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PDRM Exam practice questions

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Question 1PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

Under the Royal Malaysia Police disciplinary framework, which body is empowered to hear and dispose of disciplinary proceedings against a police officer of the rank of Inspector?

  1. The Disciplinary Board convened under the Inspector-General's authority Correct answer.
  2. The Magistrate's Court
  3. The Police Force Commission acting through the officer's commanding officer
  4. The Public Services Commission

Explanation

Disciplinary authority in the Royal Malaysia Police is delegated by rank and is exercised through disciplinary boards or authorised officers rather than through the ordinary courts. Senior officer cases are handled at a higher level of authority than rank-and-file cases.

Question 2PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

A police officer wishes to appeal against a disciplinary punishment imposed on him. Within what period must the appeal ordinarily be lodged?

  1. Within 14 days of the punishment being communicated
  2. Within 60 days of the punishment being communicated
  3. Within 30 days of the punishment being communicated Correct answer.
  4. Within 7 days of the punishment being communicated

Explanation

Disciplinary appeal rules set a defined window running from the date the punishment is communicated to the officer. Thirty days is the standard period, allowing time to prepare grounds while keeping discipline timely.

Question 3PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

Which statement best describes the legal position of a police officer who uses force while effecting a lawful arrest?

  1. Force may never be used in any arrest situation
  2. Force may be used without limit once a lawful arrest is announced
  3. Only force that is necessary and reasonable in the circumstances is permitted Correct answer.
  4. Force is permitted only where a superior officer gives prior written authorisation

Explanation

The criminal law permits an officer effecting a lawful arrest to use no more force than is necessary and reasonable in the circumstances. Proportionality is judged against the resistance encountered and the seriousness of the situation.

Question 4PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

A suspect is arrested without a warrant. Which provision governs the officer's duty to bring the arrested person before a Magistrate?

  1. The arrested person may be held for 48 hours before any court appearance
  2. The arrested person must be produced before a Magistrate within 24 hours, excluding the time necessary for the journey Correct answer.
  3. The arrested person need only be produced if he requests it
  4. The arrested person must be produced before a Magistrate within 7 days

Explanation

The Criminal Procedure Code requires that a person arrested without a warrant be brought before a Magistrate within twenty-four hours, excluding travel time. This safeguards against arbitrary detention and reflects the constitutional protection of personal liberty.

Question 5PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

An officer arrests a person on suspicion of a seizable offence. Under the Criminal Procedure Code, what may the officer do regarding a search of the arrested person?

  1. Conduct a search only after obtaining a warrant from a Magistrate
  2. Search the arrested person and seize any articles found that may be evidence or are reasonably suspected to be connected with the offence Correct answer.
  3. Search only the outer clothing and never the person's belongings
  4. Refuse to search until the suspect consents in writing

Explanation

Where a person is arrested on reasonable grounds in connection with a seizable offence, the officer may search the arrested person and take possession of articles that may afford evidence or are reasonably suspected of being connected with the offence. No separate warrant is required for a search incidental to arrest.

Question 6PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

Which of the following is the correct description of the police officer's power to enter premises without a warrant?

  1. Entry may be made where a person reasonably suspected of an offence is inside, or where a serious offence is being committed, in circumstances recognised by law Correct answer.
  2. Entry requires the consent of the occupier in every case
  3. Entry is permitted in any circumstance once the officer suspects an offence has been committed anywhere
  4. Entry is permitted only with a court order in all situations

Explanation

The law recognises specific situations in which an officer may enter premises without a warrant, such as to arrest a person reasonably suspected of an offence or to stop a serious offence in progress. The power is situational, not a general licence to enter on mere suspicion.

Question 7PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

What is the primary purpose of the first information report recorded at a police station?

  1. To act as a judgment of the suspect's guilt
  2. To serve as the formal charge against the accused
  3. To replace the need for any further investigation
  4. To record the substance of the information received about the commission of an offence and set the investigation process in motion Correct answer.

Explanation

The first information report records the information received about the alleged offence and triggers the investigative machinery. It is not a charge, a finding of guilt, or a substitute for investigation.

Question 8PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

An officer decides to release a person arrested for a minor offence on police bail. Which statement about police bail is correct?

