NYPD Situational Judgment Flashcards
7 cards from real NYPD practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 NYPD Situational Judgment flashcards as text
You observe two teenagers spray-painting graffiti on a building wall. As you approach, one runs and one stays. What should you do?
Answer: Detain the teenager who stayed, broadcast a description of the fleeing one, and await backup
Detaining the individual present and broadcasting a description maximizes accountability without abandoning secured evidence.
A victim of a robbery tells you the suspect is 'definitely' a neighbor she dislikes but provides no evidence. What is the appropriate action?
Answer: Document the allegation, interview the named suspect, and gather corroborating evidence before acting
Probable cause requires more than an accusation; you must investigate and gather corroborating evidence before making an arrest.
While on patrol you find an unconscious person on the sidewalk with a needle nearby. What is your primary concern?
Answer: Check for responsiveness and request EMS while ensuring scene safety
Life safety is always the first priority; EMS must be summoned immediately for an unconscious person.
A supervisor orders you to falsify a report to cover up a minor procedural error. What should you do?
Answer: Refuse and document the order, then report it to Internal Affairs
Falsifying official reports is illegal regardless of who orders it; refusal and reporting to IAB is the required course of action.
You pull over a driver who is extremely agitated and keeps reaching toward the glove compartment. What is the safest approach?
Answer: Immediately order the driver to keep hands visible and call for backup
A driver repeatedly reaching toward hidden areas is a safety concern requiring you to establish control and request backup.
You respond to a noise complaint and find a large, peaceful house party. The music is loud but within permitted hours. What do you do?
Answer: Advise the host that a complaint was received and ask them to lower the volume as a courtesy
When no law is being broken, informing and asking for voluntary cooperation is the proper community-policing response.
A bystander attempts to record your use-of-force interaction on a cell phone from a safe distance. What is the correct response?
Answer: Allow the recording as long as the bystander is not interfering with the scene
Citizens have a First Amendment right to record police activity in public as long as they do not interfere with operations.