The Police Written Test - Are You Ready?

 

»  the police written test - friend or foe?

The police written test is like a big wheel going round and round. To become a police officer you must ride the wheel without being crushed. I have administered and taken countless numbers of written tests, and one thing is always true about this massive obstacle that keeps your from your dream -- you must be in the driver's seat. The police written test stands as a solid wall blocking your path to success. When I started my quest to become a police officer in 1980 I had no clue how to jump this wall and land on the green pasture waiting for me on the other side.

Suffering failure after failure trying to get my foot in the door I was finally struck by a bolt of lightning. I needed help from the inside. Knowledge from the inner walls of police departments where certified police officers grabbed their hand packs and clipboards and sat down to their daily roll call. These men and women knew the secret to success in law enforcement. They had passed the police selection process. They knew what to do to get the job.

So, I made two friends that would change my life. Both were police officers who were more than willing to help me with my problem -- to get a police job. Mike Valdez and Dwight Becker were seasoned police officers who would mentor me. Yes, coach me one on one. Get me to pass the written test and beyond. By hanging out with them I started to think like them -- like a cop. This made all the difference in the world. I picked their brains, asking question after question on how they would handle this type of situation or that type of situation. What they told me was burned in my mind. These golden nuggets of  information would not only prepare me to pass the written test, but would lead me to a decorated police career that spanned 22 years.

Now, do you have to go out and make friends with a cop that will help you become a police officer? That would be nice, but not always possible. All you need to be successful in this field is to want it more than anyone else. I'll say that again -- you have to want it more than anyone else.

You can start right here on this website. Read all the articles, then watch POLICE EXAM 911 to learn, step by step how to MAX the police written test. Once you jump that wall, I'll see you on the other side. Save a smile for me.

 

»  test tip - police written test

The more you do something, the easier it becomes. It's that simple. In order to grasp the police written test you must take practice tests. Not only will you begin to feel comfortable with the police test itself but you will reduce that gnawing  test taking anxiety that fills us all. Locate police practice tests and take them. You can duplicate an actual test situation by setting a time limit for yourself. The importance of time management in test taking is paramount. Know how much time you have to answer each question. Good test takers know this.

Before answering any questions they scan the specific test. They determine how many question are on the test so they can set a preferred pace. By setting a pre-determined pace successful test takers take control, budget their time wisely and improve the odds of a higher score.

Once you know how much time you have for the test determine how you will divide your time. Know where you should be at the 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 part of the test. By setting a pace for yourself you will stay on a time schedule. Check your progress as you go. Remember to leave yourself some time at the end to go back and complete unanswered questions and recheck your answers.

 

»  police written test

The police written test will vary throughout the country. Some police agencies rent the written test from companies like Stanard & Associates that specialize in the police selection process, while other agencies have written tests provided to them by state run organizations such as POST (Peace Officer Standards & Training). Still, countless municipalities with egos or smaller budgets write their own.

In the days and weeks prior to taking the written test it is imperative to study. This is one phase of the process that you will have the opportunity to prepare, so don't cut yourself short. A little preparation will help you excel over your competition.

Types of Questions

The police written test can comprise of true/ false, essay, fill in the blank...but the most popular type of written exam used by police departments today is the multiple choice test. The reasons are universal. It is the simply the most objective test to measure a candidates ability to perform the tasks of a police officer. In addition:

• It is easy to grade

• It removes subjectivity because there is only one correct answer

• Any trained person grading the test will have the same results

• Multiple choice tests can be administered directly from a PC and graded instantly

 

Prepare For The Written Test

1. Find out what's on the test. Visit the police department website you applied to for the basic components of the written test. Common areas that are tested include: judgment and problem solving, vocabulary, spelling, grammar, memorization, mathematics and reading comprehension. If the website informs you that you will be taking a civil service exam, and that's it, then it is not inappropriate to call human resources or the recruitment section in larger department's and politely ask what components will be on the test. You will find in most cases that you will be provided with this information.

2. Establish a study program. Study each component separately. If the components given to you were math, reading comprehension, and writing and grammar then start with your weakest area first. You can find most of the information needed to tweak your knowledge on the Internet. For example, if you consider yourself weak in math you can go to Google and enter the word math. You will find a great site called math.com. Here you can brush up on basic math. You can do this with any subject.

