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Met Police Exam practice questions

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Question 1Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

As a newly attested constable on a Met response team, you are first on scene at a report of a man shouting at passers-by outside a shopping centre. A member of the public is filming you from a few metres away. Which action best reflects the Standards of Professional Behaviour expected of you?

  1. Carry out your duties courteously and explain your actions to the public where practical Correct answer.
  2. Tell the filmer that filming police officers is a criminal offence
  3. Ask the filmer to stop and threaten to seize the phone if they refuse
  4. Ignore the situation until a supervisor arrives to avoid any complaint

Explanation

The Standards of Professional Behaviour require officers to act with integrity and treat the public with courtesy and respect, and there is no general power to stop people filming officers in public. Explaining your actions where practical builds confidence and protects the legitimacy of what you do. Threatening seizure or inventing a criminal offence would itself be misconduct.

Question 2Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

Which of the following best describes the core purpose of the Code of Ethics within the Met?

  1. A replacement for the criminal law on misconduct in public office
  2. A set of aspirational slogans with no bearing on discipline
  3. A guide to the standards of behaviour expected of everyone in policing Correct answer.
  4. An internal document applying only to senior ranks

Explanation

The Code of Ethics sets out the standards of professional behaviour that everyone in policing is expected to meet, and those standards are used in assessing conduct and discipline. It does not replace the criminal law, and it applies to all ranks and police staff, not just senior officers.

Question 3Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

You are a PC dealing with a domestic incident. The suspect is known to you and offers to buy you a drink later if you 'keep it quiet'. Which standard of professional behaviour is most directly engaged by this offer?

  1. Fitness for duty
  2. Honesty and integrity Correct answer.
  3. Impartiality
  4. Orders and instructions

Explanation

Accepting a benefit in return for altering your handling of a case is fundamentally a matter of honesty and integrity, which requires officers not to misuse their position for personal gain. Impartiality concerns fairness and bias rather than corrupt benefits. The offer must be refused and reported.

Question 4Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

During a briefing, a colleague makes a racist joke and others laugh. As the supervisor, what is the most appropriate first response?

  1. Wait until the next appraisal to raise it privately
  2. Challenge the behaviour immediately and record it appropriately Correct answer.
  3. Laugh along so you are not seen as an outsider
  4. Say nothing to avoid damaging team morale

Explanation

Supervisors have a duty to challenge discriminatory behaviour and to act on it, not to let it pass. Immediate challenge sets the standard and prevents the behaviour becoming normalised, and the matter should be recorded and handled through the appropriate process. Staying silent or joining in condones misconduct.

Question 5Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

Which of the following is the best description of the 'duty of candour' in policing?

  1. A duty to answer every question a member of the public asks
  2. A duty to be open and honest when things go wrong Correct answer.
  3. A duty to report all media enquiries to the press office
  4. A duty to disclose all evidence to the defence in every case

Explanation

The duty of candour requires officers and staff to be open and honest when mistakes occur, including reporting and explaining them. It is broader than disclosure obligations to the defence, which arise from separate legal rules. It does not require answering every question or routing all media contact.

Question 6Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

You are off duty and see a shoplifting in progress. Which course of action best demonstrates the competency of taking ownership?

  1. Confront and restrain the suspect without identifying yourself
  2. Call a friend who works in the shop and leave it to them
  3. Walk past because you are not in uniform
  4. Note details, contact the control room and act within your capability Correct answer.

Explanation

Taking ownership means acting on a situation rather than ignoring it, while acting safely and within your training. Reporting through the control room and intervening appropriately balances public safety with your personal safety and legal powers. Ignoring the offence or improvising an unsafe physical intervention are both poor choices.

Question 7Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

A member of the public complains loudly that you are 'wasting time' while you deal with a vulnerable missing person enquiry. Which response best reflects the competency of public service?

  1. Abandon the enquiry to deal with the complaint
  2. Ignore them entirely and say nothing
  3. Tell them to leave or you will arrest them
  4. Explain briefly why the enquiry is a priority and continue Correct answer.

Explanation

Public service involves explaining your priorities professionally and continuing to protect those most in need. A brief explanation maintains confidence while keeping focus on the vulnerable person. Threatening arrest, abandoning the enquiry or ignoring the person are all disproportionate or unhelpful.