  1. Police bail may be granted at the discretion of the officer in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code for offences that are bailable Correct answer.
  2. Police bail may be granted for any offence including non-bailable offences without restriction
  3. Police bail automatically cancels the investigation
  4. Police bail is available only after a Magistrate has approved it in writing

Explanation

The Criminal Procedure Code empowers an officer to grant bail in appropriate bailable cases, subject to conditions. The discretion is statutory and does not require prior judicial approval, though non-bailable offences are treated differently.

Question 9PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

A police officer is investigating a case and wishes to record a statement from a potential witness. Which principle governs the recording of witness statements?

  1. The statement must always be recorded in the presence of a Magistrate
  2. The statement should be recorded voluntarily and the witness must not be induced by threat, promise, or inducement Correct answer.
  3. The statement is inadmissible unless it is signed by the investigating officer only
  4. The witness may be compelled by threat of detention to give a statement

Explanation

Statements must be given voluntarily; a statement obtained by threat, promise, or inducement is tainted and risks exclusion. The recording process protects both the reliability of evidence and the rights of the witness.

Question 10PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

Which of the following best describes the role of the prosecution in a criminal trial under Malaysian criminal procedure?

  1. To prove the case against the accused beyond reasonable doubt Correct answer.
  2. To defend the accused against the charge
  3. To act as a neutral referee between the accused and the complainant
  4. To assist the court in deciding the sentence only

Explanation

The prosecution bears the burden of proving the charge against the accused beyond reasonable doubt. It must present evidence and persuade the court, not merely assist or arbitrate.

Question 11PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

An accused is charged with an offence and pleads guilty at the first mention. What must the court do before recording a conviction on the plea?

  1. Accept the plea immediately without further inquiry
  2. Satisfy itself that the accused understands the nature and consequences of the plea and that the plea is voluntary Correct answer.
  3. Refer the matter to the police for a fresh investigation
  4. Require the accused to repeat the plea three times

Explanation

Before accepting a guilty plea, the court must be satisfied that the accused understands the charge and the consequences of pleading guilty and that the plea is voluntary. This protects against uninformed or coerced pleas.

Question 12PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

Which statement correctly reflects the constitutional protection against retrospective criminal laws?

  1. No person shall be punished for an act that was not punishable by law at the time it was committed Correct answer.
  2. A person may be punished for an act that was not an offence at the time it was committed if the act is morally wrong
  3. Retrospective criminal laws are permitted if approved by the Attorney General
  4. Retrospective criminal laws are permitted for serious offences only

Explanation

The Federal Constitution guarantees that no person shall be punished for an act that was not punishable by law at the time it was done. This prohibits retrospective criminal liability and underpins legal certainty.

Question 13PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

Which of the following is a fundamental liberty expressly guaranteed by the Federal Constitution in relation to arrest and detention?

  1. The right to refuse to be arrested
  2. The right to be informed of the grounds of arrest Correct answer.
  3. The right to choose the investigating officer
  4. The right to be released without any conditions in every case

Explanation

A person arrested must be informed as soon as may be of the grounds of arrest. This is a constitutional safeguard that allows the arrested person to understand the reason for detention and to seek legal advice.

Question 14PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

A police officer receives a complaint of domestic violence. Which approach best reflects the applicable law and police duty?

  1. Refer the complainant to a civil court without recording anything
  2. Record the complaint and consider the applicable provisions of the Domestic Violence Act, including protection orders and arrest where the law permits Correct answer.
  3. Advise the complainant to return only if the violence recurs
  4. Treat the complaint as a purely private family matter and take no action

Explanation

The Domestic Violence Act creates specific police duties, including recording complaints and facilitating protection orders, with arrest powers where the law permits. Domestic violence is a criminal justice matter, not a purely private dispute.

Question 15PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

What is the principal function of the Criminal Investigation Department within the Royal Malaysia Police?

  1. Collection of customs duties
  2. Investigation of criminal offences and gathering of evidence for prosecution Correct answer.
  3. Traffic enforcement on federal roads
  4. Issuance of business licences

Explanation

The Criminal Investigation Department is responsible for investigating criminal offences, gathering evidence, and preparing cases for prosecution. Other functions such as traffic enforcement fall to different departments.

Question 16PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

During an investigation, an officer wishes to record a cautioned statement from a suspect. Which statement is correct regarding the caution?

  1. The caution is optional and may be omitted when the suspect is cooperative
  2. The caution is required only for witnesses, not suspects
  3. The caution may be administered after the statement is signed if the officer remembers to do so
  4. The caution must be administered before the statement is recorded so the suspect knows he is not obliged to answer Correct answer.

