PPAER Written Communication Skills 3

Question 1

An officer must write a use-of-force report. Which element is LEAST important to include?

Accepted Answer

The officer's personal opinion of the suspect's character

Answer

Personal opinions about a suspect's character are irrelevant and inappropriate in an official use-of-force report.

Question 2

Which of the following demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement?

Accepted Answer

Neither the sergeant nor the officers were present.

Answer

When 'neither...nor' joins subjects, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it; 'officers' (plural) requires 'were.'

Question 3

In written communication, 'jargon' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Technical or specialized language that may be unclear to a general audience

Answer

Jargon is specialized terminology associated with a particular field that may confuse readers unfamiliar with that field.

Question 4

An officer needs to write a narrative describing a car chase. Which organizational method is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Chronological order from start to finish

Answer

Chronological order is standard for incident narratives because it mirrors how events unfolded, aiding comprehension and legal review.

Question 5

Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?

Accepted Answer

Running toward the alley, the suspect was spotted by the officer.

Answer

In option C, the participial phrase 'Running toward the alley' incorrectly modifies 'the suspect' rather than the officer who was running.

(PPAER) Public and Police Aptitude and Evaluation Report Practice Test