Written Comprehension Skills Flashcards

Read the following incident report excerpt: "Upon arrival, I made contact with the victim, a Hispanic female, approximately 30 years of age, who stated she had been struck in the face by her husband. The victim had visible bruising around her left eye and a laceration on her lower lip." Which injury is NOT mentioned in the report?

Answer: A broken nose

The report mentions bruising around the left eye and a laceration on the lower lip, but does not mention a broken nose.

Which word is spelled correctly?

Answer: Supersede

'Supersede' is the correct spelling; it means to take the place of or replace something.

A law enforcement policy states: "Searches of vehicles incident to arrest are permissible only if the arrestee is within reaching distance of the passenger compartment at the time of the search, or if it is reasonable to believe evidence of the offense of arrest might be found in the vehicle." Under this policy, when may an officer search a vehicle incident to arrest?

Answer: If the arrestee can reach the compartment OR if relevant evidence might be inside

The policy permits the search under two alternative conditions: the arrestee's reach or reasonable belief that evidence is present.

Read this sentence: "The defendant's alibi was __________ by two independent witnesses who placed him at a different location during the time of the crime." Choose the best word to complete the sentence.

Answer: corroborated

Witnesses placing the defendant elsewhere 'corroborate' (confirm/support) his alibi, not refute or fabricate it.

Which of the following sentences uses the word "explicit" correctly?

Answer: The instructions were explicit, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

'Explicit' means clearly and directly stated, so instructions that are explicit leave no room for misinterpretation.

A patrol officer's log reads: "0730–0800: Roll call and briefing. 0800–1130: Patrol, Zone 4. 1130–1200: Lunch. 1200–1530: Patrol, Zone 4. 1530–1600: Report writing." How many total hours did the officer spend on patrol?

Answer: 7 hours

Morning patrol (0800–1130) = 3.5 hours; afternoon patrol (1200–1530) = 3.5 hours; 3.5 + 3.5 = 7 hours total on patrol.

Which of the following passages contains the MAIN IDEA of the paragraph below? "Community policing requires officers to build relationships with residents, attend neighborhood meetings, and collaborate with local organizations. Studies show that areas with strong community policing programs experience lower crime rates and higher public trust in law enforcement."

Answer: Community policing, through relationship-building and collaboration, reduces crime and increases public trust.

The main idea encompasses both elements of the paragraph: community policing methods and their proven positive outcomes.