Explanation

The caution informs the suspect that he is not obliged to say anything and that anything said may be used in evidence. It must precede the recording so that any statement is made with knowledge of the right to silence.

Question 17PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

Which of the following best describes the doctrine of 'chain of evidence' in police investigations?

  1. The documented, unbroken sequence of custody and transfer of an exhibit from seizure to court Correct answer.
  2. The rule that only one officer may handle any exhibit
  3. The requirement that every exhibit be photographed before seizure
  4. The practice of returning exhibits to owners before trial

Explanation

The chain of evidence documents every person who handled an exhibit and every transfer of custody, so the court can be satisfied the item is the same one seized and has not been tampered with. Breaks in the chain can undermine the evidential value of the exhibit.

Question 18PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

An officer seizes a mobile phone during a search. What is the most appropriate immediate step to preserve its evidential value?

  1. Return the phone to the owner and ask him to bring it to court later
  2. Switch the phone on and browse messages to check relevance
  3. Delete irrelevant messages to save storage space
  4. Document the seizure, maintain a record of custody, and take steps to preserve the device and its data in accordance with procedure Correct answer.

Explanation

Proper documentation of seizure and custody preserves the integrity of digital evidence. Preserving the device and its data according to procedure prevents alteration and supports admissibility.

Question 19PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

Which statement about the power to stop and search a person in a public place is correct?

  1. Stop and search is permitted only with a warrant signed by a Magistrate
  2. An officer may stop and search any person at any time without any basis
  3. Stop and search may only be conducted by an officer of the rank of Inspector or above
  4. An officer may exercise stop and search powers where the law provides and there are reasonable grounds to suspect the person is carrying something unlawful or connected with an offence Correct answer.

Explanation

Stop and search powers are statutory and require the grounds the relevant law specifies, typically reasonable suspicion connected with an offence or unlawful article. The power is not general and does not require a warrant.

Question 20PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

A suspect is detained for investigation under a remand order. Which principle governs the application for remand?

  1. Remand is granted automatically upon arrest
  2. The investigating officer must apply to a Magistrate for a remand order, supported by grounds, and the detention is subject to periodic review Correct answer.
  3. The investigating officer may detain the suspect indefinitely without any court order
  4. Remand may be granted by the officer's commanding officer

Explanation

Remand for investigation requires an application to a Magistrate supported by reasons, and the order is time-limited and subject to further applications. This judicial oversight prevents arbitrary prolonged detention.

Question 21PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

Which of the following is the correct approach to the use of a police officer's discretion in enforcement?

  1. Discretion is prohibited entirely in police work
  2. Discretion may be exercised arbitrarily as long as the officer records a reason
  3. Discretion must be exercised lawfully, reasonably, and in good faith, and be consistent with policy and the public interest Correct answer.
  4. Discretion may be exercised only with the written approval of the complainant

Explanation

Police discretion is lawful only when exercised within statutory limits, reasonably, in good faith, and consistently with policy. Arbitrary or mala fide exercise of discretion is subject to challenge and discipline.

Question 22PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

What is the significance of the 'reasonable suspicion' standard in police powers of arrest and search?

  1. It allows action based on a hunch without any supporting facts
  2. It requires objective facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to suspect the relevant matter Correct answer.
  3. It requires a formal complaint from a member of the public
  4. It requires proof beyond reasonable doubt before any action

Explanation

Reasonable suspicion is an objective standard: it must be grounded in facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to suspect the matter in question. A mere hunch or unparticularised feeling is insufficient.

Question 23PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

Which of the following best describes the offence of corrupt practice under Malaysian anti-corruption law as it applies to a police officer?

  1. Soliciting or accepting a gratification as an inducement or reward for doing or not doing an official act is an offence Correct answer.
  2. Only the giver of a gratification commits an offence
  3. Accepting a gift is always lawful if the giver is a friend
  4. Corruption is a disciplinary matter only and never a criminal offence

Explanation

Malaysian anti-corruption law criminalises soliciting or accepting gratification as an inducement or reward for official action or inaction. Both the giver and the receiver can be liable, and the matter is criminal as well as disciplinary.

Question 24PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

An officer is asked to give evidence in court about a confession allegedly made by the accused. Which principle is most relevant to the admissibility of that evidence?