Question 8Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

In the context of the Standards of Professional Behaviour, which option correctly describes the requirement relating to 'orders and instructions'?

  1. You must obey all orders without question, lawful or not
  2. You may disregard any order you personally disagree with
  3. You must follow lawful orders and instructions, and report improper ones Correct answer.
  4. Orders only bind officers during their probationary period

Explanation

Officers must carry out lawful orders and instructions, but that duty does not extend to unlawful orders, which should be challenged and reported. The standard is not a blanket obligation to obey anything, nor is it limited to probationers. Personal disagreement is not a lawful reason to disregard an order.

Question 9Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

A colleague tells you they have been falsifying stop-and-search records to save time on paperwork. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Warn them to be more careful in future
  2. Keep quiet because it is not your business
  3. Report the matter through the appropriate channel Correct answer.
  4. Help them complete the records correctly to avoid trouble

Explanation

Falsifying records is dishonest and undermines public trust, so it must be reported through the proper channel. Advising them to be more careful or helping to conceal it makes you complicit. Integrity requires you to act even when it is uncomfortable.

Question 10Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

Which of the following best illustrates 'respect for diversity' in day-to-day policing?

  1. Adapting your communication to a person's needs while applying the law consistently Correct answer.
  2. Treating everyone identically regardless of their needs
  3. Avoiding engagement with people from unfamiliar communities
  4. Using stereotypes to predict how a person will behave

Explanation

Respect for diversity means recognising difference and adapting your approach to meet individual needs, while still applying the law fairly and consistently. Treating everyone identically can ignore genuine needs, and using stereotypes is discriminatory. Avoiding engagement undermines community confidence.

Question 11Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

You are asked by a supervisor to complete a task you believe is outside your training. What is the most appropriate response?

  1. Ask a colleague to do it without telling anyone
  2. Refuse outright and walk away
  3. Complete the task and hope nothing goes wrong
  4. Raise your concern with the supervisor and seek guidance Correct answer.

Explanation

Raising the concern with the supervisor demonstrates integrity and an understanding of your limits, and allows the task to be managed safely. Simply refusing is unhelpful, while carrying out a task beyond your competence puts people at risk. Quietly delegating to a colleague avoids rather than resolves the issue.

Question 12Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

A witness gives you a statement that contradicts another witness. You are tempted to write it up to sound more consistent. Why is this unacceptable?

  1. Because it would be dishonest and could mislead a court Correct answer.
  2. Because consistency makes statements easier to read
  3. Because witnesses are not allowed to disagree
  4. Because statements must always be handwritten

Explanation

Altering a witness account to appear consistent is dishonest and could mislead investigators and a court, breaching both integrity and the duty of candour. Genuine inconsistencies are for the investigation to resolve, not for the officer to smooth over. Presentation and format are irrelevant to this principle.

Question 13Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

You notice a colleague repeatedly making offensive comments to a detainee in custody. Which behaviour does this most directly breach?

  1. Confidentiality
  2. Respect and courtesy towards detainees Correct answer.
  3. Orders and instructions
  4. Fitness for duty

Explanation

Offensive comments to a detainee breach the standard requiring officers to treat people with respect and courtesy, and could also engage equality duties. Fitness for duty concerns the officer's ability to work, and confidentiality concerns handling information. Respect is the most direct standard engaged.

Question 14Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

A member of the public offers you a small gift of thanks after you helped them. What is the appropriate approach under professional standards?

  1. Accept it privately because it is only small
  2. Accept it openly and share it with the team
  3. Decline politely and explain the policy on gifts and hospitality Correct answer.
  4. Accept it but record it only if someone asks

Explanation

Gifts and hospitality must be handled transparently under force policy, and the safe approach is to decline politely and explain why. Accepting privately or sharing it with the team conceals the benefit and risks breaching the rules. Recording only when asked defeats the purpose of transparency.

Question 15Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

Which of the following best demonstrates the competency of 'we take ownership' when a task you started is left incomplete at the end of your shift?

