NYPD Police Officer Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: While writing a report at the precinct, you realize your partner made a significant factual error in their portion of a shared report. What do you do?

Correct the error yourself without telling your partner
Notify your partner of the error and allow them to correct it through proper channels (Correct answer)
Report your partner to Internal Affairs immediately
Submit the report as-is since it is your partner's responsibility

Correct answer: Notify your partner of the error and allow them to correct it through proper channels

Giving your partner the opportunity to correct their own error through proper channels is the professional and appropriate first step.

Question 2: Officer Chen stops a vehicle for running a red light. The driver appears nervous and there is a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the car. What does this odor MOST likely establish?

Grounds to immediately arrest the driver for drug possession
Reasonable suspicion to briefly question the driver only
Probable cause to search the vehicle (Correct answer)
No legal basis for further action beyond the traffic stop

Correct answer: Probable cause to search the vehicle

In New York, the odor of marijuana emanating from a vehicle has been held to provide probable cause to search the vehicle.

Question 3: A witness provides a written description of a mugger: male, approximately 30 years old, 5'8", wearing a green jacket, blue jeans, and black boots, with a scar on the right hand. In visualization-based identification, which detail is the WEAKEST identifier for future recognition?

The approximate age of 30
The scar on the right hand
The height of 5'8"
The green jacket (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The green jacket

Clothing like a green jacket can be changed immediately after a crime, making it the weakest long-term identifier.

Question 4: Officer Reed is conducting a welfare check on a man whose family hasn't heard from him in a week. The man answers the door, says he's fine, and tries to close it quickly. Officer Reed notices the man's apartment is completely dark at noon, he has a week's worth of unopened mail, and his speech is unusually slow. What problem should Officer Reed identify?

The man values his privacy and law enforcement should respect his wish to be left alone
The family is overreacting to a week of no contact
The man shows multiple indicators of a serious mental health crisis or medical condition requiring intervention (Correct answer)
The man works night shifts and the closed curtains and slow speech reflect sleep deprivation

Correct answer: The man shows multiple indicators of a serious mental health crisis or medical condition requiring intervention

Darkness at midday, unopened mail, and slowed speech together form a cluster of warning signs indicating a person who may be in a serious mental health or medical crisis.

Question 5: Under U.S. law, what constitutes 'probable cause'?

A mere hunch that someone appears suspicious
A reasonable belief based on articulable facts that a crime has been or is being committed (Correct answer)
A witness statement alone, regardless of credibility
Any anonymous tip regardless of reliability

Correct answer: A reasonable belief based on articulable facts that a crime has been or is being committed

Probable cause requires a reasonable belief supported by specific, articulable facts — not mere suspicion.

Question 6: If a department has 35,000 officers and 14,000 are on patrol, what fraction are on patrol?

1/2
1/3
2/5 (Correct answer)
3/7

Correct answer: 2/5

14,000 ÷ 35,000 = 2/5 of the department is on patrol.

Question 7: An officer is shown a 'wanted' poster for 5 minutes. Which of the following memorization techniques would be most effective for recalling specific details like scars, marks, or tattoos?

Trying to remember the general impression of the suspect's face.
Creating a mental story or association that links the suspect's name to their unique features. (Correct answer)
Reading the text description repeatedly without looking at the image.
Focusing solely on the suspect's height and weight as they are numerical.

Correct answer: Creating a mental story or association that links the suspect's name to their unique features.

Creating associations or mental links (a mnemonic device) is a powerful memory technique. For instance, if a suspect named 'Chase' has a scar over his eye, you might imagine him 'chasing' something and getting the scar. This active memorization process is more effective for recalling specific, distinct details than passive observation or focusing on only one type of information.

Question 8: Choose the correctly punctuated sentence.

The officers searched the apartment however they found no contraband.
The officers searched the apartment; however, they found no contraband. (Correct answer)
The officers searched the apartment, however they found no contraband.
The officers searched the apartment however, they found no contraband.

Correct answer: The officers searched the apartment; however, they found no contraband.

A semicolon before 'however' and a comma after it correctly joins two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb.

Question 9: A store owner tells Officer Chen that shoplifting has increased but he cannot identify who is responsible. Officer Chen reviews the security footage and notices the thefts always occur during the same 15-minute window each day when one specific employee takes a break. What should Officer Chen identify as the key problem?

The store's layout creates blind spots
Shoplifters are targeting the store during busy periods
The security camera system is inadequate
There may be a correlation between the employee's break and the thefts (Correct answer)

Correct answer: There may be a correlation between the employee's break and the thefts

Identifying the pattern connecting the employee's break schedule to theft timing is the critical problem that warrants further investigation.

Question 10: A vehicle description reads: 2019 Honda Civic, dark blue, four-door, with a cracked rear windshield and a missing front bumper. What was damaged on the REAR of the vehicle?

Rear bumper
Front bumper
Rear door
Rear windshield (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Rear windshield

The rear of the vehicle had a cracked windshield.

Question 11: An officer is given four case numbers to remember in order: 2026-04411, 2026-04413, 2026-04417, 2026-04421. Which case number is THIRD in the sequence?

2026-04413
2026-04411
2026-04417 (Correct answer)
2026-04421

Correct answer: 2026-04417

The third case number in the sequence is 2026-04417.

