NPOST Police Test Reading Comprehension Questions and Answers

Question 1

Read the following passage and answer the question below.

'Municipal Ordinance 4-7B states: 'No person shall operate a sound-producing device between the hours of 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM in such a manner that the sound is plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the building, structure, or vehicle in which it is located.' On Saturday at 11:30 PM, Officer Chen was dispatched to a noise complaint. From the street, approximately 60 feet away, she could clearly hear loud music coming from a residence. Officer Chen approached the house and issued a citation to the homeowner.'

Based on the ordinance provided, which statement most accurately describes Officer Chen's action?

Accepted Answer

Officer Chen's action was justified because the music was plainly audible from a distance greater than 50 feet after 10:00 PM.

Answer

Officer Chen's action was inappropriate because she did not first measure the exact decibel level of the music.

Answer

Officer Chen's action was unjustified because the complaint was from a neighbor, not the officer herself.

Answer

Officer Chen's action was premature because she should have issued a verbal warning before issuing a citation for a first offense.

Question 2

An officer is reviewing a witness statement for a theft investigation. The statement reads: 'I saw the guy run out of the store. He was sort of tall and had on a dark hoodie. He jumped into a blue car, maybe a Honda or a Toyota, and it sped off. It all happened so fast.' Which of the following is the most reasonable inference an officer can make from this statement?

Accepted Answer

The witness had a limited and brief opportunity to observe the events.

Answer

The witness is uncooperative and withholding information.

Answer

The suspect is definitively a tall male who owns a dark hoodie.

Answer

The getaway vehicle was a blue, mid-size sedan.

Question 3

Read the following departmental policy excerpt:

'Use of Force Continuum: Officers shall use only the force that is reasonably necessary to effect an arrest or maintain control. The level of force should be proportionate to the suspect's level of resistance. Officers should consider de-escalation techniques when feasible. The continuum ranges from officer presence and verbal commands to physical restraint, less-lethal options, and, as a last resort, deadly force.'

According to this policy, when is the use of deadly force authorized?

Accepted Answer

As a final option when other force levels are insufficient or inappropriate.

Answer

Whenever a suspect is actively resisting arrest.

Answer

Only after all other levels of force have been attempted and failed.

Answer

When the officer feels it is the most effective way to gain compliance.

Question 4

You are reading an incident report about a traffic collision. The report states: 'Vehicle 1, traveling northbound, failed to stop at the posted stop sign. Vehicle 2, traveling eastbound, had the right-of-way and was struck by Vehicle 1 in the intersection.' Which of the following can be concluded as a fact based *only* on this text?

Accepted Answer

Vehicle 1 violated a traffic law.

Answer

The driver of Vehicle 1 was distracted.

Answer

The driver of Vehicle 2 was speeding.

Answer

Both vehicles were totaled in the collision.

Question 5

A bulletin from a neighboring police department reads: 'Be on the lookout for a 2018 silver sedan, license plate 7ABC123, in connection with a series of commercial burglaries. The vehicle may have slight damage to the passenger-side front fender. The primary suspect is a white male, approx. 5'10", with a thin build and a tattoo of a spiderweb on his left hand. Proceed with caution.' An officer on patrol spots a 2017 silver sedan with license plate 7AEC123 and no visible damage. The driver is a white male who is heavyset. What is the most logical next step based on the bulletin?

Accepted Answer

Continue to observe the vehicle, noting the discrepancies, but do not initiate a stop based solely on this information.

Answer

Immediately initiate a high-risk traffic stop, as the vehicle and driver are a close match.

Answer

Disregard the vehicle entirely, as almost none of the details match the bulletin.

Answer

Arrest the driver, as it is likely a disguise and a recently changed license plate.

Question 6

Read the following paragraph from a training manual:

'Chain of custody is the chronological documentation or paper trail, showing the seizure, custody, control, transfer, analysis, and disposition of physical or electronic evidence. Maintaining a secure chain of custody is paramount to ensure the admissibility of evidence in court. Any break or gap in this chain can lead to the evidence being challenged and potentially suppressed by the court.'

What is the main purpose of maintaining a chain of custody?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the evidence can be used effectively and legitimately in a legal proceeding.

Answer

To identify which officer is responsible for analyzing the evidence.

Answer

To create a detailed inventory of all evidence collected at a crime scene.

Answer

To track the cost and time associated with handling each piece of evidence.