  1. Hand over the task clearly with all relevant details to a colleague Correct answer.
  2. Assume someone will notice and pick it up
  3. Leave a note for whoever is next on duty and go home
  4. Complete it quickly regardless of the risk of error

Explanation

Taking ownership includes ensuring that work is properly handed over so it is not lost, with enough detail for the next person to continue. Leaving a vague note or assuming someone will notice risks the task being dropped. Rushing to finish regardless of accuracy is also poor ownership.

Question 16Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

You are dealing with a person who is angry and abusive but not committing an offence. Which approach best reflects the competency of 'we are emotionally aware'?

  1. Threaten arrest to force them to be quiet
  2. Stay calm, manage your own reactions and de-escalate Correct answer.
  3. Walk away and leave the person to calm down alone
  4. Raise your voice to assert authority

Explanation

Emotional awareness involves recognising and managing your own reactions so they do not escalate a situation, and using communication to de-escalate. Raising your voice or making empty threats increases the risk of conflict. Walking away abandons the engagement.

Question 17Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

Which of these best demonstrates the competency of 'we analyse critically' when reviewing intelligence about a suspect?

  1. Acting on it immediately without any checks
  2. Ignoring it because it is unverified
  3. Accepting the intelligence because it comes from a colleague
  4. Checking the source, reliability and any corroboration Correct answer.

Explanation

Critical analysis means assessing the reliability and provenance of information and seeking corroboration before acting on it. Accepting information simply because of who supplied it, or dismissing it as unverified, are both failures of analysis. Acting without checks risks harm and wasted resources.

Question 18Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

During a heated public meeting, a resident accuses the police of ignoring their community. Which response best reflects 'we engage with communities'?

  1. Defend the force's record and dismiss the complaint
  2. Agree with them to calm the room
  3. Leave the meeting to avoid further criticism
  4. Listen, acknowledge the concern and explain how they can raise it formally Correct answer.

Explanation

Engaging with communities means listening to concerns, acknowledging them and signposting proper routes for feedback, even when the criticism is uncomfortable. Dismissing the complaint or leaving the meeting damages trust. Agreeing insincerely to calm the room is dishonest.

Question 19Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

A colleague asks you to look up a celebrity's address on the police system 'just out of curiosity'. What is the correct response?

  1. Refuse, as accessing data without a policing purpose is a breach Correct answer.
  2. Look it up but log it as an intelligence search
  3. Ask them to submit a written request first
  4. Look it up if they promise not to share it

Explanation

Police systems may only be accessed for a legitimate policing purpose, and curiosity does not qualify. Unlawful access is a serious breach of confidentiality and data protection rules and may be a criminal offence. Promises of secrecy or creative logging do not legitimise the search.

Question 20Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

You are investigating an allegation against a fellow officer. The investigating supervisor is a close friend of the officer concerned. What should happen?

  1. The supervisor should ask the officer to confirm they are friends
  2. The supervisor proceeds because friendship does not matter
  3. The supervisor should declare the conflict and be replaced Correct answer.
  4. The supervisor should investigate but avoid recording the friendship

Explanation

A close personal relationship creates an apparent conflict of interest that undermines the fairness of the investigation, so it must be declared and the investigator replaced. Friendship does matter to perceptions of impartiality. Concealing the relationship or relying on the officer's confirmation does not resolve the conflict.

Question 21Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

A supervisor instructs you to record a use of force as less serious than it actually was to 'avoid paperwork'. What is the correct course of action?

  1. Ask a colleague to complete the record instead
  2. Record it as instructed but keep a private note
  3. Record it accurately and raise the instruction through proper channels Correct answer.
  4. Comply, because supervisors know best

Explanation

Records must be accurate, and an instruction to falsify one is improper and should be challenged and reported. Compliance or private notes do not fix a false official record. Passing the task to a colleague simply spreads the problem.

Question 22Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

A member of the public covertly records your conversation with them and later posts a misleading edited clip online. What is the most appropriate professional response?

  1. Threaten them with arrest for recording you
  2. Ask colleagues to find and delete the clip
  3. Ensure your body-worn camera and notes give an accurate account Correct answer.
  4. Post an angry reply on social media

Explanation

The proportionate response is to rely on accurate, contemporaneous records and body-worn video to give the true account, and to follow force processes for responding to misleading material. Threats, angry public replies or attempts to delete material are improper and likely to worsen the situation.

