QPSea Situational Judgement 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You are on patrol when a shopkeeper flags you down and says a teenager just stole a chocolate bar from his store. The teenager is still nearby. What is your MOST appropriate first action?
- Arrest the teenager immediately and charge them with theft
- Speak to both the shopkeeper and the teenager to establish the full facts (Correct answer)
- Tell the shopkeeper it is a minor matter and continue your patrol
- Call for backup before approaching the teenager
Correct answer: Speak to both the shopkeeper and the teenager to establish the full facts
Gathering facts from both parties ensures a fair and proportionate response before any further action is taken.
Question 2: During a domestic disturbance call, you arrive to find a couple arguing loudly. Neither appears physically injured. The neighbours who called are watching from next door. What should you do FIRST?
- Ask the neighbours for a written statement before approaching the couple
- Separate the couple and speak to each individually to assess the situation (Correct answer)
- Tell both parties to keep the noise down and leave immediately
- Arrest both parties to prevent further disturbance
Correct answer: Separate the couple and speak to each individually to assess the situation
Separating the parties allows each person to speak freely and helps you assess safety risks and the nature of the dispute.
Question 3: A colleague tells you they saw your supervisor accept a free meal from a local restaurant owner who has an ongoing complaint on file. What is the MOST appropriate action?
- Confront your supervisor directly and demand an explanation
- Report the observation through the appropriate internal integrity channel (Correct answer)
- Do nothing, as it may have been an innocent gesture
- Tell other colleagues about what was observed
Correct answer: Report the observation through the appropriate internal integrity channel
Potential integrity issues must be reported through proper channels to allow a fair investigation without personal confrontation or gossip.
Question 4: You stop a vehicle for a minor traffic infringement and notice the driver smells faintly of alcohol but is cooperative and shows no other signs of impairment. What do you do?
- Issue a traffic infringement notice and let them go since they seem fine
- Conduct a roadside breath test as per standard procedure (Correct answer)
- Warn them about drinking and driving and send them on their way
- Call a supervisor before taking any action
Correct answer: Conduct a roadside breath test as per standard procedure
Any detection of alcohol requires a breath test regardless of the driver's apparent condition, as per standard police procedure.
Question 5: You are writing your first use-of-force report and are unsure of how to accurately describe the events. A more experienced officer offers to write it for you. What should you do?
- Accept the offer as the experienced officer knows the correct format
- Decline and write the report yourself, seeking guidance on format if needed (Correct answer)
- Ask the officer to review your draft once you have written it
- Submit the report jointly with the other officer
Correct answer: Decline and write the report yourself, seeking guidance on format if needed
Use-of-force reports must be completed by the officer involved to ensure accuracy and personal accountability.
Question 6: While off duty, you witness a serious road accident. You are not in uniform and do not have your police radio. What is the MOST appropriate course of action?
- Drive past as you are off duty and have no equipment to assist
- Stop, call 000, identify yourself as a police officer, and render first aid if safe (Correct answer)
- Observe from a distance and wait for on-duty officers to arrive
- Photograph the scene for evidence and report it the next day
Correct answer: Stop, call 000, identify yourself as a police officer, and render first aid if safe
Police officers have a duty of care at all times; calling emergency services and providing assistance when safe is always the appropriate response.
Question 7: You are interviewing a victim of a break-and-enter. The victim becomes visibly distressed and starts crying. How should you respond?
- Continue with the interview questions to complete the report efficiently
- Pause the interview, acknowledge their distress, and offer support before continuing when they are ready (Correct answer)
- Refer them to a counsellor and end the interview immediately
- Ask a colleague to finish the interview on your behalf
Correct answer: Pause the interview, acknowledge their distress, and offer support before continuing when they are ready
Acknowledging a victim's emotional state and allowing a brief pause demonstrates empathy and often leads to a more effective interview.
QPSea Situational Judgement 2
You are on patrol when a shopkeeper flags you down and says a teenager just stole a chocolate bar from his store.
The teenager is still nearby.
What is your MOST appropriate first action?