Video-Based Situational Judgment Flashcards

You are dispatched to a report of a fight in progress. Upon arrival, two individuals are still arguing loudly but are no longer physically fighting. One party demands the other be arrested. What is the best initial approach?

Answer: Separate the parties, speak to each individually, and assess what occurred

Separating the parties and gathering independent accounts from each is the proper de-escalation and investigative approach.

You are on foot patrol and observe a teenager spray-painting graffiti on a wall. The teenager sees you and runs. What is the most appropriate response?

Answer: Broadcast a description to dispatch, note the location of the graffiti, and pursue only if safe to do so

Broadcasting a description, preserving the scene, and pursuing only if safe balances enforcement with officer safety and proportionality.

While taking a report, a victim begins to cry and says they feel like they cannot go on. What is the priority response?

Answer: Ask directly whether they are thinking about hurting themselves and connect them with crisis resources

Officers must take potential suicidal statements seriously, ask directly about intent, and connect the individual with crisis resources immediately.

A motorist flags you down and says a driver cut them off and is driving recklessly ahead. The complaining motorist is visibly angry and wants to follow the other car. What should you do?

Answer: Get vehicle and driver descriptions, broadcast to dispatch, and advise the motorist to go home while you handle it

Gathering descriptions, broadcasting to dispatch, and redirecting the angry motorist prevents escalation while properly initiating enforcement action.

You arrive at a shoplifting call. The store manager has a 14-year-old detained who took a small item. The manager wants the teen arrested and prosecuted. What factors should guide your response?

Answer: Consider the age, the value of the item, the teen's history, and available juvenile diversion options before deciding on action

Juvenile cases require considering the offender's age, offense seriousness, prior history, and diversion options — not simply following the victim's demands for prosecution.

You receive a call about a mentally ill person in a park acting erratically but not threatening anyone. Bystanders are concerned. What is the best approach?

Answer: Approach calmly, identify yourself, speak slowly and clearly, and assess whether crisis intervention or medical assistance is needed

A calm, measured approach using crisis intervention communication techniques is the appropriate first response to a non-threatening mentally ill person.