MCOLES Patrol Operations and Techniques Questions and Answers

Question 1

When responding to a residential burglary alarm, which of the following is the most tactically sound initial approach for a patrol officer arriving at the scene?

Accepted Answer

Park several houses away, approach on foot using cover, and observe the location before making entry.

Answer

Drive directly to the front of the residence with lights and siren activated to scare off any potential intruders.

Answer

Immediately park in the driveway, exit the vehicle, and begin knocking loudly on the front door.

Answer

Circle the block several times in the patrol vehicle to see if anyone is fleeing the area before stopping.

Question 2

An officer initiates a high-risk (felony) traffic stop on a vehicle believed to be occupied by an armed robbery suspect. According to MCOLES training objectives and common best practices, how should the primary and backup patrol vehicles be positioned?

Accepted Answer

Offset to the left and right behind the suspect vehicle, creating a 'V' shape and using the engine blocks for cover.

Answer

Directly behind the suspect vehicle, bumper to bumper, to prevent escape.

Answer

Side-by-side in front of the suspect vehicle to create a roadblock.

Answer

The primary vehicle pulls alongside the driver's side while the backup vehicle blocks from the rear.

Question 3

Which of the following is a primary responsibility of the first responding patrol officer when securing a major crime scene?

Accepted Answer

Establishing a perimeter and creating a crime scene log to document all personnel entering and exiting.

Answer

Conducting detailed interrogations of all potential suspects on scene.

Answer

Collecting all visible physical evidence and placing it in the patrol car for safekeeping.

Answer

Releasing preliminary findings and suspect information to any news media that arrives.

Question 4

During a systematic search of a building for a hidden suspect, the technique of slowly and incrementally peering around a corner or doorway from a position of cover is known as:

Accepted Answer

Slicing the pie.

Answer

The dynamic entry.

Answer

The button-hook.

Answer

Crisscross entry.

Question 5

Upon arrival at a loud domestic violence call, two officers hear shouting and sounds of a struggle inside the residence. What should be their immediate tactical consideration before making entry?

Accepted Answer

Listen at the door to gather more information and coordinate a planned entry with their partner.

Answer

Wait outside for a supervisor to arrive and authorize entry.

Answer

Immediately retreat and establish a perimeter around the house.

Answer

Have dispatch call the residence on the phone to ask the occupants to come outside.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the primary goal of using a 'random patrol' pattern within an assigned beat?

Accepted Answer

To focus solely on areas with the highest rates of reported crime.

Answer

To ensure every street is covered in a predictable, systematic order each shift.

Answer

To reduce fuel consumption by only driving on main thoroughfares.

Answer

To create a sense of police omnipresence and reduce the opportunity for criminal activity.