  1. Any confession is admissible regardless of how it was obtained
  2. A confession is admissible only if it was made voluntarily and is not excluded by law Correct answer.
  3. A confession recorded by a senior officer is automatically admissible
  4. A confession is admissible only if the accused repeats it in court

Explanation

Confessions are admissible only where they are voluntary; a confession obtained by threat, inducement, or oppression is liable to be excluded. The rank of the recording officer does not cure involuntariness.

Question 25PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

Which of the following is a key duty of a police officer when a person in custody requests to see a lawyer?

  1. Refuse the request until the investigation is complete
  2. Allow the request only if the lawyer pays a fee to the police station
  3. Allow the request only after the person has given a full statement
  4. Allow the person to consult a lawyer within a reasonable time, subject to lawful restrictions Correct answer.

Explanation

A person in custody has the right to consult a lawyer within a reasonable time, subject to lawful restrictions that may be imposed in defined circumstances. Refusing access until investigation is complete would generally be unlawful.

Question 26PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

Under the Royal Malaysia Police disciplinary framework, which body is ordinarily the authority that hears a disciplinary charge brought against a police officer of the rank of Inspector and below in the first instance?

  1. The Sessions Court exercising criminal jurisdiction
  2. The Public Services Commission through its disciplinary wing
  3. The Police Force Commission sitting in plenary session
  4. The Disciplinary Board established for the officer's contingent or formation Correct answer.

Explanation

Discipline within the Royal Malaysia Police is handled through an internal disciplinary mechanism, and a subordinate officer or member of the rank and file is first dealt with by the disciplinary authority constituted for the contingent or formation. The Police Force Commission is concerned with appointments, promotions and confirmations rather than routine first-instance discipline. Court proceedings are separate from internal discipline.

Question 27PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

A police officer wishes to conduct a search of a private residence without a warrant. Which justification is recognised in Malaysian criminal procedure?

  1. The officer has a general power to search any premises within his station's jurisdiction at any time
  2. The officer's commanding officer has issued a verbal instruction to search
  3. The officer has reasonable grounds to believe the premises contain evidence of an arrestable offence and obtaining a warrant would defeat the object of the search Correct answer.
  4. A neighbour has verbally consented to the search on the occupier's behalf

Explanation

Warrantless entry and search of premises is exceptional and must rest on statutory authority coupled with reasonable grounds connected to an arrestable offence, where delay would frustrate the purpose. A general roving power to search any premises does not exist. Consent must come from a person with authority over the premises, and verbal instructions from a superior cannot create a power the law does not confer.

Question 28PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

Which statement best describes the rank structure relationship between the post of Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police within the Royal Malaysia Police?

  1. The Inspector General of Police is an honorary title held by the Minister of Home Affairs
  2. Both ranks are equivalent and are distinguished only by the state in which they serve
  3. The Inspector General of Police heads the force and Commissioners of Police may head a state contingent or a major department under him Correct answer.
  4. The Commissioner of Police outranks the Inspector General of Police in operational matters

Explanation

The Inspector General of Police is the highest ranking officer and commands the force as a whole. Commissioners of Police hold senior command positions, typically heading a state police contingent or a major department, and answer to the Inspector General. The two ranks are not equivalent.

Question 29PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

A police officer is served with a summons to attend court as a witness but fails to appear without lawful excuse. What is the most accurate statement of the consequence?

  1. The officer may be dealt with for contempt of court and is also exposed to internal disciplinary action for failing in a duty Correct answer.
  2. No consequence arises because police witnesses attend voluntarily
  3. Only the prosecution may take action, by withdrawing the charge
  4. The officer is automatically dismissed from the force upon non-attendance

Explanation

Attendance pursuant to a summons is a legal obligation, and unexplained absence can attract the court's contempt power as well as disciplinary consequences within the force. Attendance is not merely voluntary. Withdrawal of a charge is a prosecutorial decision unrelated to the witness's default, and dismissal is never automatic.

Question 30PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

Which of the following best captures the meaning of 'integrity' as a professional value expected of a Royal Malaysia Police officer?

  1. Consistently acting honestly and refusing improper advantage even when no one is watching Correct answer.
  2. Deferring every ethical judgement to a senior officer
  3. Maximising the number of arrests recorded each month
  4. Obeying only written orders and disregarding unwritten practice

Explanation

Integrity refers to personal honesty and incorruptibility, including the refusal of bribes and gifts and adherence to lawful conduct without supervision. It is not measured by arrest statistics. Deferring all ethical judgement upward does not discharge the officer's own responsibility.

