SDPD Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. The concept of "chain of custody" is fundamental to evidence handling. What is its primary purpose? → To create a chronological paper trail of every person who has handled a piece of evidence.
2. The primary goal of the 'Problem-Solving' component of community policing is to: → Address the underlying conditions and root causes of recurring crime and disorder issues.
3. An officer arrives on scene and finds an unconscious adult who is not breathing normally. After calling for EMS, what is the immediate next step? → Begin chest compressions
4. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of maintaining a crime scene log? → To document every individual who enters and exits the secured crime scene.
5. According to San Diego Police Department Procedure 1.04, what is the Department's highest priority in the performance of their duties? → The recognition and respect for the value of human life.
6. How does the San Diego Police Department ensure the chain of custody for evidence? → Documenting each transfer of evidence
7. When writing the narrative for an arrest report, the information must be articulated with enough factual detail to clearly establish what legal standard? → Probable cause
8. Two-fifths of police officers at New York Police Department are female. If there are 36,000 police officers, how many officers are male → 21,600
9. Which of the following is the primary investigative reason for immediately separating witnesses at a crime scene? → To prevent them from contaminating each other's recollection of the events.
10. Which tool is commonly used by San Diego Police Department investigators to identify suspects? → Fingerprint analysis
11. Which division within the San Diego Police Department is primarily responsible for conducting criminal investigations? → Investigations Unit
12. ________ are too many members of the local gang. → There
13. What is the first step in a criminal investigation conducted by the San Diego Police Department? → Securing the crime scene
14. A suspect weighs 90 kilograms and 14 pounds. The police report states the weight must be in pounds only. How heavy is the suspect → 212 pounds
15. Which of the following actions, if discovered, would most likely result in an officer being placed on a 'Brady List' (Giglio-impaired)? → Intentionally misrepresenting facts in a police report to strengthen a case.
16. Which of the following best represents the three core components of the community policing philosophy adopted by agencies like the SDPD? → Community Partnerships, Organizational Transformation, and Problem-Solving
17. To leave hurriedly to avoid arrest. → Abscond
18. What is the correct hand placement for performing chest compressions on an adult? → Center of the chest on the lower half of the sternum
19. Which division within the San Diego Police Department handles cybercrime investigations? → Cyber Investigations Unit
20. Which of these terms refers to “an unprincipled person”. → Reprobate
21. How does the San Diego Police Department ensure the integrity of its investigations? → All of the above
22. How does the San Diego Police Department involve the community in solving crimes? → All of the above
23. To find innocent or free from wrongdoing. → Exonerate
24. What is the role of the Crime Scene Investigations (CSI) team in the San Diego Police Department? → Collecting and analyzing physical evidence
25. Which of the following radio transmissions best demonstrates proper radio discipline, often summarized as the 'ABCs' of communication? → "Control, 1-Adam-12, show us Code 4 at the corner of 5th and Broadway. The RP is GOA."
26. Which of the following actions by an SDPD officer constitutes a reportable use of force incident? → Pointing a firearm at a person to gain compliance.
27. An officer uses a departmental AED on a cardiac arrest victim. After the AED delivers a shock, what should the officer do immediately? → Resume chest compressions immediately
28. Which specialized unit within the San Diego Police Department focuses on investigating homicides? → Homicide Unit
29. Tissue or fluid taken for investigative purposes. → Specimen
30. When treating a victim for shock, which position is generally recommended if no spinal injury is suspected? → Supine with legs elevated approximately 12 inches