Question 23Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

Two officers give conflicting accounts of a stop. As the reviewing sergeant, what is the best way to demonstrate fairness and integrity?

  1. Decide based on which officer you know better
  2. Accept the account of the more experienced officer
  3. Gather independent evidence such as body-worn video before deciding Correct answer.
  4. Ask both officers to agree a single version

Explanation

Fairness and integrity require decisions to be based on evidence rather than seniority or personal relationships. Independent evidence such as body-worn video helps establish what happened. Pressing officers to agree a single version risks pressuring them to change honest accounts.

Question 24Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

Which option best describes how the Standards of Professional Behaviour interact with the Code of Ethics?

  1. The Code of Ethics explains the standards used in the disciplinary process Correct answer.
  2. They are unrelated documents with different purposes
  3. The Code of Ethics applies only to police staff, not officers
  4. The Standards replace the Code of Ethics entirely

Explanation

The Code of Ethics sets out the principles and standards of behaviour, and the Standards of Professional Behaviour are the benchmarks used when conduct is assessed in the disciplinary process. They are complementary rather than unrelated or mutually exclusive. The Code applies across policing, including officers.

Question 25Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

An officer discovers that a warrant they executed was based on information later shown to be wrong. What does the duty of candour require?

  1. Disclose the error promptly through the proper process Correct answer.
  2. Blame the informant publicly without checks
  3. Wait to see whether anyone notices
  4. Conceal the error to protect the operation

Explanation

The duty of candour requires officers to be open and honest about mistakes and to report them promptly through the correct process. Concealing the error or waiting to see if it is noticed is dishonest. Blaming an informant before checks are made is unfair and premature.

Question 26Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

During a briefing, a sergeant asks you to explain how the Code of Ethics should guide your decision-making when you are unsure whether a proposed action is lawful. Which principle should you apply first?

  1. Decide based on what will cause the least paperwork.
  2. Check whether the action is consistent with the law and your powers. Correct answer.
  3. Ask a colleague what they would do in the same situation.
  4. Consider whether the action will be supported by your supervisor.

Explanation

The Code of Ethics requires officers to act lawfully and within their powers. When unsure, the first consideration is legality, not convenience or approval. Seeking advice is appropriate, but the primary test is whether the action is lawful and proportionate.

Question 27Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

You are on patrol and witness a minor traffic collision where one driver becomes aggressive towards the other. Which action best demonstrates the competency of taking ownership of the situation?

  1. Record the incident in your notebook but take no further action unless asked.
  2. Radio for a supervisor to attend and wait for their arrival before intervening.
  3. Tell the drivers to exchange details and leave the scene to continue your patrol.
  4. Separate the drivers, check for injuries, and begin gathering details yourself. Correct answer.

Explanation

Taking ownership means proactively managing the situation within your role, ensuring safety and initial investigation. Separating the drivers and checking for injuries is immediate and appropriate. Waiting for a supervisor or leaving the scene does not demonstrate ownership.

Question 28Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

A member of the public approaches you at a community event and says, 'You people never do anything about the drug dealing on our estate.' Which response best reflects the competency of public service?

  1. Tell them to report it through the official website rather than in person.
  2. Say you will pass it on but cannot promise anything will be done.
  3. Explain that drug dealing is a low priority due to limited resources.
  4. Thank them for raising it and arrange to take details and update them on action. Correct answer.

Explanation

Public service involves listening to concerns, taking them seriously, and committing to action and feedback. Acknowledging the concern and arranging follow-up demonstrates this. Dismissing or deflecting the issue undermines trust.

Question 29Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

While off duty, you see a person collapse in the street. Which action best reflects the competency of taking ownership?

  1. Take a photo to document the incident for your records.
  2. Wait for a uniformed officer to arrive before doing anything.
  3. Call for an ambulance, identify yourself as a police officer if appropriate, and assist until help arrives. Correct answer.
  4. Assume someone else will call for help and continue on your way.

Explanation

Taking ownership means acting when you are able, even off duty, to ensure safety and assistance. Calling for an ambulance and assisting is appropriate. Inaction or unnecessary documentation does not demonstrate ownership.