Question 12: A supervisor praises your performance and suggests you skip completing a required end-of-shift report 'just this once.' What do you do?

Complete a shortened version of the report as a compromise
Complete the report as required regardless of the supervisor's suggestion (Correct answer)
Report the supervisor for attempting to violate procedure
Skip the report since the supervisor approved it

Correct answer: Complete the report as required regardless of the supervisor's suggestion

Required reports must be completed regardless of supervisory suggestions to skip them; documentation is a legal obligation.

Question 13: While processing an arrest, a suspect tells you they are experiencing chest pain and difficulty breathing. What is your first priority?

Secure the suspect and immediately request Emergency Medical Services (Correct answer)
Assume the suspect is faking to avoid processing and continue
Ask a fellow officer to watch the suspect while you finish your report
Complete the arrest paperwork before addressing medical complaints

Correct answer: Secure the suspect and immediately request Emergency Medical Services

Officer safety and detainee welfare require you to treat medical emergencies as the immediate priority and summon EMS.

Question 14: A inmate is there because they assisted in another person's murder. How do you refer to this?

Accessory to murder (Correct answer)
Second Degree Murder (Correct answer)
First Degree Murder
Aiding and abetting a suspect

Correct answer: Accessory to murder

If an individual's assistance in a murder is substantial and they share the requisite intent (malice aforethought but without premeditation), they can be charged as a principal in the second degree, making them liable for second-degree murder. This classification applies when someone actively participates in or facilitates a killing without prior planning, but with the intent to cause death or serious bodily harm.

Question 15: Passage: 'Radio communications must be clear and concise. Officers should state their shield number, current location, and the nature of the situation before requesting assistance. Unnecessary transmissions tie up the radio frequency and can delay emergency response.' According to this passage, what should an officer state FIRST on the radio? A) The nature of the situation B) A request for backup C) Their shield number D) Their current location

The nature of the situation
Their shield number (Correct answer)
A request for backup
Their current location

Correct answer: Their shield number

The passage specifies officers should state their 'shield number' first, followed by location and then the situation.

Question 16: Five officers each submitted a field interview card. Cards were submitted at: Officer 1—11:30, Officer 2—09:00, Officer 3—14:15, Officer 4—08:45, Officer 5—13:00. Which order reflects earliest to latest submission?

4, 2, 5, 1, 3
2, 4, 1, 5, 3
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
4, 2, 1, 5, 3 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 4, 2, 1, 5, 3

Ordering by time: 08:45 (4), 09:00 (2), 11:30 (1), 13:00 (5), 14:15 (3).

Question 17: A detective is briefed that a robbery occurred at 14:45 hours, police arrived at 15:10 hours, and the suspect was apprehended at 15:38 hours. How many minutes passed between the robbery and police arrival?

25 minutes (Correct answer)
35 minutes
28 minutes
20 minutes

Correct answer: 25 minutes

From 14:45 to 15:10 is exactly 25 minutes.

Question 18: An officer is shown a photograph of a crime scene for one minute. The photo shows broken glass on the left side of the door, a knocked-over trash can near the curb, and a broken streetlamp overhead. After the photo is removed, what was located near the curb?

A broken streetlamp
A parked bicycle
A knocked-over trash can (Correct answer)
Broken glass

Correct answer: A knocked-over trash can

The scene description placed the knocked-over trash can near the curb, not the glass or the streetlamp.

Question 19: An officer earns $75,000 per year. What is the approximate monthly salary?

$7,500
$6,250 (Correct answer)
$6,000
$5,500

Correct answer: $6,250

$75,000 ÷ 12 months = $6,250 per month.

Question 20: Officer Torres wrote: 'Me and my partner responded to the call.' How should this sentence be corrected?

My partner and me responded to the call.
My partner responded to the call along with me.
My partner and I responded to the call. (Correct answer)
I and my partner responded to the call.

Correct answer: My partner and I responded to the call.

'My partner and I' is correct because 'I' is used as a subject pronoun, not 'me.'

Question 21: An officer notices that a store window has been shattered and the alarm is sounding. There are no witnesses present. The officer should FIRST:

Enter the store to check for suspects
Wait for the store owner to arrive before taking action
Secure the perimeter and call for backup before entry (Correct answer)
Turn off the alarm to reduce noise complaints

Correct answer: Secure the perimeter and call for backup before entry

Before entering a potentially unsecured premises, officers must establish a perimeter and request backup to ensure safety.

Question 22: The NYPD's CompStat program is primarily designed to:

Process officer payroll and benefits automatically
Generate automated arrest warrants based on prior offenses
Track crime statistics in real time to direct resources and hold commanders accountable (Correct answer)
Monitor officer social media activity for policy compliance

Correct answer: Track crime statistics in real time to direct resources and hold commanders accountable

CompStat (Computer Statistics) uses data-driven crime mapping to identify crime patterns and hold precinct commanders accountable for results.

Question 23: While on patrol you find an unconscious person on the sidewalk with a needle nearby. What is your primary concern?

Handcuff the person in case they are dangerous when they wake
Search their belongings for identification before calling for help
Secure the needle as evidence first
Check for responsiveness and request EMS while ensuring scene safety (Correct answer)

Correct 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.

