SAPOL Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield SAPOL facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. You suspect a colleague has acted inappropriately during an arrest. What is the correct course of action? → Report the concern through the appropriate internal complaints process
2. What does 'actus reus' mean in the context of criminal law? → The physical act or conduct that constitutes a criminal offence
3. What is the legal principle of 'reasonable suspicion' in the context of a police stop? → An objectively justifiable basis for believing an offence has occurred or is likely
4. What is the primary reason SAPOL has minimum fitness standards for recruits? → To ensure officers can safely perform operational duties
5. What is the safest way to warm up before a police fitness test? → Perform light aerobic activity followed by dynamic stretching
6. What effect does regular cardiovascular training have on resting heart rate? → It lowers resting heart rate over time
7. When documenting a witness statement, a police officer should: → Record the witness's exact words as closely as possible and note the time and context
8. Under Australian law, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. This principle is known as: → Presumption of innocence
9. Which image continues the sequence? → A
10. A forensic team photographs a crime scene and takes 5 photos every 3 minutes. How many photos will they take in 45 minutes? → 75
11. A patrol shift lasts 10 hours. An officer spends 35% of it on administrative tasks. How many hours does that represent? → 3.5 hours
12. Which of the following best describes 'anaerobic fitness' as relevant to policing? → The capacity for short, intense bursts of effort such as a foot pursuit
13. How does sleep deprivation affect a police officer's physical performance? → It reduces reaction time, coordination, and physical endurance
14. Of 500 surveyed community members, 320 rated police response as 'satisfactory or better'. What percentage is this? → 64%
15. A speeding vehicle is detected travelling at 112 km/h in an 80 km/h zone. By how many km/h is it exceeding the limit? → 32 km/h
16. What does 'IIMARCH' (or a similar mnemonic) help police officers structure? → A briefing or operational plan, ensuring all critical elements are covered
17. A property worth $85,000 is stolen during a burglary. Insurance covers 80% of the value. What amount is NOT covered? → $17,000
18. Which of the following best describes a 'summary offence' in South Australian law? → A less serious offence dealt with by a magistrate without a jury
19. What right does a person have when arrested in Australia, per common law and statute? → The right to be informed of the reason for their arrest
20. How should an officer respond when asked by a supervisor to take a shortcut that compromises the rights of a suspect? → Refuse and document the direction, escalating if necessary
21. Regarding the incidents of burglary, researchers found no pattern within the area. → True
22. An applicant is told they failed the SAPOL physical fitness assessment. What is the most appropriate next step? → Request feedback, train specifically to address weaknesses, and reapply
23. The passage above interprets that the assaults occurring on Friday night were likely to happen at: → Not possible to determine
24. What is the next number in the series 1, 4, 9, 16, ? → 25
25. During a search, you find evidence that is unrelated to the original offence being investigated. What should you do? → Note and seize the evidence within the lawful limits of your powers and report it
26. Which substance is prohibited for SAPOL applicants and serving officers under the drug and alcohol policy? → Illicit drugs such as cannabis and methamphetamine
27. Have you successfully completed Year 12 or undertaken equivalent studies? → Yes
28. What is the purpose of the Bail Act 1985 (SA)? → To regulate the release of accused persons from custody pending trial
29. An officer uses excessive force during an arrest but files a report stating the force was necessary and proportionate. This conduct is best described as: → Serious misconduct involving both excessive force and dishonesty
30. A crime scene is cordoned off in a rectangle 25 m long and 12 m wide. What is the perimeter of the cordon? → 74 m