3. Try to get some practice taking police tests. This can reduce your anxiety and improve your test taking strategies. Below is a Police Sample Test you should take.

4. Organize your schedule so you can perform your best on the day of test. Prepare mentally. Stay positive. Negative feelings of failure are common, but don't allow these thoughts into your head. Being prepared for the written test will allow you to feel confident in the test room. Study and practice prior to test day will make a huge difference in your test score.

5. Get enough sleep. Most adults do best with 7-8 hours. Try to adopt this pattern several days before the exam. Give yourself plenty of time to have a light, balanced breakfast. Minimize your use of caffeine, etc. Arrive at the test 15 minutes early. Allow enough time to cope with traffic, weather, parking, etc.

 Written Test Tips

1. Understand all verbal and written instructions given by the test proctor. Ask questions if you're unsure. The time to ask questions is before the written test begins.

2. Use the time given to complete each section of the test carefully. Some written tests are given a total time to complete, others will be timed separately. Divide the time given by the number of questions. This will tell you how much time you have on each question, or get you close. Keep a steady pace through out the test.

3. Read each question carefully. Don't get bogged down on any one question. Sometimes a certain question will stump you. Use your informed judgment to make a choice between possible answers. This is not guessing. To the extent your decision is informed you are demonstrating a degree of knowledge and not just blindly guessing. Answer all questions.

4. Avoid reading too much into a question. Most questions require an answer that is most correct. Reason through the answers to find the most logical answer.

5. Use all the allotted time given to complete the test. If you finish early go back to problematic questions and re-think them. Use every second you're given. 
 

Police Entrance Exam Practice Test

The police written test is considered the first step in becoming a police officer. Though I disagree with this opinion, (because the application process is the first step), I will concede the written test is a crucial step in the police selection process. If you're successful here you will be placed on the eligibility list. The list they eventually hire from. This important list moves you forward in the process. The higher your written test score the higher you will be placed on the list. Bottom line, this means you will be interviewed before other candidates.

Here is a sample police written test that measures Police Judgment and Problem Solving. Record your answers on scratch paper then check those answers against the Answer Key at the bottom of the page. See where you stand, or where you need work. Either way I'm here to help you. 

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Police Officer Practice Test: Judgment & Problem Solving 1 Read instructions carefully before you begin the test. Below you will find information about your specific test and general instructions to complete the test. Test Instructions: This test will measure your police judgment and problem solving skills. Once you have completed the test click on the Answer Key at bottom of this page. The test contains 15 questions. Use good judgment and common sense, as well as the information provided in the question, to answer the following questions.   1.  While on foot patrol downtown, Officer Gutierrez is approached by Ms. Louise Herald, who says that a man snatched a shopping bag full of gifts from her arm and ran away. Ms. Herald remembers the contents of the shopping bag as follows: 1 cashmere sweater valued at $260 3 diamond bracelets, each valued at $365 1 computer game valued at $78 1 cameo brooch valued at $130 Later, Officer Gutierrez receives a call from Ms. Herald, who says she has found the receipts for the stolen merchandise. She says that what she told the officer was correct, except that there were only two diamond bracelets, not three, and that the value of the cashmere sweater was $245. What should Officer Gutierrez write as the total value of the stolen property?

A. $833     B. $1,183     C. $1,198     D. $1,563

2.  Officer Kemp has worked more night shifts in a row than Officer Rogers, who has worked five. Officer Miller has worked 15 night shifts in a row, more than Officers Kemp and Rogers combined. Officer Calvin has worked eight night shifts in a row, less than Officer Kemp. How many night shifts in a row has Officer Kemp worked?

A. eight     B. nine     C. ten     D. eleven

3.  For the past two months, stereo shops all over the city have been hit by burglars in the early morning hours. Sergeant Adams tells Officer Bryant that he should carefully watch the stores in his area that specialize in stereo equipment. Which one of the following situations should Officer Bryant investigate?

A. a truck with its motor running, backed up to the rear door of the House of Stereos at 1:00 A.M.     B. a lone man going through a dumpster at the rear of the House of Stereos at 2:00 A.M.     C. a delivery van marked "House of Stereos" parked in the rear of the store at 2:00 A.M.     D. two teenage boys intently examining a stereo system in the window of House of Stereos just after midnight

4.  Four eyewitnesses saw a vehicle being stolen and noted the license plate number. Each wrote down a different number listed below. Which one is probably right?