Question 24: What uniform item distinguishes an Auxiliary Police Officer from a regular NYPD officer at a glance?

A blue hat instead of a black one
A silver badge instead of a gold one
Green shoulder patches
The word 'AUXILIARY' displayed on the uniform (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The word 'AUXILIARY' displayed on the uniform

Auxiliary officers wear uniforms that prominently display the word 'AUXILIARY' to distinguish them from regular officers.

Question 25: Passage: 'The complainant, Mr. Okafor, stated he was walking home at approximately 10:45 PM when an unknown male approached him from behind, struck him on the head with an object, and took his wallet containing $75, two credit cards, and his driver's license. Mr. Okafor was transported to Bellevue Hospital.' What was NOT taken from Mr. Okafor? A) His wallet B) Two credit cards C) His driver's license D) His cell phone

Two credit cards
His cell phone (Correct answer)
His wallet
His driver's license

Correct answer: His cell phone

The passage lists the wallet, credit cards, and driver's license as stolen; a cell phone is not mentioned.

Question 26: Officer Burke is assigned to a community with recurring gang-related graffiti that appears within days of being painted over. Residents say they are afraid to report who is responsible. What underlying problem should Officer Burke identify as most needing to be addressed?

The city's graffiti removal crew needs to respond faster
Surveillance cameras should be installed to catch the vandals in the act
Resident fear of gang retaliation is preventing community cooperation and allowing gang territory marking to continue unchallenged (Correct answer)
The gang members are not aware that graffiti is illegal

Correct answer: Resident fear of gang retaliation is preventing community cooperation and allowing gang territory marking to continue unchallenged

Fear-driven silence in the community is the root problem enabling recurring gang activity; without addressing that fear, enforcement and cleanup efforts will remain ineffective.

Question 27: Which sentence is grammatically correct?

The suspect, along with two accomplices, was arrested. (Correct answer)
The suspect along with two accomplices was arrested.
The suspect, along with two accomplices was arrested.
The suspect, along with two accomplices, were arrested.

Correct answer: The suspect, along with two accomplices, was arrested.

'Along with two accomplices' is a parenthetical phrase; the true subject 'suspect' is singular, requiring 'was.'

Question 28: Which of the following details in a photograph of a crime scene would be MOST crucial for an officer to actively memorize?

The specific digits on a vehicle's license plate near the scene. (Correct answer)
The brand name on a civilian's sweatshirt in the background.
The color of the leaves on a distant tree.
The number of clouds in the sky.

Correct answer: The specific digits on a vehicle's license plate near the scene.

In a police context, details that can help identify a person, vehicle, or location are of the highest priority. A license plate provides a unique identifier that can be crucial for an investigation. While other details form the context of the scene, a license plate is a specific, actionable piece of information that would be vital to recall accurately.

Question 29: A vehicle used in a carjacking is described as a silver SUV with tinted rear windows, a roof rack, and a sticker on the rear bumper. Which of the following is LEAST likely to change if the suspect attempts to disguise the vehicle?

The bumper sticker
The vehicle's body shape and roof line (Correct answer)
The roof rack
The window tinting

Correct answer: The vehicle's body shape and roof line

A vehicle's overall body shape and roof line cannot be easily altered, making it the most persistent identifying feature.

Question 30: An officer reads the following sequence of apartment numbers during a canvass: 4B, 7A, 2C, 9D, 1F. Which apartment was listed FOURTH?

2C
1F
9D (Correct answer)
7A

Correct answer: 9D

The fourth apartment in the sequence 4B, 7A, 2C, 9D, 1F is 9D.

Question 31: During a 90-second observation exercise, an officer views a room containing a desk with papers, a red chair, a filing cabinet with an open drawer, a window with broken blinds, and a clock reading 3:20. What time did the clock display?

2:30
2:50
3:40
3:20 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 3:20

The clock in the room displayed 3:20.

Question 32: An officer is writing a report and needs to list the items recovered from a suspect's vehicle. Which sentence uses punctuation correctly?

The following items were recovered: a wallet a cellphone and a set of keys.
The following items were recovered a wallet, a cellphone, and a set of keys.
The following items were recovered: a wallet, a cellphone, and a set of keys. (Correct answer)
The following items, were recovered; a wallet, a cellphone, and a set of keys.

Correct answer: The following items were recovered: a wallet, a cellphone, and a set of keys.

A colon is used to introduce a list after an independent clause. Commas are then used to separate the individual items within the list. The other options use incorrect punctuation (a comma instead of a colon, missing commas between list items, or incorrect use of a semicolon).

Question 33: Passage: 'The Patrol Guide states that officers must submit all use-of-force reports within 24 hours of any incident involving physical contact. Reports submitted after this deadline require supervisory approval and a written explanation for the delay.' Which of the following is TRUE according to this passage? A) Late reports are automatically rejected B) Only supervisors may submit use-of-force reports C) Late reports require supervisor approval and an explanation D) Physical contact incidents require no documentation

Late reports require supervisor approval and an explanation (Correct answer)
Only supervisors may submit use-of-force reports
Late reports are automatically rejected
Physical contact incidents require no documentation

Correct answer: Late reports require supervisor approval and an explanation

The passage explicitly states that late reports require both supervisory approval and a written explanation.

Question 34: 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?

