POST Writing Ability 2

Question 1

An officer writes: 'The suspect, who was wearing a red jacket, run from the scene.' What is the grammatical error?

Accepted Answer

Subject-verb agreement error

Answer

'Run' should be 'ran' because the past tense is required in this context.

Question 2

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

Accepted Answer

The report was complete; it was filed on time.

Answer

A semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

Question 3

In a police report, which word choice is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

The victim exhibited signs of visible fear.

Answer

Police reports require formal, precise language free of slang or informal expressions.

Question 4

Which sentence uses the active voice correctly?

Accepted Answer

Officer Jones apprehended the suspect.

Answer

Active voice places the subject performing the action, making reports clearer and more direct.

Question 5

An officer must document a witness's exact words. Which format is correct?

Accepted Answer

The witness stated, 'I saw the man leave through the back door.'

Answer

Direct quotes must be placed in quotation marks and attributed clearly to preserve evidentiary accuracy.

POST - Peace Officer Standards and Training Practice Test