A. KLV 017     B. XIW 007     C. XIW 017     D. XIV 017

An officer responding alone to the scene of a burglar alarm call should do the following: Turn off siren and emergency lights as soon as possible to keep from alerting suspects. Park the patrol car away from the building. Notify the dispatcher of his or her arrival and location. Begin checking the outside of the building for signs of entry. Notify the dispatcher if signs of entry are discovered. Wait for backup if it is available before going inside a building where entry has been made. Tell backup officers where to position themselves as they arrive.

5.  Officer Kim is dispatched to a burglar alarm call at 100 South Main Street, where the Quik Stop convenience store is located. The store closed at 1 A.M. and it is now 3 A.M. Officer Kim is parked in the parking lot of the pawnshop next door, writing a report, when the call comes out. Officer Kim's next step should be to...

A. walk up to the building from the side so her approach is undetected.     B. wait for backup before approaching the building.     C. inform the dispatcher that she has arrived at 100 South Main Street.     D. check the outside of the building for signs of entry.

6.  Officer Smith is sent to 1313 Milbury Way on a residential burglary alarm call at 1 P.M. Traffic is heavy on the way to the call, and he turns on his emergency lights to help clear the way. Officer Smith is notified that no back-up is available in his sector. What is the next thing Officer Smith should do?

A. Park his patrol car a house or two away from 1313 Milbury Way.     B. Inform the dispatcher when he arrives.     C. Approach the front door, since any suspects are probably gone by now.     D. Turn off his emergency lights as soon as he can safely do so.

7.  Police officers may find themselves in situations in which using a normal, conversational tone of voice is not enough to get an individual to do what the officer needs done. Which situation below calls for an officer to shout using a firm, authoritative tone of voice?

A. asking to see a driver's proof of automobile insurance after an accident     B. advising a new partner of a recently implemented departmental policy     C. chasing a burglar out of a house     D. asking a boy why he is not in school on a Monday morning

8.  On Monday morning, Officers Rosen and McNalty respond to a call of a burglary that apparently took place over the weekend at Datamation Computer Consultants. The owner of the business says that the following equipment is missing: 3 telephone sets, each valued at $125 2 computers, each valued at $1,300 2 computer monitors, each valued at $950 1 printer valued at $600 1 answering machine valued at $50 Officer McNalty is preparing a complaint report on the burglary. What should he write as the total value of the missing property?

A. $3,025     B. $5,400     C. $5,525     D. $6,525

9.  In a four-day period—Monday through Thursday—each of the following officers worked only one day, each a different day. Officer Johnson was scheduled to work on Monday, but she traded with Officer Carter, who was originally scheduled to work on Wednesday. Officer Falk traded with Officer Kirk, who was originally scheduled to work on Thursday. After all the switching was done, who worked on Tuesday?

A. Carter     B. Falk     C. Johnson     D. Kirk

10.  Mrs. Oneida called the police to report that a man was looking into her bedroom window last night around 9:45 P.M. Officer Williams talks to residents in the area and finds out several people have seen a white male dressed in black walking up and down the street at about 10 P.M. for the past week. Officer Williams decides to patrol the area closely and is in the area by 9:30 P.M. Which situation below should she investigate?

A. two teenagers in jeans and dark T-shirts sitting on the curb, smoking cigarettes     B. a man wearing black jogging shorts and dark shoes stretching his legs in the driveway of a house     C. a man dressed in dark jeans and a navy blue turtleneck walking rapidly away from some shrubbery at the side of a house     D. a man in dark clothing attaching a water hose to the faucet on the side of a house

11.  Four people witnessed a mugging. Each gave a different description of the mugger. Which description is probably right?

A. He was average height, thin, and middle-aged.     B. He was tall, thin, and middle-aged.     C. He was tall, thin, and young.     D. He was tall, of average weight, and middle-aged.

