Video-Based Situational Judgment Flashcards

You are on patrol and observe a video clip showing two vehicles stopped at an intersection. The driver of one vehicle exits and begins shouting obscenities at the other driver, who remains in their car. What is your BEST first action?

Answer: Approach both parties calmly, separate them, and assess the situation

Calmly separating parties and assessing the situation de-escalates tension and allows you to gather facts before determining appropriate action.

A video shows a store clerk waving you down urgently. Inside, a customer is yelling that they were shortchanged. The manager insists the transaction was correct. What should you do?

Answer: Mediate the dispute, gather statements, and advise on civil remedies if no crime occurred

A billing dispute is generally civil, but officers should mediate, gather information, and explain appropriate remedies before leaving.

You view footage of a subject fleeing on foot after a minor traffic stop. You are alone and the subject runs into a dark alley. What is the MOST appropriate action?

Answer: Establish a perimeter, request backup, and contain the area

Establishing a perimeter and waiting for backup maximizes officer safety while maintaining containment of the subject.

A video depicts a juvenile, approximately 13 years old, shoplifting a snack item valued at under $5. The store owner wants the child arrested. What is your BEST course of action?

Answer: Contact a parent or guardian, document the incident, and consider a formal warning or juvenile diversion

Juvenile diversion and parental notification are preferred for minor first offenses, balancing accountability with appropriate juvenile justice principles.

You watch a clip where a visibly intoxicated person is stumbling near a busy roadway at night. They refuse to accept help and say they are fine. What should you do?

Answer: Detain them for their own safety, contact medical services, and keep them from the roadway

An intoxicated person near traffic presents an immediate danger to themselves, justifying a protective detention and medical evaluation.

A video shows your partner using excessive force against a compliant suspect during an arrest. No supervisors are present. What is your MOST appropriate response?

Answer: Intervene verbally to stop the force, then report the incident through proper channels

Officers have a duty to intervene when they witness excessive force and must report the incident through proper channels.

You review footage showing a driver stopped for speeding who hands you a registration card from the glove box along with what appears to be a large amount of cash. They say 'keep it and we'll forget this happened.' What do you do?

Answer: Decline, inform the driver that accepting would be bribery, issue the citation, and report the offer

Accepting money in exchange for not enforcing the law constitutes bribery; officers must decline, document, and report such offers.