Judgment & Decision-Making Flashcards

An officer finds a confused elderly man walking in a residential neighborhood. Best initial action?

Answer: Approach calmly and check if the person needs assistance — they may be a lost dementia patient

A confused elderly person may be experiencing dementia or a medical episode.

While processing a DUI arrest, the officer discovers an outstanding warrant for a violent felony. The driver is cooperative. Best approach?

Answer: Maintain composure, don't alert the suspect, secure backup, then inform of the additional charge

A violent felony warrant changes risk assessment. Don't telegraph the discovery; secure backup first.

Store owner wants a customer removed who refuses to leave until getting a refund for defective merchandise. Most appropriate response?

Answer: Listen to both parties, attempt to mediate, and explain the civil vs. criminal nature of the dispute

This is primarily a civil dispute. The officer's role is to maintain peace and explain options.

First on scene at a multi-vehicle accident with several injured and EMS 10 minutes away. Highest priority?

Answer: Triage injured, render first aid to most critical, and secure scene from additional accidents

Life preservation first. Triage and scene safety before documentation.

Conflicting orders: watch commander says stay at fixed post, but dispatch reports armed robbery in progress two blocks away with no other units. What to do?

Answer: Respond to the robbery while notifying the watch commander — imminent threat to life takes precedence

An imminent threat to life creates exigent circumstances justifying deviation, but notify the chain of command.

During a traffic stop, the driver says 'I know the chief of police personally.' Most professional response?

Answer: Continue the stop professionally, treating the driver the same as any other motorist

Professional officers apply the law equally regardless of claimed connections.