Situational Judgement Scenarios Flashcards

A motorist complains that another officer gave them an unjust ticket. They demand you void it on the spot. How do you respond?

Answer: Explain that tickets can be disputed in court and provide information on the dispute process

Officers cannot void each other's tickets; the proper remedy is the court dispute process, which you should explain clearly.

You respond to a call of a person behaving erratically in a park. On arrival, you determine the individual is experiencing a mental health crisis. What is your best approach?

Answer: Use calm, non-threatening communication and request a mental health crisis team if available

De-escalation and involving mental health professionals leads to better outcomes for individuals in crisis.

While off-duty and in civilian clothes, you witness a convenience store robbery in progress. What should you do?

Answer: Observe and remember details, call 911, identify yourself as an off-duty officer when safe, and cooperate with responding units

Off-duty officers should prioritize safety, gather information, and support responding units rather than intervene alone without backup.

A victim of a serious assault tells you they do not want to press charges because they fear retaliation from the suspect. How do you handle this?

Answer: Explain that charges may proceed without their cooperation if evidence supports it, and discuss safety planning options

In serious assaults, police can pursue charges independently; officers must also address the victim's safety concerns.

You are conducting a traffic stop when the driver suddenly speeds away. Your supervisor is monitoring the radio. What do you do?

Answer: Immediately notify dispatch, provide vehicle description and direction, and assess whether pursuit is justified under policy

Pursuits require immediate notification of dispatch and supervisory approval in line with department policy.

A junior officer asks you to sign off on their use-of-force report, saying it accurately describes the incident, but you were not present. What should you do?

Answer: Decline to sign because you cannot attest to events you did not witness

Signing a report implies personal knowledge of the events; attesting to something you did not witness is dishonest.

During a search authorized by warrant, you find evidence unrelated to the original investigation that suggests another serious crime. What do you do?

Answer: Document the discovery, seize it if in plain view, and report it to the investigator to determine if a new warrant or referral is required

The plain view doctrine may allow seizure, but the discovery must be documented and proper legal guidance sought for further investigation.