NTN Police Reading Comprehension 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the following passage and answer the question. "An incident report filed by Officer Reyes stated: 'At approximately 2145 hours, I responded to a report of a disturbance at 412 Birch Avenue. Upon arrival, I observed a broken window on the east side of the building and heard raised voices from inside. I contacted two male subjects on the premises, both of whom claimed to be the property owner.'" Which statement about the two male subjects is supported by the report?
- One of them was determined to be the actual property owner
- Both claimed to be the property owner of the premises (Correct answer)
- Both were arrested for trespassing at the location
- Neither subject was willing to provide identification
Correct answer: Both claimed to be the property owner of the premises
The report states both male subjects claimed to be the property owner — no determination of actual ownership is made.
Question 2: Read the following passage and answer the question. "Police discretion refers to the authority granted to officers to make judgment-based decisions about how to handle situations. While officers must uphold the law, discretion allows them to consider factors such as the severity of the offense, the needs of the victim, and the potential impact on public safety when deciding on a course of action." What does the passage suggest about police discretion?
- It allows officers to ignore laws they personally disagree with
- It is only applicable in misdemeanor situations
- It permits judgment-based decisions within the framework of upholding the law (Correct answer)
- It requires supervisory approval before being exercised
Correct answer: It permits judgment-based decisions within the framework of upholding the law
The passage describes discretion as judgment-based decision-making while still upholding the law.
Question 3: Read the following passage and answer the question. "A call for service log showed the following entries for Officer Delgado on the evening of July 10: 1900 – Traffic stop, Cedar Rd; 1947 – Welfare check, 88 Elm St; 2015 – Burglar alarm, First National Bank; 2103 – Disturbance, Riverside Park; 2248 – Vehicle accident, Hwy 9." How much time passed between the welfare check and the burglar alarm call?
- 28 minutes (Correct answer)
- 47 minutes
- 68 minutes
- 103 minutes
Correct answer: 28 minutes
The welfare check was at 1947 and the burglar alarm was at 2015, a difference of 28 minutes.
Question 4: Read the following passage and answer the question. "Officers must be alert to signs of human trafficking. Victims may appear disoriented, avoid eye contact, and seem coached in their responses. They may not be in possession of their own identification documents and may show signs of physical abuse. Traffickers often pose as family members or employers." According to the passage, why might a trafficking victim seem coached in their responses?
- They are attempting to protect themselves from arrest
- They have been instructed by traffickers on what to say (Correct answer)
- They are unfamiliar with local laws and customs
- They are trained by law enforcement to respond this way
Correct answer: They have been instructed by traffickers on what to say
The passage implies that coached responses result from traffickers controlling victims and instructing them on what to say.
Question 5: Read the following passage and answer the question. "The chain of custody refers to the chronological documentation showing the collection, custody, control, transfer, and analysis of physical evidence. Breaks in the chain of custody can raise questions about the integrity of evidence and may result in it being challenged or excluded at trial." What is the consequence of a break in the chain of custody, according to the passage?
- The officer who collected the evidence will be disciplined
- The evidence must be repackaged and relabeled immediately
- The evidence may be challenged or excluded at trial (Correct answer)
- The case must be dismissed automatically
Correct answer: The evidence may be challenged or excluded at trial
The passage states that breaks in the chain of custody can result in evidence being challenged or excluded at trial.
Question 6: Read the following passage and answer the question. "An officer noted that a burglary suspect's description was: male, approximately 5'9", medium build, wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and white sneakers. The suspect was last seen near the corner of Oak and 5th, heading east on foot." If another officer spots a male matching this description walking westbound on Oak Street, which detail does NOT match the original report?
- The clothing description
- The subject's build
- The direction of travel (Correct answer)
- The location on Oak Street
Correct answer: The direction of travel
The original report states the suspect was heading east, but the officer observed the subject heading westbound.
Question 7: Read the following passage and answer the question. "Officers conducting a building search after a reported break-in should announce their presence before entering each room, use a partner when possible, and systematically clear each area before moving forward. Officers should never assume an area is clear simply because it appears empty on initial view." What does the passage warn officers against assuming?
- That a building is safe without backup present
- That a suspect will surrender without resistance
- That an area is clear simply because it appears empty (Correct answer)
- That a break-in has occurred without visible damage
Correct answer: That an area is clear simply because it appears empty
The passage explicitly warns officers never to assume an area is clear simply because it appears empty on initial view.
NTN Police Reading Comprehension 4
Read the following passage and answer the question.
"An incident report filed by Officer Reyes stated: 'At approximately 2145 hours, I responded to a report of a disturbance at 412 Birch Avenue.
Upon arrival, I observed a broken window on the east side of the building and heard raised voices from inside.
I contacted two male subjects on the premises, both of whom claimed to be the property owner.'"
Which statement about the two male subjects is supported by the report?