Ignore the person because the nose ring is on the wrong side
Detain and investigate, as two of three specific features match and the nose ring side may be a witness error or image flip (Correct answer)
Arrest the person immediately based on two matching features
Report the encounter without stopping the individual

Correct 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.

Question 35: A complainant calls 911 stating her neighbor is playing loud music and has been doing so for three hours. This would MOST likely be categorized as:

An incident requiring the emergency services unit
A quality-of-life complaint to be handled by local patrol (Correct answer)
A felony noise complaint requiring immediate SWAT response
A federal civil rights violation

Correct answer: A quality-of-life complaint to be handled by local patrol

Noise complaints are quality-of-life issues handled by patrol officers under local ordinances and the NYC Administrative Code.

Question 36: Passage: 'Witnesses to the incident included three pedestrians, one store owner, and a delivery driver. Two of the pedestrians declined to provide statements. The store owner provided a written account, and the delivery driver provided a verbal account recorded by Officer Diaz.' How many witnesses provided statements? A) Five B) Three C) Two D) One

Two (Correct answer)
Five
Three
One

Correct answer: Two

The store owner and the delivery driver each provided statements, totaling two witnesses.

Question 37: Officer Chen studies a crime scene sketch showing a mailbox on the southeast corner, a bus stop bench on the southwest corner, and a fire escape on the building's east wall. A witness claims to have seen the crime from behind the bus stop bench. Where was the witness?

On the southwest corner (Correct answer)
On the southeast corner
On the east side of the building
Inside the building

Correct answer: On the southwest corner

The bus stop bench was located on the southwest corner, so the witness was on the southwest corner.

Question 38: Which order correctly describes how to handle a found firearm? (1) Secure the weapon safely, (2) Check if it is loaded, (3) Log it as evidence, (4) Notify supervisor

2, 1, 3, 4
1, 4, 2, 3
1, 2, 4, 3 (Correct answer)
4, 1, 2, 3

Correct answer: 1, 2, 4, 3

The weapon is secured first for safety, then checked for ammunition, the supervisor is notified, and it is logged as evidence.

Question 39: Which of the following sentences is the most clearly and professionally written for a police report?

The witness seemed pretty scared and told me the guy who ran off was sort of tall.
The witness, who appeared visibly shaken, stated the suspect was 'about six feet tall.' (Correct answer)
I interviewed the witness and it is my opinion that they were frightened by the tall suspect.
Upon making contact, the witness stated that the perpetrator who absconded from the location was of a considerable height.

Correct answer: The witness, who appeared visibly shaken, stated the suspect was 'about six feet tall.'

This sentence is the most professional because it uses objective language ('visibly shaken') instead of subjective interpretation ('seemed pretty scared'), avoids jargon ('absconded', 'perpetrator'), and uses a direct quote for precision. Police reports should be factual and avoid personal opinions.

Question 40: Which sentence correctly uses 'its' and 'it's'?

Its important to file the report within 24 hours.
The department updated it's policy on use-of-force last year.
The precinct changed it's procedures in response to the audit.
The vehicle had its engine running when officers arrived. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The vehicle had its engine running when officers arrived.

'Its' (no apostrophe) is the possessive pronoun; option C correctly uses it to show the vehicle's engine.

Question 41: Officer Brown reviews incident reports and notices that car break-ins in a parking garage always occur on the same level and always involve vehicles with out-of-state plates. What problem identification is most accurate?

The garage lighting is insufficient on that level
Out-of-state drivers are parking in an unsecured area
The elevator access to that level is too easy
A suspect is specifically targeting out-of-state vehicles, possibly assuming tourists carry valuables (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A suspect is specifically targeting out-of-state vehicles, possibly assuming tourists carry valuables

The deliberate targeting of out-of-state plates suggests the suspect profiles vehicles belonging to travelers who may carry valuables and are less likely to return to investigate.

Question 42: The NYPD Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) is responsible for:

Prosecuting officers in criminal court
Setting police department policies and budgets
Handling payroll disputes between officers and the city
Independently investigating civilian complaints of NYPD officer misconduct (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Independently investigating civilian complaints of NYPD officer misconduct

The CCRB is an independent city agency that investigates civilian complaints about force, abuse, discourtesy, or language by NYPD officers.

Question 43: When writing an Aided Report for an injured person, an Auxiliary officer must:

Diagnose the victim's medical condition based on observation
Record factual observations and actions taken, not medical conclusions (Correct answer)
Omit information until a regular officer approves the report
Use medical terminology to describe all injuries

Correct answer: Record factual observations and actions taken, not medical conclusions

Auxiliary officers must record only factual, observable information on reports and should not make medical diagnoses.

Question 44: Under what circumstance may an Auxiliary Police Officer carry a firearm?

When assigned to a high-crime patrol area
Generally, auxiliary officers are not authorized to carry firearms (Correct answer)
When approved by the precinct commander on a case-by-case basis
After completing the basic auxiliary training course

Correct answer: Generally, auxiliary officers are not authorized to carry firearms

NYPD Auxiliary Police Officers are generally not authorized to carry firearms as part of their volunteer role.

Question 45: The Miranda warning must be given to a suspect BEFORE:

Custodial interrogation regarding the suspected crime (Correct answer)
Any contact between the officer and the suspect
A judge sets bail at arraignment
The suspect is searched incident to arrest

Correct answer: Custodial interrogation regarding the suspected crime

Miranda v. Arizona requires that warnings be given before custodial interrogation to protect Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination.

Question 46: A witness says a collision occurred 'two blocks south and three blocks east' of the police station at Main St and Center Ave. Which intersection had the collision?

Two blocks north of Main St, three blocks west of Center Ave
Three blocks south of Main St, two blocks east of Center Ave
Two blocks south of Main St, three blocks east of Center Ave (Correct answer)
Two blocks north of Main St on Center Ave

Correct answer: Two blocks south of Main St, three blocks east of Center Ave

Moving two blocks south of Main St and three blocks east of Center Ave gives the described intersection.

Question 47: Which statement about patrols in housing projects is true?

You should patrol housing development lobbies (Correct answer)
You should immediately remove persons from a stuck elevator
You should conduct verticals to ensure the safety of all residents
You should place crime scene tape over open elevator doors and then continue patrol

Correct answer: You should patrol housing development lobbies

Auxiliary officers are tasked with maintaining a visible presence to deter crime and ensure community safety. Patrolling housing development lobbies is a key part of this strategy, as lobbies are common areas where residents gather and where criminal activity can occur. A visible presence acts as a deterrent and provides reassurance to residents.

Question 48: As soon as you become aware of a disastrous occurrence that may call for auxiliary police intervention, you should:

Call your auxiliary sergeant
Call your auxiliary commanding officer
Call your auxiliary coordinator or station house supervisor (Correct answer)
Immediately report direct to the scene of the incident

Correct answer: Call your auxiliary coordinator or station house supervisor

In the event of a disastrous occurrence requiring auxiliary police intervention, following the chain of command is crucial for proper coordination and resource deployment. The auxiliary coordinator or station house supervisor is the immediate point of contact responsible for managing auxiliary units and relaying information to higher command. This ensures the incident is reported through official channels and appropriate actions are taken.

Question 49: You respond to a report of a man sleeping on a park bench. He is not intoxicated and has committed no crime. What is the appropriate action?

Check on his welfare, offer available social services information, and move on if he refuses assistance (Correct answer)
Arrest him for vagrancy
Force him to leave the park immediately
Ignore the call since no crime has been committed

Correct answer: Check on his welfare, offer available social services information, and move on if he refuses assistance

When no crime has occurred, officers should provide welfare assistance and social service information while respecting individual rights.

Question 50: You pull over a driver who is extremely agitated and keeps reaching toward the glove compartment. What is the safest approach?

Immediately order the driver to keep hands visible and call for backup (Correct answer)
Walk up to the vehicle and look in the window quickly
Issue the ticket from your car without approaching the vehicle
Allow the driver to retrieve whatever they want to de-escalate the situation

Correct 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.

Question 51: 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:

The northwest corner (Correct answer)
The southeast corner
The northeast corner
The southwest corner

Correct answer: The northwest corner

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

Question 52: An officer reviews a wanted bulletin listing these details: DOB 03/14/1988, height 5'9", weight 165 lbs, scar on left cheek. On which cheek does the subject have a scar?

Right cheek
Chin
Left cheek (Correct answer)
Both cheeks

Correct answer: Left cheek

The bulletin specifically states the scar is on the left cheek.

Question 53: A complainant states the fire escape is on the south side of the building on Park Place. The building's front entrance faces north. Which side of the building has the fire escape?

The front of the building
The right side when facing the building
The rear of the building (Correct answer)
The left side when facing the building

Correct answer: The rear of the building

If the front faces north, the rear faces south, so the fire escape on the south side is at the rear.

Question 54: Officers are setting up a perimeter around a block bounded by 1st St to the north, 2nd St to the south, A Ave to the west, and B Ave to the east. An officer on the east side of the block is standing on which street or avenue?

1st St
B Ave (Correct answer)
A Ave
2nd St

Correct answer: B Ave

B Ave forms the eastern boundary of the block, so an officer on the east side stands on B Ave.

Question 55: Passage: 'At 09:15, a call came in reporting a suspicious package left unattended outside the entrance to City Hall. Officer Reyes secured a perimeter of 200 feet, notified her supervisor, and contacted the NYPD Bomb Squad. The Bomb Squad arrived at 09:47 and determined the package was a forgotten briefcase containing personal items.' How long did it take the Bomb Squad to arrive after the initial call? A) 15 minutes B) 32 minutes C) 47 minutes D) The passage does not provide enough information

The passage does not provide enough information
32 minutes (Correct answer)
47 minutes
15 minutes

Correct answer: 32 minutes

The call came in at 09:15 and the Bomb Squad arrived at 09:47, which is a difference of 32 minutes.

Question 56: Officer Sullivan is called to assist a woman who says she was assaulted. The woman has no visible injuries, is calm, and says she doesn't want to press charges. However, she asks repeatedly whether the officer will 'be around tonight.' What problem should Officer Sullivan identify?

The woman is romantically interested in the officer
The assault report is likely fabricated for attention
The woman may be in ongoing danger and using the question to assess whether she has protection (Correct answer)
The case lacks merit and no further action is required

Correct answer: The woman may be in ongoing danger and using the question to assess whether she has protection

Asking whether an officer will be present later suggests the victim may fear the assailant will return and is assessing her safety, indicating ongoing danger.

