NPOST NPOST Police Test Observation and Memory Skills 3

Question 1

A victim describes an attacker as approximately 6 feet tall but the suspect you detain measures 5'8". What is the appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Document the discrepancy and continue the investigation without ruling out the suspect

Answer

Witness height estimates are often imprecise so discrepancies must be documented but not used to immediately eliminate a suspect.

Question 2

An officer observes a suspicious vehicle parked outside a bank for 45 minutes. Which detail is MOST important to relay in a radio report?

Accepted Answer

Vehicle description, license plate, and exact location

Answer

Objective identifying information such as description, plate, and location is essential for dispatch and responding units.

Question 3

You can only see a person's silhouette at a distance. Which detail can you most reliably report?

Accepted Answer

Approximate height and build

Answer

A silhouette reveals body dimensions such as height and build but not color-dependent details like hair, eye color, or clothing patterns.

Question 4

An officer pauses surveillance video on a single frame to study a suspect's facial features. This technique primarily serves to:

Accepted Answer

Document identifying facial features for comparison purposes

Answer

Pausing video on a single frame allows detailed study and documentation of facial features used for identification.

Question 5

After a vehicle pursuit which observation detail is MOST critical to include in the written report?

Accepted Answer

The direction of travel and every turn made by the suspect vehicle

Answer

The route of pursuit including direction and turns is essential for reconstructing the incident and supporting any charges filed.

NPOST Police Test Practice Test