Question 31PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

An investigating officer needs to obtain a specimen of the suspect's handwriting for comparison. Which approach is consistent with lawful investigative practice?

  1. Forcibly take the specimen without consent and without any authority
  2. Abandon the comparison and rely on the officer's opinion of the handwriting
  3. Request the specimen with the suspect's consent, or obtain it under statutory or court authority where consent is refused Correct answer.
  4. Ask a fellow detainee to forge a sample on the suspect's behalf

Explanation

Taking a specimen from a suspect ordinarily requires consent or a lawful basis such as statutory power or a court order. Coercion without authority is unlawful and may render the evidence inadmissible. Substituting a forged sample would be fabrication of evidence, and lay opinion on handwriting carries little weight against expert comparison.

Question 32PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

Which statement correctly describes the rank of Sergeant Major relative to the rank of Sergeant in the Royal Malaysia Police?

  1. Sergeant Major and Sergeant are identical ranks with different titles
  2. Sergeant Major is junior to Sergeant and supervises only recruits
  3. Sergeant Major is a senior non-commissioned rank above Sergeant and typically assists in the administration of a station or unit Correct answer.
  4. Sergeant Major is a commissioned officer rank equivalent to Assistant Superintendent

Explanation

Within the non-commissioned hierarchy, Sergeant Major sits above Sergeant and carries administrative and supervisory responsibilities at station or unit level. It is not a commissioned rank and is not equivalent to Assistant Superintendent. The two ranks are distinct, with Sergeant Major the senior of the two.

Question 33PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

A police report is lodged alleging that an officer used excessive force during an arrest. Which principle should guide the handling of the complaint?

  1. The complaint should be dismissed because an arrest was in progress
  2. The allegation must be investigated impartially, with the officer subject to the same standards of accountability as any other person Correct answer.
  3. The complainant should be advised to pursue a private civil suit instead of any police inquiry
  4. The officer's commanding officer should decide the outcome alone without any record

Explanation

Allegations of excessive force engage the principle of accountability and must be investigated fairly, with the officer held to the same legal standards as anyone else. The existence of an arrest does not license unreasonable force. Internal determination without a proper record undermines transparency, and a civil remedy does not displace the police's duty to investigate misconduct.

Question 34PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

Which of the following is the principal responsibility of a police officer regarding the safeguarding of a scene where a sudden death has occurred?

  1. Preserve the scene, restrict access and record the condition of the scene before items are moved Correct answer.
  2. Allow family members to enter freely to identify belongings
  3. Immediately remove the body and clean the area to avoid public alarm
  4. Wait for the media to arrive before taking any notes

Explanation

Scene preservation is a core duty: access is restricted, the original condition is recorded, and nothing is moved until the appropriate investigation steps are taken. Removing the body prematurely destroys positional evidence. Allowing uncontrolled entry contaminates the scene, and delaying documentation for media convenience is improper.

Question 35PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

An officer is offered a gift by a member of the public as thanks for handling a case. Which response best reflects the applicable standards?

  1. Accept the gift because it was offered voluntarily after the case closed
  2. Accept only if the value is small and no receipt is requested
  3. Accept the gift but share it with colleagues to avoid suspicion
  4. Decline the gift and report the offer in accordance with the force's gift and anti-corruption rules Correct answer.

Explanation

Public officers are expected to decline gifts connected to their duties and to declare or report offers under the applicable gift and anti-corruption rules. The voluntary nature of the gift and the closure of the case do not remove the risk of a conflict of interest or the appearance of inducement. Sharing the gift does not cure the breach.

Question 36PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

Which statement best explains the function of the 'first information' recorded when a member of the public reports an offence at a police station?

  1. It is a formal charge that replaces the need for prosecution
  2. It is a confidential internal memo that cannot be referred to later
  3. It sets the investigation in motion and fixes the earliest account given, which may later be used to test consistency Correct answer.
  4. It is a statement recorded from the suspect under caution

Explanation

The first information initiates the investigative process and preserves the earliest version of the complainant's account, which can later be compared with testimony. It is not a charge, and it is not a suspect's cautioned statement. Its evidential value lies in its role as an early record, not in confidentiality.

Question 37PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

A detainee in a lock-up is found to be in possession of a prohibited item. Which course of action is most consistent with proper custodial management?