Question 30Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

You are dealing with a suspect who is calm but refuses to answer your questions. Which approach best demonstrates the competency of we are emotionally aware?

  1. Threaten arrest if they do not answer immediately.
  2. Raise your voice to assert authority and encourage cooperation.
  3. Ignore the refusal and continue questioning without acknowledging it.
  4. Remain calm, explain why you are asking questions, and allow the suspect time to respond. Correct answer.

Explanation

Emotional awareness involves managing your own reactions and understanding the impact of your behaviour on others. Remaining calm and explaining the purpose of questions is more likely to de-escalate. Raising your voice or threatening arrest may increase resistance.

Question 31Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

Which option best describes the purpose of the Standards of Professional Behaviour in relation to the Code of Ethics?

  1. They are advisory guidelines with no disciplinary consequences.
  2. They provide a set of enforceable rules that supplement the ethical principles in the Code. Correct answer.
  3. They apply only to officers of superintendent rank and above.
  4. They replace the Code of Ethics entirely for operational matters.

Explanation

The Standards of Professional Behaviour set out enforceable expectations that support the ethical principles in the Code of Ethics. They do not replace the Code and apply to all officers. Breaches can lead to disciplinary action.

Question 32Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

During a stop and search, a teenager asks why they have been stopped. Which response best demonstrates the competency of treating people with respect?

  1. Say you will explain after the search is completed.
  2. Refuse to answer because they are a suspect.
  3. Explain the grounds for the search clearly and politely. Correct answer.
  4. Tell them to be quiet and do as they are told.

Explanation

Respect involves communicating openly and courteously, including explaining the reason for police actions. Providing the grounds clearly is both respectful and legally required. Dismissing or delaying explanation undermines respect.

Question 33Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

You are asked to complete a risk assessment for a planned public order event. Which action best demonstrates the competency of we analyse critically?

  1. Use the same assessment template as last year without changes.
  2. Gather information from multiple sources, consider alternative scenarios, and document your reasoning. Correct answer.
  3. Ask a colleague to complete it to save time.
  4. Rely solely on your past experience of similar events.

Explanation

Critical analysis involves gathering and evaluating information from various sources, considering different possibilities, and recording the rationale. Relying on a single source or past templates without review is less rigorous.

Question 34Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

You are called to a domestic incident where both parties are shouting. Which approach best demonstrates the competency of we are emotionally aware?

  1. Immediately arrest one party to defuse the situation.
  2. Leave the parties to calm down and return later.
  3. Separate the parties, lower your voice, and acknowledge their emotions calmly. Correct answer.
  4. Shout louder to gain control of the situation.

Explanation

Emotional awareness involves recognising and managing emotions, both your own and others'. Separating the parties and speaking calmly can reduce tension. Shouting or immediate arrest may escalate; leaving may compromise safety.

Question 35Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

A colleague tells you they are going to skip a welfare check on a known vulnerable person because they are behind on paperwork. What is the most appropriate response under the competency of taking ownership?

  1. Ignore it as it is not your responsibility.
  2. Report them immediately to Professional Standards without discussion.
  3. Tell them to do it later if they have time.
  4. Offer to complete the welfare check yourself or ensure it is done before other tasks. Correct answer.

Explanation

Taking ownership means ensuring essential duties, such as welfare checks, are not neglected. Offering to help or ensuring the check is done prioritises safety. Ignoring or delaying risks harm; immediate reporting may be disproportionate without first addressing the risk.

Question 36Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

You are tasked with writing a report on a complex incident. Which approach best demonstrates the competency of we deliver, support and inspire?

  1. Plan the report, gather all necessary information, and seek feedback to improve it. Correct answer.
  2. Complete the report quickly with minimal detail to meet the deadline.
  3. Ask a colleague to write it for you to ensure it is done on time.
  4. Write only the parts you are confident about and leave the rest blank.

Explanation

Delivering, supporting and inspiring involves taking pride in your work, planning effectively, and seeking to improve. A thorough, well-planned report with feedback demonstrates this. Rushing, delegating improperly, or leaving gaps does not.

