MTA Police Written 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Officer Torres is writing a report about a robbery. The victim states the suspect was 'very tall.' Officer Torres should record this as:
- 'The suspect was approximately 6'5"'
- 'The suspect was very tall'
- 'Victim described suspect as very tall' (Correct answer)
- 'The suspect was taller than average'
Correct answer: 'Victim described suspect as very tall'
Reports must attribute statements to their source; recording it as the victim's description is accurate and avoids speculation.
Question 2: When must Miranda warnings be given to a suspect?
- Immediately upon detaining any person
- Before custodial interrogation begins (Correct answer)
- Only after an arrest warrant is signed by a judge
- Before any search is conducted
Correct answer: Before custodial interrogation begins
Miranda warnings are required before custodial interrogation; they are not required for brief investigative detentions or routine bookings.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes 'chain of custody' in evidence handling?
- The list of all suspects in a criminal case
- The documented record of who collected, handled, and stored evidence (Correct answer)
- The order in which officers arrive at a crime scene
- The hierarchy of command at a police department
Correct answer: The documented record of who collected, handled, and stored evidence
Chain of custody documents every person who handled evidence to ensure its integrity and admissibility in court.
Question 4: A person approaches an MTA officer and states they saw someone being pickpocketed. The officer should FIRST:
- Dismiss the report and continue patrol
- Take the witness to the precinct for a formal statement
- Obtain a description of the suspect and direct the witness not to leave (Correct answer)
- Broadcast a general alarm before gathering any details
Correct answer: Obtain a description of the suspect and direct the witness not to leave
Getting an immediate suspect description allows for a swift broadcast while securing the witness prevents losing key testimony.
Question 5: An officer responds to a report of a domestic dispute. Upon arrival, one party has visible injuries. The officer should:
- Mediate and ask both parties to calm down before taking any action
- Separate the parties, ensure medical attention if needed, and conduct separate interviews (Correct answer)
- Arrest both parties to ensure the safety of all involved
- Leave a business card and ask the parties to call if the situation escalates
Correct answer: Separate the parties, ensure medical attention if needed, and conduct separate interviews
Separating parties prevents further conflict and allows for independent statements, and medical needs must be addressed promptly.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of a field interview (FI) card?
- To formally charge a suspect with a crime
- To document a brief contact with a person for future investigative reference (Correct answer)
- To obtain a signed confession from a suspect
- To notify supervisors of an officer's patrol location
Correct answer: To document a brief contact with a person for future investigative reference
Field interview cards record brief contacts with individuals and may prove valuable in future investigations.
Question 7: An officer notices a discarded MetroCard near a turnstile jump scene. Under proper evidence procedures, the officer should:
- Leave it in place and note its location in the report
- Photograph it in place, then collect it using gloves and bag it properly (Correct answer)
- Pick it up immediately to prevent loss
- Ask the station agent to hold it for safekeeping
Correct answer: Photograph it in place, then collect it using gloves and bag it properly
Evidence must be photographed in place before collection and then properly packaged to preserve its integrity.
MTA Police Written 3
Officer Torres is writing a report about a robbery.
The victim states the suspect was 'very tall.' Officer Torres should record this as: