OACP - Ontario Association of Chief of Police Police Problem-Solving Scenarios Questions and Answers

Question 1

An officer is repeatedly dispatched to a convenience store for issues with loitering youths who are intimidating customers.
The store owner has tried asking them to leave, but they always return.
Which of the following actions best demonstrates the 'Analysis' phase of the SARA problem-solving model?

Accepted Answer

Arranging a meeting with the store owner, youths, and a local youth outreach worker to understand the root causes of the loitering.

Answer

Issuing trespassing tickets to the youths each time a call is received.

Answer

Increasing police patrols in the area to create a more visible presence.

Answer

Reviewing call data to confirm the frequency and time of day the incidents occur.

Question 2

A residential neighborhood has experienced a recent spike in daytime break-and-enter incidents. As the responding officer applying a problem-oriented policing approach, which of the following is the most crucial initial step?

Accepted Answer

Identifying patterns, such as specific times, days of the week, and methods of entry, by analyzing all related incident reports.

Answer

Immediately launching a widespread door-to-door canvass to gather suspect information.

Answer

Requesting the deployment of a tactical unit to patrol the area.

Answer

Organizing a community meeting to warn residents about the increase in crime.

Question 3

An officer observes that a particular intersection has a high number of minor traffic collisions, especially during rush hour. After analyzing the situation, the officer collaborates with the municipal traffic engineering department to adjust the timing of the traffic lights and improve signage. Which phase of the SARA model does this collaboration represent?

Accepted Answer

Response

Answer

Scanning

Answer

Analysis

Answer

Assessment

Question 4

Which of the following is a primary goal of community policing as a philosophy?

Accepted Answer

To build partnerships with the community to proactively address the root causes of crime and social disorder.

Answer

To increase the number of arrests and charges laid in a patrol zone.

Answer

To centralize decision-making authority at the senior command level.

Answer

To reduce officer response times to calls for service as the main performance metric.

Question 5

An officer has implemented a plan to reduce graffiti in a local park by installing better lighting and organizing a 'paint-over' event with community volunteers. To determine if the plan was effective, the officer tracks the number of new graffiti incidents over the next three months and gathers feedback from park users. This stage of the process is known as:

Accepted Answer

Assessment

Answer

Implementation

Answer

Analysis

Answer

Scanning

Question 6

You are dispatched to a noise complaint at a residence where a party is taking place. Upon arrival, you find approximately 30 people and loud music. The homeowner is cooperative but seems overwhelmed. This is the third time in two months police have been called to this address for similar issues. What is the most appropriate problem-solving approach?

Accepted Answer

Advise the homeowner of the repeated calls for service, discuss potential long-term solutions to prevent future complaints, and document the interaction, while still addressing the immediate noise issue.

Answer

Issue a fine immediately to the homeowner to ensure the problem stops.

Answer

Shut down the party immediately and disperse all the guests.

Answer

Speak with the homeowner, explain the impact of the noise on neighbors, issue a warning, and suggest they provide guests with a specific end time for the party.