MTA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield MTA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the primary purpose of crime scene sketching? → To provide an accurate, scaled record of the scene's layout and evidence locations
2. What is the primary purpose of a code of ethics in MTA practice? → To guide professional conduct and protect the public
3. An MTA Police Officer stops a vehicle on MTA property for a traffic violation. The driver provides a license but no registration. The officer should: → Run the plate through dispatch to verify registration status before taking action
4. What is the primary purpose of the exclusionary rule? → To deter police misconduct by removing the incentive to conduct unlawful searches
5. What is the most important professional competency for MTA certification in physical fitness? → Deep knowledge combined with practical application skills
6. Under the National Incident Management System (NIMS), the recommended span of control for a supervisor during an emergency is: → 3 to 7 subordinates
7. An officer receives a call to assist an emotionally disturbed person (EDP) who is threatening to harm themselves. The FIRST priority should be: → Containing the situation and preventing harm to the person and others
8. An officer observes a passenger sleeping across multiple seats on a subway car during peak hours. What is the most appropriate first action? → Verbally ask the passenger to sit up and allow others to sit
9. An officer stops a vehicle for a broken tail light and smells fresh marijuana. What authority does this give the officer? → Probable cause to search the vehicle for marijuana and related evidence
10. The term 'exigent circumstances' in law enforcement refers to: → Emergency situations that justify immediate action without a warrant
11. The crime of intentionally lying or making a false representation while under oath. → Perjury
12. The 'fruit of the poisonous tree' doctrine provides that: → Evidence derived from an illegal search or seizure is also inadmissible
13. What should an officer do when they discover a conflict of interest in a case? → Disclose the conflict to a supervisor and recuse themselves if necessary
14. What is the proper course of action when an MTA professional witnesses unethical behavior by a colleague? → Report through established channels
15. Only on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays may all private automobiles enter the city's central business district. → False
16. A candidate fails the 1.5-mile run portion of the fitness test. Which training plan would MOST effectively help her improve before a retest? → A progressive aerobic training program with interval runs
17. A suspect invokes the right to counsel during custodial interrogation. Officers must: → Immediately cease questioning until an attorney is present
18. When facing an ethical dilemma in MTA practice, what is the recommended first step? → Identify the relevant ethical principles and stakeholders
19. Officer Chen writes: 'The suspect seemed nervous and guilty.' What is wrong with this statement? → It contains subjective opinion rather than observable facts
20. Voluntary manslaughter differs from murder primarily because: → The killing occurred in the heat of passion with adequate provocation
21. Which of the subsequent claims is true? → No license has been revoked to date
22. An officer responding to a domestic disturbance call finds both parties calm and no visible injuries. The officer should: → Separate the parties, interview them independently, and check for signs of prior abuse
23. The Sixth Amendment right to counsel attaches at: → The initiation of formal criminal proceedings such as arraignment or indictment
24. A transit officer witnesses a serious train derailment. Multiple passengers appear injured inside the train cars. Which task should be performed FIRST? → Establish a command post and request mass casualty resources
25. What is the purpose of active listening in MTA professional interactions? → To fully understand the speaker's message and respond appropriately
26. An officer arrests a suspect without a warrant for a felony committed outside the officer's presence. This arrest is valid if: → The officer had probable cause to believe the suspect committed the felony
27. When an officer takes a crime report and later discovers information that significantly changes the nature of the incident, the officer should: → File a supplemental report documenting the new information
28. Jay rides the elevator up to the 10th floor starting from the ground floor. After that, Jay descends two stories and ascends eight. On what floor is Jay? → 16
29. You are off-duty and witness a minor traffic accident. Another off-duty officer says 'just drive past—it's not our problem.' What should you do? → Stop and render assistance as you are legally obligated as a police officer
30. What is the primary purpose of a field interview (FI) card? → To document a brief contact with a person for future investigative reference