Question 57: A vehicle patrol uses 6 gallons of fuel to travel 180 miles. What is the fuel efficiency in miles per gallon?

25 mpg
28 mpg
30 mpg (Correct answer)
35 mpg

Correct answer: 30 mpg

180 miles ÷ 6 gallons = 30 miles per gallon.

Question 58: Which of the following statements about the behavior of an auxiliary officer is true?

Soliciting funds from local merchants to buy equipment for the aux. unit, with the permission of their coordinator
Bike qualified a.p.o patrols in plain clothes with the permission of his coordinator
Displaying an auxiliary police shield to board an MTA bus in plain clothes while in route to the precinct
An off duty auxiliary officer that patronizes a local bar within the precinct boundaries (Correct answer)

Correct answer: An off duty auxiliary officer that patronizes a local bar within the precinct boundaries

Auxiliary officers, even when off-duty, are expected to maintain a professional image and adhere to departmental guidelines. Patronizing a local bar while off-duty and within precinct boundaries is a normal, legal activity that does not violate any ethical or operational rules for an auxiliary officer. The other options describe actions that are generally prohibited, such as unauthorized use of authority or soliciting funds.

Question 59: Officer Thompson is facing east and does an about-face. In which direction is she now facing?

West (Correct answer)
South
North
East

Correct answer: West

An about-face is a 180-degree turn, so from east the officer now faces west.

Question 60: Two officers are assigned to opposite ends of a north-south alley. Officer A is at the north end; Officer B is at the south end. They walk toward each other. What direction is each officer walking?

Both officers walk south
Officer A walks south; Officer B walks north (Correct answer)
Both officers walk north
Officer A walks north; Officer B walks south

Correct answer: Officer A walks south; Officer B walks north

Officer A at the north end walks south toward Officer B; Officer B at the south end walks north toward Officer A.

Question 61: Which set of documents must a driver present to an officer upon request during a traffic stop in New York?

Driver's license and proof of insurance only
Vehicle registration only
Driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance (Correct answer)
Driver's license only

Correct answer: Driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance

New York Vehicle and Traffic Law requires drivers to present all three: driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance upon an officer's request.

Question 62: Two witness descriptions of the same suspect are compared. Witness A says the suspect had brown hair and was about 6'0". Witness B says the suspect had dark hair and was about 5'11". Which detail is MOST likely accurate when the descriptions agree?

The exact height
The hair being dark/brown in color (Correct answer)
Neither description is useful
The facial features, which neither witness mentioned

Correct answer: The hair being dark/brown in color

Both witnesses described hair color similarly (brown/dark), making this the most corroborated and reliable detail.

Question 63: A police officer observes two men who appear to be exchanging small objects for currency in a known drug-sale location. This MOST likely gives the officer:

Reasonable suspicion to briefly stop and question the men (Correct answer)
Probable cause to arrest both men immediately
No legal basis to approach the men at all
Authority to conduct a full search of both men without further justification

Correct answer: Reasonable suspicion to briefly stop and question the men

Observed conduct consistent with drug sales in a known area establishes reasonable suspicion for a brief investigative stop, not yet full probable cause.

Question 64: Passage: 'Detective Morris interviewed four suspects. The first suspect had no alibi. The second provided a receipt proving he was at a restaurant. The third provided a witness who later recanted. The fourth refused to answer any questions.' Which suspect provided the strongest alibi? A) The first suspect B) The second suspect C) The third suspect D) The fourth suspect

The first suspect
The fourth suspect
The second suspect (Correct answer)
The third suspect

Correct answer: The second suspect

A receipt is documentary evidence, making the second suspect's alibi the most verifiable and strongest.

Question 65: You are the first officer on scene at a reported domestic disturbance. You hear shouting inside but no sounds of violence. What is your first step?

Force entry immediately to prevent potential violence
Knock, announce your presence, and request entry while awaiting backup (Correct answer)
Leave and return later if another call comes in
Wait outside and listen to determine if entry is necessary

Correct answer: Knock, announce your presence, and request entry while awaiting backup

Knocking, announcing, and awaiting backup follows proper protocol while preserving your safety and respecting residents' rights.

Question 66: Which of the following scenarios is the clearest example of deductive reasoning in police work?

An investigator notices that multiple witnesses to a robbery describe the getaway car as blue, and concludes the car was likely blue.
After arresting three suspects for graffiti in a park, an officer theorizes that a specific local gang is responsible for most vandalism in the area.
An officer knows that operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content over 0.08 is illegal. The officer receives a certified lab report showing a driver's BAC was 0.10. Therefore, the officer concludes the driver has broken the law. (Correct answer)
An officer reviews files from several unsolved car thefts to find a common pattern in the suspect's method of entry.

Correct answer: An officer knows that operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content over 0.08 is illegal. The officer receives a certified lab report showing a driver's BAC was 0.10. Therefore, the officer concludes the driver has broken the law.

Deductive reasoning moves from a general premise or rule to a specific, logical conclusion. In this case, the general rule is the law regarding BAC levels. The specific fact is the lab result. The conclusion that the driver broke the law is a direct and certain application of that rule to the fact.

