RCMP - Royal Canadian Mounted Police Reading Comprehension Skills Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the following passage from an internal policy bulletin and answer the question that follows. 'Effective immediately, the protocol for handling digital evidence has been updated to enhance chain of custody integrity. All digital media, including memory cards and portable drives, must now be logged into the Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS) *prior to* being physically secured in the evidence locker. The previous procedure of logging items after they were placed in storage is no longer authorized. This change is critical to minimizing handling discrepancies and strengthening the value of evidence for prosecutorial purposes.' What is the primary purpose of this directive?
- To announce the purchase of a new Digital Evidence Management System.
- To inform officers of a change in the sequence of logging and storing digital evidence. (Correct answer)
- To discipline officers who have been handling evidence incorrectly.
- To reduce the amount of digital evidence being collected by officers.
Correct answer: To inform officers of a change in the sequence of logging and storing digital evidence.
The passage's main focus is on the procedural change. It explicitly contrasts the new procedure (log first, then store) with the previous one, stating the old method is 'no longer authorized.' The other options are not supported by the text.
Question 2: Read the witness statement below and answer the question that follows. 'The witness, Mr. Chen, reported seeing a suspect leaving the vicinity of the warehouse at approximately 02:30 hours. He described the individual as wearing dark pants, a black hooded sweatshirt with the hood up, and work boots. Mr. Chen was certain the suspect was carrying a large, military-style green duffel bag, as he stated it was 'the most memorable detail.' He was unable to provide a clear description of the suspect's face due to the poor lighting but estimated their height to be around six feet.' According to Mr. Chen's statement, which item was the most distinct feature of the suspect?
- The black hooded sweatshirt.
- The work boots.
- The suspect's height.
- The green duffel bag. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The green duffel bag.
The text directly quotes the witness stating that the duffel bag was 'the most memorable detail,' making it the most distinct feature he observed.
Question 3: Read the officer's initial observations from an incident report and answer the question that follows. 'Upon arrival at the single-vehicle collision scene, Constable Singh observed tire marks extending approximately 25 meters from the roadway, through a snow-filled ditch, and ending where the sedan rested against a telephone pole. The driver, who was the sole occupant, was conscious and alert, but a strong odour of an alcoholic beverage was emanating from the vehicle's interior. The car's front end sustained significant damage, and the driver's-side airbag had deployed.' Based on the information in the passage, what is the most reasonable inference for Constable Singh to make?
- An investigation into impaired driving is warranted. (Correct answer)
- The driver was likely speeding excessively.
- The telephone pole will need to be replaced immediately.
- The vehicle was mechanically faulty before the collision.
Correct answer: An investigation into impaired driving is warranted.
The combination of a single-vehicle accident and the strong smell of alcohol provides reasonable grounds to suspect impairment and justifies initiating an impaired driving investigation. While speeding is possible, it is not as directly supported as the potential impairment.
Question 4: Read the following excerpt from a report and answer the question. 'The initial witness statement provided a partial license plate number. A second witness was able to substantiate this information, providing the same sequence of letters and adding the final two numbers. This allowed for a positive identification of the vehicle's registered owner.' In the context of the passage, what is the best meaning of the word 'substantiate'?
- To contradict or argue against.
- To modify or change slightly.
- To provide evidence to support or prove the truth of. (Correct answer)
- To record officially in a logbook.
Correct answer: To provide evidence to support or prove the truth of.
The second witness's information confirmed and provided further proof for the information given by the first witness. This act of supporting or proving something with evidence is the definition of 'substantiate.'
Question 5: Read the following policy excerpt and answer the question below. 'Policy 7.3.1: Responding to Silent Alarms. Upon dispatch to a silent alarm at a commercial establishment during non-business hours, the primary unit's first action on arrival is to establish a covert observation point to assess the situation. Do not approach the entrance directly. Await the arrival of a backup unit before any attempt is made to enter the premises or make contact with anyone inside, unless exigent circumstances, such as visible signs of violence or fire, are present.' An officer is the first to arrive at a silent alarm at a closed jewelry store late at night. There are no visible signs of forced entry or any activity inside. According to the policy, what must the officer do first?
- Immediately try the front door to see if it is unlocked.
- Announce their presence using the vehicle's public address system.
- Find a concealed position from which to watch the building. (Correct answer)
- Circle the building on foot to check all windows and doors.
Correct answer: Find a concealed position from which to watch the building.
The policy explicitly states that the 'first action on arrival is to establish a covert observation point to assess the situation.' The other actions directly contradict the instructions to not approach directly and to await backup.
Question 6: Read the following passage about a specific type of public alert and answer the question that follows. 'A 'Be On the Lookout' (BOLO) alert is an internal law enforcement broadcast used to share information about a person of interest or a vehicle. To be effective, the alert must be both timely and detailed. It should begin with a concise opening statement identifying the reason for the alert, such as 'armed robbery suspect' or 'vehicle involved in hit-and-run.' This must be followed by a structured description, including key identifiers. Vague information should be omitted to avoid confusion and misidentification.' According to the passage, which of the following is an essential component of an effective BOLO alert?
- A concise opening statement explaining the alert's purpose. (Correct answer)
- The name of the officer who is issuing the alert.
- A list of all possible locations the suspect might be.
- The specific criminal code section that was violated.
Correct answer: A concise opening statement explaining the alert's purpose.
The passage directly states that an effective alert 'should begin with a concise opening statement identifying the reason for the alert.' The other options are not mentioned as necessary components in the provided text.
Read the following passage from an internal policy bulletin and answer the question that follows.
'Effective immediately, the protocol for handling digital evidence has been updated to enhance chain of custody integrity.
All digital media, including memory cards and portable drives, must now be logged into the Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS) *prior to* being physically secured in the evidence locker.
The previous procedure of logging items after they were placed in storage is no longer authorized.
This change is critical to minimizing handling discrepancies and strengthening the value of evidence for prosecutorial purposes.'
What is the primary purpose of this directive?