NPOST Police Test Grammar and Punctuation Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following sentences, intended for a police report, is grammatically correct and avoids common sentence structure errors?

Accepted Answer

The suspect fled the scene; he was last seen running northbound.

Answer

The suspect fled the scene, he was last seen running northbound.

Answer

The suspect fled the scene he was last seen running northbound.

Answer

The suspect fled the scene, and was last seen running northbound.

Question 2

An officer is writing a report about multiple pieces of evidence. Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement?

Accepted Answer

The collection of fingerprints from the scene was completed by the forensics team.

Answer

The bag of collected items, including a wallet and a phone, were sealed and placed into evidence.

Answer

A detailed list of the recovered firearms are attached to this report.

Answer

The primary evidence, along with the witness testimonies, point to a single suspect.

Question 3

Which of the following sentences correctly uses apostrophes to show possession and contractions?

Accepted Answer

The vehicle lost its front license plate, and it's now being held as evidence.

Answer

The vehicle lost it's front license plate, and its now being held as evidence.

Answer

The vehicles' front license plate was lost, and its' now being held as evidence.

Answer

The vehicle lost its' front license plate, and it's now being held as evidence.

Question 4

An officer must file a report on the new departmental policy. Select the option that correctly completes the sentence: 'The policy change will _______ the procedure for filing reports, and its primary _______ will be improved clarity.'

Accepted Answer

affect, effect

Answer

affect, affect

Answer

effect, effect

Answer

effect, affect

Question 5

When documenting an interview, an officer needs to ensure pronouns are used clearly. Which sentence is written with correct pronoun-antecedent agreement?

Accepted Answer

After the briefing, every officer returned to his or her assigned vehicle.

Answer

The witness told the suspect that he needed to leave the premises.

Answer

Each officer in the department must complete their annual training by Friday.

Answer

If any citizen has information, they should contact the department immediately.

Question 6

An officer is listing items found on a suspect during a search. For maximum clarity in a legal document, which sentence is punctuated correctly?

Accepted Answer

The officer recovered a wallet, a smartphone, and a set of car keys.

Answer

The officer recovered a wallet a smartphone and a set of car keys.

Answer

The officer recovered a wallet, a smartphone and a set of car keys.

Answer

The officer recovered a wallet, a smartphone, and, a set of car keys.