Question 67: Sergeant Lee reviews overtime records and notices that one precinct sector has significantly higher crime stats and overtime costs than neighboring sectors of equal size and population. What underlying problem should Sergeant Lee investigate?

The crime statistics are being recorded incorrectly
There may be a resource allocation imbalance, chronic hot spots, or unreported systemic issues in that sector (Correct answer)
Residents in that sector are filing more complaints than necessary
Officers in that sector are generating unnecessary overtime

Correct answer: There may be a resource allocation imbalance, chronic hot spots, or unreported systemic issues in that sector

Disproportionately high crime and overtime in a comparable sector signals underlying systemic issues such as hot spots, staffing gaps, or resource misallocation.

Question 68: During the previous week's workdays, your unit responded to the following number of incidents: 7 on Monday, 4 on Tuesday, 5 on Wednesday, 2 on Thursday, and 6 on Friday. How many events occurred on average per day?

5
4.1
4.8 (Correct answer)
5.3

Correct answer: 4.8

To find the average number of incidents per day, sum the incidents for each day and divide by the number of days. The total incidents are 7 + 4 + 5 + 2 + 6 = 24. There are 5 workdays. Therefore, the average is 24 / 5 = 4.8 incidents per day.

Question 69: An officer receives four tasks from a supervisor: (A) file overtime paperwork by end of shift, (B) respond to an in-progress robbery, (C) interview a witness who is available all day, (D) complete monthly equipment check. What is the correct order?

B, A, C, D
A, B, C, D
D, B, A, C
B, C, A, D (Correct answer)

Correct answer: B, C, A, D

The in-progress robbery is an emergency, the available witness can be seen next, paperwork has a shift deadline, and equipment checks are routine.

Question 70: Which type of report would an Auxiliary officer complete when a person reports having property stolen?

Arrest Report
Stop, Question and Frisk Report (250)
Aided Report
Complaint Report (61) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Complaint Report (61)

A Complaint Report (UF-61) is used to document reported crimes such as theft.

Question 71: Read the following passage and answer the question below: 'Community policing is a strategy that focuses on building ties and working closely with members of the community. The philosophy posits that by fostering positive relationships, police can more effectively address public safety issues. This approach requires officers to be proactive problem-solvers rather than merely reactive responders to incidents. Key components include regular community meetings, foot patrols to increase visibility and interaction, and collaborative efforts with local organizations to mitigate the root causes of crime, such as youth unemployment and lack of social services.' Which of the following is NOT described as a component of community policing in the passage?

Holding regular meetings with community members.
Engaging in foot patrols.
Increasing the number of arrests for minor offenses. (Correct answer)
Working with local organizations to address crime causes.

Correct answer: Increasing the number of arrests for minor offenses.

The passage describes community policing as a proactive, relationship-building strategy. It mentions foot patrols, community meetings, and collaboration with local organizations. Increasing arrests for minor offenses is a reactive measure and is not mentioned as part of this philosophy.

Question 72: Dispatch sends Officer Kim to a reported burglary in progress. Upon arrival, the front door is intact but a side window is broken from the inside out. The homeowner is present and says nothing was taken. What problem does this evidence pattern most likely suggest?

The homeowner staged the scene, possibly to file a false insurance claim (Correct answer)
An animal broke the window from inside
Vandalism by neighborhood youth
A failed burglary attempt from outside

Correct answer: The homeowner staged the scene, possibly to file a false insurance claim

A window broken outward with the homeowner present and nothing missing suggests the scene may have been staged, warranting investigation of insurance fraud.

Question 73: A patrol car is parked facing East on Park Street. The car proceeds straight for two blocks, then turns right onto Liberty Avenue. It continues for one block and then turns right again onto Elm Street. After proceeding for two blocks on Elm Street, what direction is the patrol car facing?

South
East
West (Correct answer)
North

Correct answer: West

The car starts by facing East. A right turn from East leads South (onto Liberty Avenue). A second right turn from South leads West (onto Elm Street). The car is now facing West.

Question 74: To report a robbery in progress, use the proper code:

10-31
10-30 (Correct answer)
10-20
10-21

Correct answer: 10-30

Police departments utilize specific 10-codes for standardized and efficient radio communication. A '10-30' is the designated NYPD radio code to report a robbery in progress. This code ensures that all units quickly and unambiguously understand the urgent nature of the emergency, facilitating a rapid and coordinated response.

Question 75: An officer's shift starts at 11:00 PM and ends at 7:00 AM. How many hours is the shift?

9
7
8 (Correct answer)
6

Correct answer: 8

From 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM spans exactly 8 hours.

Question 76: An officer is investigating a series of burglaries where the suspect always cuts a small, neat circle in a glass pane to unlock a door. After investigating four such cases with the exact same method, the officer begins to believe the same person is responsible and develops a profile of the suspect's skills. This process of forming a general theory from specific pieces of evidence is an example of:

Deductive reasoning
Spatial orientation
Procedural justice
Inductive reasoning (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Inductive reasoning

Inductive reasoning involves moving from specific observations (the consistent method in four burglaries) to a broader generalization or theory (the same suspect is likely responsible). The officer is building a conclusion based on a pattern of evidence.

Question 77: Which word is spelled correctly?

