MTA Police 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An officer arrives at a domestic dispute where both parties are yelling. What is the FIRST priority?
- Arrest the loudest person
- Ensure the scene is safe for everyone (Correct answer)
- Interview witnesses immediately
- Call for backup before entering
Correct answer: Ensure the scene is safe for everyone
Officer safety and scene safety are always the first priority before any other action.
Question 2: Which of the following best defines 'probable cause'?
- A hunch or gut feeling about a suspect
- A reasonable belief based on facts that a crime has been or is being committed (Correct answer)
- An absolute certainty that a crime occurred
- A witness statement alone without corroboration
Correct answer: A reasonable belief based on facts that a crime has been or is being committed
Probable cause requires articulable facts that would lead a reasonable person to believe a crime has occurred.
Question 3: A suspect invokes their right to remain silent after Miranda warnings. The officer should:
- Continue questioning about unrelated crimes
- Immediately cease all questioning (Correct answer)
- Wait 10 minutes then resume questioning
- Ask a partner to take over questioning
Correct answer: Immediately cease all questioning
Once a suspect invokes the right to silence, all interrogation must stop immediately.
Question 4: What type of search does NOT require a warrant under the plain view doctrine?
- Searching a locked container visible through a car window
- Seizing contraband openly visible from a lawful vantage point (Correct answer)
- Searching a closed backpack found in public
- Entering a home because lights are on inside
Correct answer: Seizing contraband openly visible from a lawful vantage point
The plain view doctrine allows seizure of evidence that is immediately apparent as contraband from a lawful position.
Question 5: Which use of force is generally considered the LEAST amount of force?
- Verbal commands (Correct answer)
- Pepper spray
- Baton strikes
- Takedown techniques
Correct answer: Verbal commands
Verbal commands represent the lowest level on the use-of-force continuum before any physical force is applied.
Question 6: An officer witnesses a felony being committed. They may arrest the suspect:
- Only after obtaining a warrant
- Only with a supervisor's approval
- Without a warrant (Correct answer)
- Only if the DA approves
Correct answer: Without a warrant
Officers may make warrantless arrests when they personally witness a felony being committed.
Question 7: What is the purpose of the chain of custody for evidence?
- To ensure evidence is shared with the public
- To document every person who handled the evidence (Correct answer)
- To allow multiple agencies to use the evidence simultaneously
- To speed up the court process
Correct answer: To document every person who handled the evidence
Chain of custody documents every handler of evidence to ensure its integrity and admissibility in court.
MTA Police 2
An officer arrives at a domestic dispute where both parties are yelling.
What is the FIRST priority?