NYPD Problem Sensitivity Questions and Answers

Question 1

While on patrol in a quiet commercial district late at night, you notice a single light on in a jewelry store that is always completely dark after closing.
There are no other signs of activity.
This observation demonstrates problem sensitivity by primarily indicating:

Accepted Answer

A deviation from the norm that requires further, cautious investigation to determine the cause.

Answer

That an employee likely forgot to turn off a light, which should be noted in the activity log.

Answer

An immediate need for backup and a tactical response for a burglary in progress.

Answer

That the store has recently changed its closing procedures without notifying the precinct.

Question 2

An officer is mediating a loud verbal dispute between two neighbors regarding a property line. While both individuals are angry, the officer observes that one neighbor, despite speaking calmly, is repeatedly clenching and unclenching their fists. Recognizing this non-verbal cue is an example of problem sensitivity because it suggests:

Accepted Answer

The situation has a heightened potential to escalate to physical violence.

Answer

The verbal argument is about to de-escalate and resolve itself.

Answer

The individual is likely cold and should be disregarded.

Answer

The calm-speaking individual is the more reasonable party in the dispute.

Question 3

During a traffic stop for speeding, an officer notes that the driver seems unusually nervous, is sweating despite the cool weather, and avoids eye contact. The passenger in the front seat is sitting rigidly still, staring straight ahead, and does not respond when the officer greets them. A problem-sensitive officer should recognize that these combined behaviors:

Accepted Answer

Are anomalies that may point to a more serious underlying issue, such as the presence of contraband, a warrant, or a hostage situation.

Answer

Are a typical reaction for people who are pulled over and indicate no further problem.

Answer

Suggest the passenger is being rude and should be ordered to answer the officer.

Answer

Confirm the driver was aware they were speeding and is worried about the ticket.

Question 4

An officer responds to a welfare check for an elderly resident who has not been seen for several days. The officer makes contact and finds the resident is physically unharmed. However, the officer also observes that the home is in extreme disarray, there is very little fresh food, and the resident seems confused about the day of the week. After ensuring there is no immediate medical crisis, what does problem sensitivity require the officer to recognize?

Accepted Answer

A potential non-criminal problem of self-neglect or cognitive decline that warrants a referral to adult protective or social services.

Answer

That the call for service has been successfully completed and they can leave.

Answer

That the neighbors who called are overly intrusive and should be cautioned.

Answer

Grounds to cite the resident for maintaining an unsanitary residence.

Question 5

Which of the following scenarios is the clearest example of an officer using problem sensitivity?

Accepted Answer

An officer notices a car parked near a closed park late at night with its engine running and decides to investigate.

Answer

An officer accurately fires their weapon during a qualification course.

Answer

An officer writes a detailed and grammatically correct incident report.

Answer

An officer expertly directs traffic around a major vehicle collision.

Question 6

While on foot patrol, an officer walks past a group of teenagers who immediately go silent and pointedly turn their backs as the officer approaches. The officer also observes a freshly painted, intricate graffiti tag on a nearby wall that was not present the day before. Connecting these two observations demonstrates problem sensitivity by allowing the officer to identify:

Accepted Answer

A potential for developing gang activity or territorial marking in the area.

Answer

That the teenagers are likely aspiring artists practicing their craft.

Answer

That the teenagers are simply being disrespectful and should be ignored.

Answer

An unrelated coincidence that requires no further thought.