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. During a call involving a subject experiencing a seizure, what should the officer do while the seizure is in progress? → Clear the area of hazards and protect the head without restraining
4. When an officer suspects a victim has suffered a spinal injury, how should the airway be opened if the victim is unconscious and not breathing? → Jaw-thrust maneuver without head tilt
5. 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
6. What is the recommended compression depth for adult CPR? → At least 2 inches but no more than 2.4 inches
7. What is the best first action for treating a thermal burn victim whose clothing is still on fire? → Stop, Drop, and Roll — extinguish flames before treating burns
8. 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.
9. What are the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) an officer might observe in a subject? → Rapid heart rate, sweating, shakiness, and confusion
10. 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.
11. How does the San Diego Police Department ensure the chain of custody for evidence? → Documenting each transfer of evidence
12. 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
13. 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
14. 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.
15. A victim is experiencing anaphylactic shock after a bee sting, with hives, throat swelling, and difficulty breathing. What is the primary treatment? → Administer epinephrine via auto-injector and call EMS
16. Which tool is commonly used by San Diego Police Department investigators to identify suspects? → Fingerprint analysis
17. When treating an open chest wound (sucking chest wound), what type of dressing should be applied? → A vented (three-sided) chest seal or commercial chest seal
18. Which division within the San Diego Police Department is primarily responsible for conducting criminal investigations? → Investigations Unit
19. ________ are too many members of the local gang. → There
20. What is the first step in a criminal investigation conducted by the San Diego Police Department? → Securing the crime scene
21. 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
22. 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.
23. 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
24. To leave hurriedly to avoid arrest. → Abscond
25. What is the correct hand placement for performing chest compressions on an adult? → Center of the chest on the lower half of the sternum
26. Which division within the San Diego Police Department handles cybercrime investigations? → Cyber Investigations Unit
27. An officer is first on scene to a vehicle collision with an unconscious driver. What is the first priority using the MARCH protocol? → Massive hemorrhage control
28. Which of these terms refers to “an unprincipled person”. → Reprobate
29. How does the San Diego Police Department ensure the integrity of its investigations? → All of the above
30. How does the San Diego Police Department involve the community in solving crimes? → All of the above