MCOLES Communication Proficiency 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When documenting a DUI stop, an officer writes 'the driver appeared intoxicated.' Why is this problematic?
- It is too detailed for a report
- It is a conclusion rather than an observation of specific facts (Correct answer)
- It uses passive voice incorrectly
- It should be written in first person
Correct answer: It is a conclusion rather than an observation of specific facts
Reports should document specific observable facts (slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, odor of alcohol) rather than conclusions like 'appeared intoxicated.'
Question 2: An officer needs to communicate urgency about a possible armed robbery in progress. Which communication method is MOST appropriate?
- Text message to dispatch
- Email to the supervisor
- Radio broadcast to dispatch and nearby units (Correct answer)
- Personal cell phone call to a partner
Correct answer: Radio broadcast to dispatch and nearby units
Radio broadcast to dispatch and nearby units ensures immediate, simultaneous communication to all relevant personnel for a fast-evolving situation.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes 'reflective listening' during a victim interview?
- Repeating back what the victim said to confirm understanding (Correct answer)
- Offering solutions to the victim's problem
- Asking only closed-ended yes/no questions
- Writing notes without responding verbally
Correct answer: Repeating back what the victim said to confirm understanding
Reflective listening involves paraphrasing or mirroring what the speaker said to confirm accurate understanding and show empathy.
Question 4: A report states: 'At approximately 1430 hours, I, Officer J. Smith #4521, observed a black 2019 Ford F-150, bearing Michigan plate ABC1234, traveling northbound on Main Street at an estimated speed of 55 mph in a posted 35 mph zone.' This statement is an example of:
- An opinion that should be removed from the report
- A vague description that needs more detail
- A specific, factual, and well-documented observation (Correct answer)
- An improper use of first-person narrative
Correct answer: A specific, factual, and well-documented observation
The statement includes time, officer identification, precise vehicle description, location, direction, and specific speed — all hallmarks of a thorough factual observation.
Question 5: Which communication barrier is MOST likely when an officer uses sarcasm with a subject?
- Information overload
- Lack of feedback
- Emotional interference and loss of trust (Correct answer)
- Physical noise distraction
Correct answer: Emotional interference and loss of trust
Sarcasm creates emotional barriers, damages trust, and can escalate a situation by making the subject feel disrespected.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of a field interview (FI) card or contact card?
- To formally charge a suspect with a crime
- To document a consensual contact for intelligence and future reference (Correct answer)
- To replace a full arrest report
- To obtain a signed confession from a suspect
Correct answer: To document a consensual contact for intelligence and future reference
Field interview cards document brief consensual contacts with individuals, preserving information that may be useful for future investigations without constituting a formal charge.
Question 7: During a domestic violence call, the victim refuses to speak while the suspect is present. What should the officer do?
- Accept the victim's silence and close the investigation
- Separate the victim and suspect before attempting to obtain a statement (Correct answer)
- Ask the suspect to leave voluntarily while the officer waits
- Write in the report that the victim was uncooperative
Correct answer: Separate the victim and suspect before attempting to obtain a statement
Separating the victim from the suspect removes coercive influence and creates a safe environment where the victim may be willing to communicate freely.
MCOLES Communication Proficiency 3
When documenting a DUI stop, an officer writes 'the driver appeared intoxicated.' Why is this problematic?