All police officers are expected to know how to properly package evidence after the decision has been made to collect it. The following steps should be carried out in the order listed: Place each item in a separate container. Seal each container in such a way that it cannot be opened without breaking the seal. The officer collecting the evidence should write his or her name or employee number on the seal. Place a tag on the container that identifies the case number, the date and time collected, where the item was found, what the item is, who collected it, and what condition the item is in. Turn the evidence in personally to the Property Room without breaking the chain of custody by allowing someone else to do it.

12.  Officer Jones is the first officer to arrive at the scene of a burglary at Wiggin's Liquor Store. After making sure the scene is secure, he begins to collect evidence. The first item he finds is a screwdriver lying on the sidewalk in front of the glass doors leading into the store. The second item he sees is a small flashlight on the floor inside the building. Officer Jones places the screwdriver in a small plastic bag. What is the next thing he should do?

A. Lock the screwdriver in the trunk of his car.     B. Seal the bag with evidence tape so that the bag cannot be opened.     C. Write the case number and other information about the evidence on the outside of the bag.     D. Put the flashlight in the bag with the screwdriver.

13.  Officers Roberts and Reed are on bicycle patrol in the downtown area. Sergeant McElvey tells them that a white male has been committing robberies along the nearby bike path by stepping out of the bushes and threatening bicyclists with an iron pipe until they give him their bicycles. There have been three separate incidents, and the suspect descriptions are from three different victims. Robbery #1: Suspect is a white male, 20–25 years old, 5'9', 145 pounds, with a shaved head, wearing a skull earring in the left ear, floppy white T-shirt, worn light blue jeans, and black combat boots. Robbery #2: Suspect is a white male, 25–30 years old, dark brown hair in a military-style crew cut, 6'2', 200 pounds, wearing a white T-shirt with the words "Just Do It" on the back, blue surgical scrub pants, and black combat boots. Robbery #3: Suspect is a white male, 23 years old, 5'10', skinny build, no hair, wearing a Grateful Dead T-shirt, blue baggy pants, dark shoes, and one earring. Three days after Sergeant McElvey told the officers about the robberies, Officer Reed arrested a suspect for attempting to take a woman's mountain bike from her on the bicycle path. The description of the suspect is as follows: Robbery #4: Suspect is a white male, 22 years old, 140 pounds, 5'10', with a shaved head and one pierced ear, wearing a plain white T-shirt two sizes too large for him, faded baggy blue jeans, and scuffed black combat boots. After comparing the suspect description with those in the first three robberies, Officer Reed should consider the arrested man as a suspect in which of the other robberies?

A. Robbery #1, Robbery #2, and Robbery #3     B. Robbery #1, but not Robbery #2 or Robbery #3     C. Robbery #1 and Robbery #3, but not Robbery #2     D. Robbery #1 and Robbery #2, but not Robbery #3

14.  Officers are required to immediately report to their supervisor any damage to a patrol car. In which situation below should an officer call the supervisor to report a damaged patrol car?

A. A disgruntled citizen kicks a tire on the patrol car as she walks past it.     B. The driver's door is dented in by an irate man under arrest for public intoxication.     C. The officer bumps a pole while backing out of an alley but finds no dents or scratches on the vehicle.     D. The officer finds a dozen eggs smashed on the windshield.

The first officer to respond to the scene of a sexual assault has many responsibilities. The officer should take the following steps in the order listed: Aid the victim if necessary by calling for an ambulance or administering first ­aid. Try to calm and comfort the victim as much as ­possible. If the attack is recent, get a suspect description from the victim and radio the dispatcher to put out a be­-­on­-­the­-­lookout ­broadcast. Find out from the victim where the crime ­occurred. Determine if there is any physical evidence on the victim that may need to be preserved, such as pieces of the suspect’s skin or blood under the victim’s ­fingernails. If possible, have the victim change clothing, and then take the clothing he or she was wearing as ­evidence. Convince the victim to undergo a medical exam for his or her health and safety and so that evidence may be ­gathered.

15.  Officer Augustine is at 2101 Reynolds Street talking to Betty Smith, the victim of a sexual assault. Ms. Smith is uninjured and is very calm. She gives Officer Augustine a detailed description of her attacker and says she thinks he may be headed for a nearby tavern. At this point, Officer Augustine should...

A. get into his patrol car and drive to the tavern.     B. give the dispatcher the description of the suspect.     C. take the victim straight to the hospital for a medical exam.     D. have the victim change clothing.

ANSWER KEY

 

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