SSPO Situational Judgment and Reasoning 3

Question 1

You respond to a call about a man acting erratically in a park.
Upon arrival, you learn the individual has a known mental health condition.
He is not armed and not threatening anyone.
What is your PRIORITY?

Accepted Answer

Attempt to de-escalate using calm communication and, if available, request a crisis intervention team.

Answer

Immediately restrain and handcuff the individual.

Answer

Leave the scene since no crime has been committed.

Answer

Issue a citation for disturbing the peace.

Question 2

A witness to a crime refuses to give a formal statement because they fear retaliation. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Respect their concerns, explain witness protection options, and document what they are willing to share voluntarily.

Answer

Tell them they are legally required to provide a statement.

Answer

Ignore their information since it cannot be used without a formal statement.

Answer

Pressure them until they cooperate.

Question 3

During a traffic stop, a passenger in the vehicle suddenly opens the door and runs. The driver remains cooperative. What should you do FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Secure the driver and scene, request backup, and assess whether the fleeing passenger poses a threat requiring pursuit.

Answer

Immediately leave the cooperative driver and pursue the fleeing passenger on foot.

Answer

Ignore the fleeing passenger entirely.

Answer

Arrest the cooperative driver for the passenger's behavior.

Question 4

You find a large amount of cash during a search incident to arrest. The suspect claims it is for a legitimate business. What is the CORRECT handling?

Accepted Answer

Document and inventory all cash carefully according to evidence procedures and submit it with the case file.

Answer

Pocket some cash since there's no way to know the exact amount.

Answer

Return the cash to the suspect since they offered an explanation.

Answer

Leave the cash at the scene.

Question 5

A supervisor orders you to take an action you believe is unethical but not clearly illegal. What is the BEST course of action?

Accepted Answer

Express your concern to the supervisor professionally, document the order, and seek guidance from a higher authority if the concern is unresolved.

Answer

Refuse immediately and file a formal complaint on the spot.

Answer

Comply without question since orders must always be followed.

Answer

Carry out the order but tell colleagues about it.

Question 6

A bystander at a scene hands you a phone showing what appears to be video evidence of the crime you are investigating. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Note the bystander's information, view the video, and follow department procedure for obtaining a copy through proper channels.

Answer

Ignore it since evidence from civilians is not admissible.

Answer

Take the phone and keep it as evidence without providing a receipt.

Answer

Ask the bystander to send the video to your personal cell phone for safekeeping.

Question 7

You are dispatched to a noise complaint late at night. Upon arrival, you discover the 'noise' is a group of teenagers playing music on a private property with the homeowner's permission. What is the MOST appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Confirm the homeowner's consent, advise the group to keep noise to a reasonable level, and document the call.

Answer

Arrest all the teenagers for disturbing the peace.

Answer

Issue citations to all teens present.

Answer

Force the group to leave the property.