Situational Judgment Flashcards

You respond to a call and discover that the suspect is a personal friend. What is the MOST ethical course of action?

Answer: Disclose the relationship to your supervisor and request reassignment if possible

Disclosing potential conflicts of interest to a supervisor is the ethical standard; it protects the officer, the investigation, and the integrity of the process.

During a search authorized by a valid warrant, you find evidence not listed in the warrant that is clearly linked to another crime. What should you do?

Answer: Seize the additional evidence under the plain view doctrine and document it thoroughly

The plain view doctrine allows officers to seize evidence of a crime that is clearly visible during a lawful search, provided they document it properly.

A victim of a crime tells you they do not want to press charges and asks you to leave. What is the MOST appropriate action?

Answer: Explain that charging decisions may rest with the prosecutor, document the incident fully, and assess for safety concerns

Charging decisions are often made by prosecutors, not victims; officers must document incidents thoroughly and assess ongoing safety risks even when victims are uncooperative.

You are ordered by a supervisor to perform an action that you believe is clearly illegal. What should you do?

Answer: Refuse the order, document the request, and report it through proper channels

Officers are not required to follow illegal orders and have a duty to refuse and report such orders through the chain of command or internal affairs.

A subject you have detained becomes unresponsive. What is your MOST immediate priority?

Answer: Check for responsiveness and begin life-saving measures immediately while calling for EMS

Life safety is always the first priority; checking responsiveness and initiating CPR or first aid before other tasks is required when someone is unresponsive.

You stop a driver and determine through a records check that they have an outstanding warrant for a non-violent misdemeanor. The driver is a single parent with young children in the car and no one available to pick up the children. What is the MOST appropriate response?

Answer: Arrest the driver per the warrant, take reasonable steps to arrange safe care for the children, and notify child protective services if necessary

Officers must execute valid warrants; however, they also must ensure the welfare of any children present by arranging care and involving protective services if needed.

You observe a colleague falsifying a police report. What is the MOST appropriate action?

Answer: Report the misconduct to a supervisor or internal affairs immediately

Report falsification is a serious offense that undermines the justice system; officers have an affirmative duty to report known misconduct to supervisors or internal affairs.