Occurance
Occurence
Occurrence (Correct answer)
Occurance

Correct answer: Occurrence

'Occurrence' is spelled with double 'c' and double 'r.'

Question 78: Which of the following best describes the Auxiliary Police Officer's authority to search a person?

No independent search authority; searches are conducted only when assisting a regular officer (Correct answer)
Authority to conduct pat-down frisks for weapons in any situation
Authority to search if the person appears suspicious
Full search authority identical to regular NYPD officers

Correct answer: No independent search authority; searches are conducted only when assisting a regular officer

Auxiliary officers do not have independent search authority and should only assist regular officers who are conducting authorized searches.

Question 79: Passage: 'According to department policy, an officer who observes a fellow officer acting in an unlawful manner is obligated to intervene if it is safe to do so, and must report the conduct to a supervisor regardless of whether intervention was possible.' What must an officer ALWAYS do after observing unlawful conduct by a colleague? A) File a formal complaint with Internal Affairs B) Report the conduct to a supervisor C) Intervene physically D) Document it only if intervention was not possible

File a formal complaint with Internal Affairs
Document it only if intervention was not possible
Intervene physically
Report the conduct to a supervisor (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Report the conduct to a supervisor

The policy states the officer must report to a supervisor 'regardless of whether intervention was possible.'

Question 80: During a routine traffic stop, the driver becomes verbally aggressive and accuses you of pulling them over without cause. They refuse to provide their license and registration. What is the most appropriate next step?

Calmly and professionally repeat your lawful order to provide the documents and explain the consequences of non-compliance, such as arrest for obstruction. (Correct answer)
Terminate the traffic stop and let the driver go to avoid a confrontation.
Explain that you will break their car window if they do not comply.
Immediately remove the driver from the vehicle and place them under arrest for insubordination.

Correct answer: Calmly and professionally repeat your lawful order to provide the documents and explain the consequences of non-compliance, such as arrest for obstruction.

Maintaining professionalism, even when faced with hostility, is crucial. The best course of action is to de-escalate while clearly communicating your lawful authority and the potential consequences of their actions. This provides the driver with an opportunity to comply while establishing a clear record of a lawful order being given and refused if escalation becomes necessary. Immediate arrest might be premature without first clearly explaining the consequences. Threats are unprofessional and illegal. Terminating the stop abdicates your duty.

Question 81: Officer Diaz is reviewing arrest records for a neighborhood and finds that most drug arrests occur on Friday evenings near a particular transit stop. A pattern analysis also shows that arrests drop sharply whenever there is a community event in the area. What problem insight should Officer Diaz draw from this data?

Drug dealers move operations to community events when the transit stop is crowded
Community events are ineffective at reducing crime long-term
The transit stop should be closed on Friday evenings
Community presence and activity act as a natural deterrent to drug activity at that location (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Community presence and activity act as a natural deterrent to drug activity at that location

The inverse relationship between community events and drug activity demonstrates that increased legitimate community presence serves as a natural crime deterrent.

Question 82: If an officer finds a person who appears intoxicated and unable to care for themselves on a public street, the MOST appropriate action is to:

Take the person into protective custody and transport them to a medical facility if needed (Correct answer)
Arrest the person for disorderly conduct
Issue a summons for public intoxication and leave
Ignore the situation as it is not a criminal matter

Correct answer: Take the person into protective custody and transport them to a medical facility if needed

An incapacitated person on the street presents a safety risk; officers should take protective custody and seek medical evaluation when necessary.

Question 83: Read the following text and answer the question: 'A lawful arrest requires probable cause. Probable cause is defined as a reasonable belief, based on objective facts and circumstances, that a crime has been committed and that the person to be arrested committed it. This standard is more than a mere suspicion but does not require the same level of proof as a conviction, which is 'beyond a reasonable doubt.' An officer might establish probable cause through direct observation, witness statements, or physical evidence.' The passage implies that the level of certainty required for probable cause is:

higher than that required for a criminal conviction.
based solely on an officer's intuition or gut feeling.
identical to the evidence needed to issue a traffic ticket.
lower than what is needed for a criminal conviction, but more than a simple hunch. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: lower than what is needed for a criminal conviction, but more than a simple hunch.

The text explicitly states that probable cause is 'more than a mere suspicion' but 'does not require the same level of proof as a conviction.' This indicates it is a mid-level standard of proof, lower than that for a conviction but higher than a simple suspicion or hunch.

Question 84: A surveillance photo shows a suspect wearing a striped hoodie, dark joggers, and white sneakers with a blue stripe. An officer stops someone in a striped hoodie, dark joggers, and white sneakers with a red stripe. What should the officer conclude?

The person cannot be the suspect because none of the details match
The stripe color on sneakers is irrelevant; the person should be arrested immediately
The person is definitely the suspect because most details match
The sneaker stripe color difference may indicate this is not the suspect, warranting further investigation (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The sneaker stripe color difference may indicate this is not the suspect, warranting further investigation

A discrepancy in one identifying detail (blue vs. red stripe) warrants further investigation rather than immediate dismissal or arrest.

NYPD Police Officer Exam

The NYPD Police Officer Exam exam validates essential knowledge and skills required for certification or licensure in this field.

Questions

90 min

Time Limit

70%

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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

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