Question 37Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

During a night shift, you notice a colleague appears very tired and is making uncharacteristic errors. Which action best reflects the competency of we are emotionally aware?

  1. Tell them to pull themselves together in front of the team.
  2. Report them for incompetence.
  3. Ignore it as everyone gets tired on nights.
  4. Quietly check on their wellbeing and suggest a break or speak to the supervisor if needed. Correct answer.

Explanation

Emotional awareness includes noticing changes in others and responding with support. Checking on wellbeing and suggesting a break is appropriate. Ignoring, publicly admonishing, or reporting for incompetence without support is not.

Question 38Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

You receive an email containing sensitive information about a case that you are not assigned to. What is the most appropriate action under the competency of we take ownership?

  1. Read it carefully in case it becomes relevant later.
  2. Forward it to a colleague who might find it interesting.
  3. Save it to your personal folder for future reference.
  4. Report the misdirected email to the sender and delete it without sharing it. Correct answer.

Explanation

Taking ownership includes protecting sensitive information and following data handling rules. Reporting the misdirection and deleting the email prevents unauthorised access. Reading, forwarding, or saving it risks a data breach.

Question 39Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

A member of the public uses a racial slur while reporting a crime. Which response best demonstrates the competency of respecting diversity?

  1. Ignore the slur and focus solely on the crime report.
  2. Refuse to take the report until they apologise.
  3. Use the same language to build rapport.
  4. Challenge the language calmly, explain why it is unacceptable, and continue to take the report professionally. Correct answer.

Explanation

Respecting diversity involves challenging inappropriate language while remaining professional and continuing to provide a service. Calmly explaining why it is unacceptable and proceeding with the report balances challenge with service. Ignoring, refusing service, or mirroring the language is inappropriate.

Question 40Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

You are asked to provide evidence at a misconduct hearing. What does the duty of honesty require in this situation?

  1. Provide a truthful, accurate account regardless of the consequences for colleagues. Correct answer.
  2. Give evidence that supports your colleague to maintain team loyalty.
  3. Only answer the questions you are comfortable with.
  4. Omit details that might be embarrassing to the force.

Explanation

Honesty requires giving a truthful and complete account, even if it adversely affects colleagues. Loyalty does not override the duty to tell the truth. Omitting details or avoiding questions is dishonest.

Question 41Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

You are leading a small team on a operation. One team member suggests a plan that you think is flawed. Which action best demonstrates the competency of we deliver, support and inspire?

  1. Discuss the suggestion openly, explain your concerns, and agree on the best way forward together. Correct answer.
  2. Ignore the suggestion and proceed with your original plan.
  3. Ask another team member to criticise the suggestion.
  4. Dismiss the suggestion immediately and impose your own plan.

Explanation

Delivering, supporting and inspiring involves encouraging input and fostering collaboration. Discussing the suggestion openly and agreeing a way forward shows leadership and respect. Dismissing or ignoring input undermines team morale.

Question 42Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

You are dealing with a victim of burglary who is very distressed. Which approach best demonstrates the competency of we are emotionally aware?

  1. Promise that the offender will be caught to make them feel better.
  2. Acknowledge their distress, reassure them, and explain what will happen next. Correct answer.
  3. Tell them to calm down so you can take details quickly.
  4. Focus on obtaining the facts and avoid discussing emotions.

Explanation

Emotional awareness involves recognising and responding to others' emotions with empathy. Acknowledging distress and explaining next steps provides reassurance. Telling them to calm down or avoiding emotions is unsupportive; making promises you cannot keep is dishonest.

Question 43Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

While reviewing a case file, you notice a colleague has omitted a key witness statement that weakens the prosecution case. What is the most appropriate action under the competency of we analyse critically?

  1. Assume the colleague had a good reason and leave it.
  2. Ignore it because it is not your case.
  3. Bring the omission to the colleague's attention and ensure the statement is included. Correct answer.
  4. Remove other evidence to balance the case.

Explanation

Critical analysis involves scrutinising information and ensuring completeness and accuracy. Bringing the omission to light ensures the case is fairly presented. Ignoring it or altering evidence is improper.

Question 44Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

A supervisor asks you to attend a community meeting on your rest day. Which response best demonstrates the competency of public service?

