Mixed Deck — All NPOST Topics Flashcards

What is the best meaning of "vigilant"?

Answer: Watchful and alert

"Vigilant" means keeping careful watch for danger.

Choose the correct word: 'You're required to wear ___ vest.'

Answer: your

'Your' is the possessive form modifying 'vest'.

Which sentence uses the apostrophe correctly?

Answer: The officer's badge was missing.

A single officer's possession takes 's.

Choose the correct word: 'The evidence had a clear ___ on the verdict.'

Answer: effect

'Effect' is a noun meaning a result or influence.

Passage: 'The sergeant's tone was firm but fair as she explained the new overtime rules.' The phrase 'firm but fair' suggests the sergeant was:

Answer: Strict yet reasonable

'Firm but fair' conveys being strict while remaining reasonable.

Passage: 'The author argues that community policing builds trust, which leads residents to report crimes more often.' According to the author, increased reporting results from:

Answer: Built trust

The author links increased reporting to the trust built by community policing.

Select the sentence with correct pronoun case.

Answer: Between you and me, this is serious.

After a preposition like 'between', use the objective 'me'.

Passage: 'A citation may be issued for parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.' A car parked 10 feet from a hydrant is:

Answer: Subject to a citation

Ten feet is within the 15-foot restriction, so a citation may be issued.

An officer drives 45 miles in 1.5 hours. What is the average speed in miles per hour?

Answer: 30 mph

Speed equals distance divided by time: 45 ÷ 1.5 = 30 mph.

The word 'comply' most nearly means to:

Answer: Obey or act in accordance with

To comply is to obey or follow a request, rule, or command.

Why should abbreviations and slang generally be avoided in police reports?

Answer: They can be misinterpreted by readers

Plain, standard language ensures the report is clear to anyone who reads it later.

An officer recovers $250 in one wallet and $175 in another. How much total?

Answer: $425

$250 plus $175 equals $425.

An officer counts 4 cars, 3 motorcycles, and 2 trucks at a scene. How many vehicles total?

Answer: 9

4 + 3 + 2 equals 9 vehicles.

If an officer makes an error while writing a handwritten report, the correct procedure is to:

Answer: Draw a single line through it, initial it, and continue

A single line with initials preserves the integrity of the document and shows nothing was hidden.

The word 'corroborate' means to:

Answer: Confirm or support with evidence

To corroborate is to confirm or support a statement with additional evidence.

Why should officers avoid using the word 'allegedly' incorrectly throughout a report?

Answer: Overuse can create confusion; facts the officer observed should be stated directly

Officers should directly state what they observed and reserve qualifiers for unverified claims.

Select the correctly punctuated question.

Answer: Where were you at midnight?

A direct question ends with a question mark.

Choose the correctly spelled word.

Answer: Surveillance

"Surveillance" has two l's and ends in -ance.

Choose the correctly spelled word.

Answer: Accomplice

"Accomplice" has double-c and ends in -ice.

If a person is free to leave and not in police custody Miranda warnings:

Answer: Are not required before questioning

Miranda warnings apply only during custodial interrogation — a person free to leave is not in custody and no warning is required.