing the case number, date, time of collection, location found, a brief description of the item, and the collecting deputy's name and serial number. The chain of custody, which is a log of every person who handles the evidence, begins the moment the item is collected. Any break in the chain of custody can compromise the evidence's admissibility in court.'

Deputy Miller recovers a knife at a crime scene. He places it in an evidence bag and writes the case number and date on the bag. He then gives it to Deputy Sanchez to transport back to the station. What crucial step was missed according to the text?

Accepted Answer

Filling out a complete evidence tag for the knife

Answer

Placing the item in the station's evidence locker

Answer

Beginning the chain of custody log

Answer

Waiting for a supervisor before collecting the evidence

Question 5

Read the following passage and answer the question.

'Community-Oriented Policing (COP) is a strategy that focuses on building ties and working closely with members of the community. The philosophy is that police and the public should be partners in the effort to control crime and disorder. This approach requires that deputies spend time out of their patrol cars, attend community meetings, and get to know the residents and their concerns. By fostering this trust, it is believed that residents will be more willing to share information about criminal activity, thereby making the community safer for everyone.'

Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

Accepted Answer

Increased communication between residents and police is a goal of COP.

Answer

COP is less effective than traditional policing methods.

Answer

Traditional policing methods do not involve community interaction.

Answer

COP is primarily used for solving major, high-profile crimes.

Question 6

Read the following excerpt from a legal code and answer the question.

'Penal Code Section 459 defines burglary as the entry into any building or specified structure with the intent to commit grand or petit larceny or any felony. The act of entering does not require force; passing through an open door can constitute an entry. The critical element is the person's intent at the moment of entry. If the intent to commit a crime was formed only after entering the structure, the crime of burglary has not been committed, although other crimes may have occurred.'

Based on this definition, which situation would constitute burglary?

Accepted Answer

A person climbs through an unlocked window of a home with the plan to steal a laptop.

Answer

A person breaks a window to enter a house to take shelter from a storm.

Answer

A person walks into a store, and while inside, decides to shoplift a candy bar.

Answer

A person accidentally locks their keys in their own house and breaks a window to get back inside.