  1. Attend but complain throughout the meeting.
  2. Agree to attend if operational demands allow, recognising the value of community engagement. Correct answer.
  3. Say you will attend but not contribute.
  4. Refuse because it is your day off.

Explanation

Public service involves a willingness to engage with the community and support policing objectives, within reasonable bounds. Agreeing to attend if possible shows commitment. Refusing outright or attending with a negative attitude does not.

Question 45Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

You are investigating a crime and have a strong suspicion about who is responsible, but insufficient evidence. What does the competency of we analyse critically require you to do?

  1. Arrest the suspect based on your suspicion.
  2. Continue gathering evidence objectively, considering alternative explanations. Correct answer.
  3. Leak your suspicion to the media to prompt information.
  4. Close the case as unsolvable.

Explanation

Critical analysis requires objectivity and avoidance of premature conclusions. Continuing to gather evidence and considering alternatives is proper. Arrest without sufficient evidence, closing prematurely, or leaking information is inappropriate.

Question 46Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

During a chaotic incident, you realise you made an error in radio communication that could have compromised officer safety. What is the most appropriate action under the competency of we take ownership?

  1. Hope no one noticed and say nothing.
  2. Immediately inform your supervisor and team, and suggest how to prevent recurrence. Correct answer.
  3. Wait until the end of the shift to mention it informally.
  4. Blame the radio equipment for the error.

Explanation

Taking ownership means acknowledging mistakes promptly and learning from them. Informing the team immediately allows any risk to be addressed. Concealing, blaming equipment, or delaying disclosure does not demonstrate ownership.

Question 47Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

You are a sergeant and notice that a normally high-performing officer has become withdrawn and is missing deadlines. Which action best demonstrates the competency of we deliver, support and inspire?

  1. Formally start performance improvement proceedings immediately.
  2. Reassign their work to others without discussion.
  3. Ignore it as it is not your responsibility.
  4. Have a supportive conversation to understand any underlying issues and agree a plan to help them improve. Correct answer.

Explanation

Delivering, supporting and inspiring includes supporting colleagues to perform well. A supportive conversation to identify issues and agree a plan is appropriate. Immediate formal proceedings, reassigning work without discussion, or ignoring the issue does not demonstrate support.

Question 48Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

You are off duty and witness a serious assault. The victim is injured and the suspect is fleeing. What is the most appropriate action under the competency of taking ownership?

  1. Leave the scene to avoid becoming involved.
  2. Chase the suspect alone without calling for assistance.
  3. Record a video on your phone to post on social media.
  4. Call 999, provide first aid to the victim if safe, and note details of the suspect for responding officers. Correct answer.

Explanation

Taking ownership off duty means acting safely and effectively: summoning help, assisting the victim, and providing information to colleagues. Chasing alone may be unsafe; leaving or filming for social media is inappropriate.

Question 49Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

You are part of a panel assessing a colleague's suitability for promotion. You are friends with one candidate. What does the competency of we are emotionally aware require you to do?

  1. Declare your friendship and withdraw from the assessment to avoid bias. Correct answer.
  2. Assess them more harshly to prove you are not biased.
  3. Assess the candidate fairly but give them the benefit of the doubt.
  4. Say nothing about the friendship and assess as normal.

Explanation

Emotional awareness includes recognising how personal relationships can bias decisions. Declaring the conflict and withdrawing is the ethical course. Giving benefit of the doubt or overcompensating are both forms of bias; concealing the friendship is dishonest.

Question 50Situational Judgement and Behavioural Competencies

A colleague makes a mistake that breaches policy but causes no harm. They ask you not to tell anyone. What is the most appropriate response under the competency of we take ownership?

  1. Report it anonymously to avoid conflict.
  2. Agree to keep it secret as no harm was done.
  3. Encourage them to report it themselves, and if they refuse, report it through the appropriate channel. Correct answer.
  4. Tell other colleagues so they are aware.

Explanation

Taking ownership includes upholding standards and ensuring mistakes are addressed properly. Encouraging self-reporting is supportive; if they refuse, reporting is necessary. Concealing, anonymous reporting without giving them the chance, or gossiping is inappropriate.