QPSea Situational Judgement 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You attend a noise complaint at a house party. As you approach, a partygoer hands you a drink. What do you do?
- Accept it politely so as not to appear rude and pour it away later
- Politely decline, explaining that you are on duty and cannot accept it (Correct answer)
- Accept it and set it aside without drinking it
- Report the person for attempting to bribe a police officer
Correct answer: Politely decline, explaining that you are on duty and cannot accept it
Officers must decline gifts or benefits that could compromise or appear to compromise their impartiality.
Question 2: You pull over a driver for speeding. The driver explains they are rushing to the hospital because their child is seriously ill. How should you handle this?
- Issue the fine as the law must be applied equally regardless of circumstances
- Verify the claim where possible and use discretion, potentially escorting them if the situation is genuine (Correct answer)
- Let them go without any action since they have a good reason
- Arrest them for reckless driving given the speed involved
Correct answer: Verify the claim where possible and use discretion, potentially escorting them if the situation is genuine
Officers must verify claims and apply discretion based on genuine circumstances while still upholding safety responsibilities.
Question 3: You are patrolling with a senior officer who tells you to skip documenting a minor incident 'to save paperwork.' What do you do?
- Follow the senior officer's instructions as they have more experience
- Politely explain your obligation to document all incidents and complete the required record (Correct answer)
- Document the incident privately but do not submit it formally
- Report the senior officer to management immediately
Correct answer: Politely explain your obligation to document all incidents and complete the required record
All officers are personally responsible for accurate record-keeping regardless of seniority or convenience.
Question 4: A member of the public makes a formal complaint against you for being rude during a traffic stop. You believe the complaint is unfair. What is the BEST response?
- Approach the complainant directly to clarify the misunderstanding
- Cooperate fully with the complaints process and provide your account through official channels (Correct answer)
- Speak to colleagues who witnessed the stop to build a defence
- Ignore the complaint as it has no basis in fact
Correct answer: Cooperate fully with the complaints process and provide your account through official channels
Officers must fully cooperate with complaints processes, which exist to ensure accountability and public trust.
Question 5: You observe a person attempting to break into a parked car. As you approach, the person claims it is their own vehicle and they have locked their keys inside. What do you do?
- Accept the explanation and help them access the vehicle
- Ask for identification and proof of ownership before deciding on any further action (Correct answer)
- Arrest them immediately for attempted vehicle theft
- Call a tow truck to resolve the situation without further investigation
Correct answer: Ask for identification and proof of ownership before deciding on any further action
Seeking identification and proof of ownership is a proportionate and procedurally correct response before drawing conclusions.
Question 6: During a public event, a large crowd begins to gather around a street performer. A small group at the edge starts behaving aggressively toward bystanders. What is your PRIORITY?
- Move the street performer on to disperse the entire crowd
- Identify and address the aggressive individuals to prevent escalation while keeping the crowd calm (Correct answer)
- Call for all available units before taking any action
- Announce over a loudspeaker that the event is over and everyone must leave
Correct answer: Identify and address the aggressive individuals to prevent escalation while keeping the crowd calm
Targeting the source of aggression with a proportionate response protects the majority of peaceful bystanders while managing the risk.
Question 7: A journalist approaches you at a crime scene asking for details about the incident. What is the MOST appropriate response?
- Provide as much detail as possible to keep the public informed
- Refer them to the Queensland Police Service media unit and decline to make further comment (Correct answer)
- Tell them nothing and ask them to leave the area
- Give a brief informal comment but ask them not to quote you directly
Correct answer: Refer them to the Queensland Police Service media unit and decline to make further comment
Media enquiries must be directed to the designated media unit to ensure accurate, authorised, and lawful communication.
QPSea Situational Judgement 3
You attend a noise complaint at a house party.
As you approach, a partygoer hands you a drink.
What do you do?