MPOETC Risk Mitigation & Prevention 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is a primary goal of a school resource officer (SRO) regarding risk mitigation?
- Enforcing strict discipline for all minor infractions
- Building relationships with students to identify and intervene in threats early (Correct answer)
- Conducting random searches of all students daily
- Limiting student access to counselors
Correct answer: Building relationships with students to identify and intervene in threats early
SROs who build trust with students are better positioned to receive tips and identify warning signs before threats escalate.
Question 2: An officer notices a vehicle parked outside a bank with the engine running, obscured plates, and occupants wearing masks. What is the BEST initial risk mitigation action?
- Immediately conduct a felony stop alone
- Request backup and establish a perimeter while observing (Correct answer)
- Enter the bank to warn employees without backup
- Ignore it until a crime is confirmed
Correct answer: Request backup and establish a perimeter while observing
Requesting backup and maintaining observation allows for a coordinated response without prematurely tipping off potential suspects.
Question 3: Under the SARA problem-solving model used in risk mitigation, what does the 'A' in SARA stand for?
- Arrest
- Assessment
- Analysis (Correct answer)
- Action
Correct answer: Analysis
SARA stands for Scanning, Analysis, Response, and Assessment — a systematic framework for identifying and addressing recurring crime problems.
Question 4: Which behavioral warning sign is MOST consistent with someone planning a targeted act of workplace violence?
- Increased productivity and longer work hours
- Communicating grievances through official channels repeatedly
- Leakage — sharing plans or intent with coworkers or online (Correct answer)
- Requesting vacation time
Correct answer: Leakage — sharing plans or intent with coworkers or online
Leakage, where an individual reveals intent through statements, writings, or social media, is one of the most reliable pre-attack warning signs.
Question 5: An officer is dispatched to a reported gas leak near a residential building. What risk mitigation priority should be established FIRST?
- Finding the source of the leak immediately
- Evacuating residents and establishing a safe perimeter (Correct answer)
- Calling the fire department and waiting at dispatch
- Entering the building to confirm the leak
Correct answer: Evacuating residents and establishing a safe perimeter
Life safety through evacuation and perimeter establishment takes priority before any investigation of the source.
Question 6: A police department wants to reduce officer-involved shootings. Which systemic risk mitigation measure has shown the greatest effectiveness?
- Eliminating de-escalation training requirements
- Mandatory crisis intervention training (CIT) for all officers (Correct answer)
- Reducing officer accountability measures
- Increasing minimum force thresholds
Correct answer: Mandatory crisis intervention training (CIT) for all officers
Crisis Intervention Training equips officers with skills to de-escalate encounters with individuals in mental health crises, directly reducing the need for use of force.
Question 7: When completing a risk assessment for a restraining order violation call, which factor MOST increases the danger level for the victim?
- The suspect lives in another county
- The suspect has made explicit death threats and has access to firearms (Correct answer)
- The violation was a phone call, not in-person contact
- The suspect has no prior criminal history
Correct answer: The suspect has made explicit death threats and has access to firearms
Explicit death threats combined with firearm access are the highest lethality indicators in domestic violence risk assessments.
MPOETC Risk Mitigation & Prevention 3
Which of the following is a primary goal of a school resource officer (SRO) regarding risk mitigation?