NPOST Police Test Reading Comprehension Questions and Answers

Question 1

Read the following passage and answer the question below.

'Municipal Ordinance 4-7B states: 'No person shall operate a sound-producing device between the hours of 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM in such a manner that the sound is plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the building, structure, or vehicle in which it is located.' On Saturday at 11:30 PM, Officer Chen was dispatched to a noise complaint. From the street, approximately 60 feet away, she could clearly hear loud music coming from a residence. Officer Chen approached the house and issued a citation to the homeowner.'

Based on the ordinance provided, which statement most accurately describes Officer Chen's action?

Accepted Answer

Officer Chen's action was justified because the music was plainly audible from a distance greater than 50 feet after 10:00 PM.

Answer

The ordinance specifies two key conditions for a violation: the time (between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM) and the audibility (plainly audible at 50 feet). The scenario states the time was 11:30 PM and the officer could hear the music from 60 feet away, which is beyond the 50-foot limit. Therefore, her action to issue a citation was justified based on the text.

Question 2

An officer is reviewing a witness statement for a theft investigation. The statement reads: 'I saw the guy run out of the store. He was sort of tall and had on a dark hoodie. He jumped into a blue car, maybe a Honda or a Toyota, and it sped off. It all happened so fast.' Which of the following is the most reasonable inference an officer can make from this statement?

Accepted Answer

The witness had a limited and brief opportunity to observe the events.

Answer

The witness's use of vague terms like 'sort of tall,' 'dark hoodie,' 'maybe a Honda or a Toyota,' and the direct statement 'It all happened so fast' strongly imply that their observation was quick and under stressful conditions. This is a reasonable inference, whereas the other options make assumptions not supported by the text.

Question 3

Read the following departmental policy excerpt:

'Use of Force Continuum: Officers shall use only the force that is reasonably necessary to effect an arrest or maintain control. The level of force should be proportionate to the suspect's level of resistance. Officers should consider de-escalation techniques when feasible. The continuum ranges from officer presence and verbal commands to physical restraint, less-lethal options, and, as a last resort, deadly force.'

According to this policy, when is the use of deadly force authorized?

Accepted Answer

As a final option when other force levels are insufficient or inappropriate.

Answer

The policy explicitly states that deadly force is a 'last resort.' This indicates it should be used only when other options on the continuum are not viable or have failed to mitigate the threat, making it the final option.

Question 4

You are reading an incident report about a traffic collision. The report states: 'Vehicle 1, traveling northbound, failed to stop at the posted stop sign. Vehicle 2, traveling eastbound, had the right-of-way and was struck by Vehicle 1 in the intersection.' Which of the following can be concluded as a fact based *only* on this text?

Accepted Answer

Vehicle 1 violated a traffic law.

Answer

The text explicitly states that Vehicle 1 'failed to stop at the posted stop sign.' This is a direct statement of a traffic law violation. The other options (distraction, speeding, extent of damage) are assumptions or possibilities that are not stated as facts within the provided text.

Question 5

A bulletin from a neighboring police department reads: 'Be on the lookout for a 2018 silver sedan, license plate 7ABC123, in connection with a series of commercial burglaries. The vehicle may have slight damage to the passenger-side front fender. The primary suspect is a white male, approx. 5'10", with a thin build and a tattoo of a spiderweb on his left hand. Proceed with caution.' An officer on patrol spots a 2017 silver sedan with license plate 7AEC123 and no visible damage. The driver is a white male who is heavyset. What is the most logical next step based on the bulletin?

Accepted Answer

Continue to observe the vehicle, noting the discrepancies, but do not initiate a stop based solely on this information.

Answer

There are significant discrepancies between the bulletin and the vehicle/driver observed (model year, license plate, fender damage, driver's build). While there are some similarities (color, make, driver's race), there is not enough to establish reasonable suspicion for a stop based solely on the bulletin. However, completely disregarding it would be poor police work. The most logical action is to remain observant while recognizing the lack of a conclusive match.

NPOST Police Test Practice Test

NPOST Police Test Practice Test

NPOST Police Test Reading Comprehension Questions and Answers