State Trooper Reading Comprehension and Reasoning 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A trooper's report states: 'The vehicle was traveling northbound on Route 9 when it crossed the center line and struck a southbound pickup truck. The driver of the northbound vehicle was unresponsive upon arrival.' What can be MOST reliably concluded from this passage?
- The driver fell asleep at the wheel
- The northbound driver caused the collision
- A collision occurred between two vehicles on Route 9 (Correct answer)
- The pickup truck driver was uninjured
Correct answer: A collision occurred between two vehicles on Route 9
Only the occurrence of a collision between two vehicles on Route 9 is directly stated; cause and injury status are not confirmed.
Question 2: Read this policy excerpt: 'Officers shall not pursue a fleeing vehicle when the danger to the public outweighs the need to apprehend the suspect.' If a suspect is wanted for a minor traffic infraction and the pursuit is through a crowded school zone, the officer should MOST likely:
- Continue the pursuit because apprehension is always a priority
- Terminate the pursuit based on the policy (Correct answer)
- Slow down but continue following
- Request backup and then continue at full speed
Correct answer: Terminate the pursuit based on the policy
The policy directs termination when public danger outweighs apprehension need, which is clearly the case near a crowded school zone for a minor infraction.
Question 3: A witness statement reads: 'I heard tires screeching, then a loud bang. I looked out my window and saw a red car against a pole. I did not see the accident happen.' Which statement about this witness is MOST accurate?
- The witness is unreliable because they did not see the crash
- The witness can confirm the sequence of sounds and the post-crash scene (Correct answer)
- The witness is the best source of information about the crash cause
- The witness's account should be disregarded entirely
Correct answer: The witness can confirm the sequence of sounds and the post-crash scene
The witness directly observed the aftermath and heard sounds, making their account reliable for those specific facts even though they did not see the impact.
Question 4: A memo states: 'All troopers working overtime on holidays will receive time-and-a-half pay. Troopers who volunteer for holiday overtime will also receive a meal allowance.' A trooper is ordered (not volunteered) to work a holiday. What compensation applies?
- Regular pay only
- Time-and-a-half pay only (Correct answer)
- Time-and-a-half pay plus a meal allowance
- Meal allowance only
Correct answer: Time-and-a-half pay only
The meal allowance is only for volunteers; ordered overtime on a holiday qualifies only for time-and-a-half pay.
Question 5: An incident report notes: 'Officers responded to a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, a male subject was observed leaving the residence. The reporting party, a female, had visible injuries to her left forearm.' What is the MOST logical next investigative step based solely on this information?
- Arrest the male subject immediately for assault
- Interview the female and determine the cause of her injuries (Correct answer)
- Close the call since the male had already left
- Issue a warning and leave the scene
Correct answer: Interview the female and determine the cause of her injuries
The visible injuries require further investigation; interviewing the victim to determine the cause is the logical next step before drawing conclusions.
Question 6: A directive reads: 'Body cameras must be activated at the start of every citizen contact and must remain on until the contact is fully concluded.' A trooper activates his camera when he approaches a driver but turns it off while the driver searches for registration. This action is:
- Acceptable if the driver consented to the search
- A violation of the directive (Correct answer)
- Acceptable because nothing significant was occurring
- Required if the driver requested privacy
Correct answer: A violation of the directive
The directive requires the camera to remain on until the contact is fully concluded, so turning it off mid-contact violates the policy regardless of circumstances.
Question 7: A passage states: 'Troopers are required to file use-of-force reports within 24 hours of any incident involving force. Failure to file within this period requires a written explanation to the shift supervisor.' A trooper used force on Monday at 11 PM and filed the report Wednesday at 9 AM. What is true?
- The report was filed on time
- The report is late and requires a written explanation to the supervisor (Correct answer)
- The report is late but no explanation is needed
- The trooper should file an amended report instead
Correct answer: The report is late and requires a written explanation to the supervisor
24 hours from Monday 11 PM is Tuesday 11 PM; filing Wednesday at 9 AM is late, requiring a written explanation to the shift supervisor.
State Trooper Reading Comprehension and Reasoning 2
A trooper's report states: 'The vehicle was traveling northbound on Route 9 when it crossed the center line and struck a southbound pickup truck.
The driver of the northbound vehicle was unresponsive upon arrival.' What can be MOST reliably concluded from this passage?