NYPD Visualization and Matching Flashcards

Officers study a block diagram showing a pharmacy on the north side of Oak Street, a laundromat directly across (south side), and a parking lot east of the pharmacy. A suspect was seen fleeing toward the parking lot. In which direction did the suspect run?

Answer: East

The parking lot was east of the pharmacy, so the suspect fled east.

A NYPD exam question shows two nearly identical images of a street scene side by side, with the instruction to identify differences. Officers find: a missing trash can in Image B, a changed street sign, and an added pedestrian. How many differences were identified?

Answer: Three

Three differences were identified: a missing trash can, a changed street sign, and an added pedestrian.

A suspect is described as wearing size 12 shoes with a distinctive chevron tread pattern. Officers find footprints at the scene. Which observation would BEST confirm a match to the suspect?

Answer: The footprint shows a chevron tread pattern and is consistent with a size 12 shoe

Both the size and the distinctive tread pattern matching together provide a much stronger confirmation than either alone.

An officer views a wanted flyer showing a suspect with a nose ring in the left nostril, a neck tattoo reading 'MAMA', and cornrow braids. Later, the officer encounters a person with a nose ring in the RIGHT nostril, a neck tattoo reading 'MAMA', and cornrow braids. What is the most appropriate action?

Answer: Detain and investigate, as two of three specific features match and the nose ring side may be a witness error or image flip

Two highly specific features (neck tattoo text and hairstyle) match; the nose ring discrepancy may reflect a mirrored photo or witness error, warranting investigation.

During a NYPD Patrol Guide exercise, officers are shown a diagram of a four-way intersection with traffic signals. The north-south road is Main Street and the east-west road is 5th Avenue. An officer standing on the southwest corner facing north is looking toward:

Answer: The northwest corner

Standing on the southwest corner and facing north, the officer looks directly toward the northwest corner across the intersection.

A crime scene photo shows a victim's wallet on the floor 3 feet from the door, a cell phone near the window, and a set of keys on the kitchen counter. If an officer is asked where the wallet was found, the correct answer is:

Answer: 3 feet from the door

The scene description specifically placed the wallet 3 feet from the door, distinguishing it from the phone and keys at other locations.

A patrol officer is tasked with memorizing the faces of five individuals on a 'persons of interest' board before going on patrol. The most effective strategy for visualization memorization is to:

Answer: Identify one unique permanent physical feature for each individual and create a mental association

Linking one unique permanent feature per person to a mental association (such as a memorable description) is proven to improve accurate recall.