  1. Hand the item to another detainee for safekeeping
  2. Dispose of the item quietly to avoid paperwork
  3. Return the item to the detainee after a verbal warning
  4. Seize and record the item, report the matter to the officer in charge, and consider further lawful action Correct answer.

Explanation

Items found in custody must be seized, documented and reported so that any further lawful action, whether disciplinary or criminal, can be considered. Returning the item undermines security and discipline. Quiet disposal conceals a breach, and entrusting the item to another detainee creates further risk.

Question 38PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the Criminal Procedure Code and the Police Act in governing police powers?

  1. The Criminal Procedure Code applies only to federal offences, while the Police Act applies to state offences
  2. Both statutes are purely administrative and confer no powers of arrest
  3. The Police Act overrides the Criminal Procedure Code in every situation
  4. The Police Act establishes the force and its general duties, while the Criminal Procedure Code supplies many of the specific powers and procedures for investigation and arrest Correct answer.

Explanation

The Police Act creates and regulates the force and its general obligations, whereas the Criminal Procedure Code provides much of the procedural machinery for arrest, search, investigation and prosecution. Neither statute simply overrides the other; they operate together. Both confer real powers rather than being merely administrative.

Question 39PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

An officer is preparing to interview a child witness in a sensitive case. Which approach best reflects good practice?

  1. Use a suitably trained interviewer, a supportive setting and questions adapted to the child's age and understanding Correct answer.
  2. Interview the child in the presence of the alleged offender to test the account
  3. Conduct the interview in the same manner as with an adult suspect
  4. Require the child to sign a cautioned statement before speaking

Explanation

Child witnesses require a trained interviewer, an appropriate environment and age-appropriate questioning to obtain reliable accounts without causing unnecessary distress. Treating a child like an adult suspect is inappropriate. Requiring a cautioned statement from a child is wrong, and confronting the child with the alleged offender is harmful and improper.

Question 40PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

Which of the following statements about the taking of fingerprints of an arrested person is most accurate?

  1. Fingerprints taken on arrest must be destroyed immediately after the person is released on bail
  2. Fingerprints may be taken only with the arrested person's written consent in every case
  3. Fingerprints may never be taken without a court order
  4. Fingerprints may be taken under statutory authority for identification and investigation, with records kept and used in accordance with the law Correct answer.

Explanation

Statute authorises the taking of fingerprints from arrested persons for identification and investigative purposes, subject to rules on record-keeping and use. Consent is not the sole basis, and a court order is not required in every case. Destruction is not automatic on release on bail; retention is governed by the applicable provisions.

Question 41PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

An officer observes a person behaving suspiciously near a parked car at night. Which standard must be satisfied before the officer may lawfully arrest the person without a warrant?

  1. The person's refusal to answer questions about his identity
  2. A mere hunch formed without any observable facts
  3. The officer's personal dislike of the person's appearance
  4. A reasonable suspicion, based on objective facts, that the person has committed or is about to commit an arrestable offence Correct answer.

Explanation

Warrantless arrest requires reasonable suspicion grounded in objective circumstances linking the person to an arrestable offence. A bare hunch, dislike of appearance, or silence alone does not meet the standard. Refusal to answer questions may be relevant context but is not by itself sufficient grounds for arrest.

Question 42PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

Which statement best describes the duty of a police officer who receives information suggesting that a person in custody requires urgent medical attention?

  1. Wait for a written request from the detainee's family before acting
  2. Rely on the detainee to arrange his own treatment from inside the cell
  3. Ensure prompt access to medical assessment and treatment and record the steps taken Correct answer.
  4. Delay medical attention until the next scheduled lock-up inspection

Explanation

The force owes a duty of care to persons in custody, and credible information indicating urgent medical need requires prompt assessment and treatment, with the steps documented. Deferring to a routine inspection schedule may cause harm. A detainee cannot arrange his own treatment, and waiting for a family request is inconsistent with the duty of care.

Question 43PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

Which of the following best describes the role of the officer in charge of a police station in relation to reports received from the public?

  1. To act as prosecutor in any subsequent trial
  2. To decide personally whether an offence has been proved beyond reasonable doubt
  3. To ensure reports are properly recorded, classified and routed to the appropriate investigating unit without undue delay Correct answer.
  4. To suppress reports that may embarrass the station

Explanation

The officer in charge is responsible for the proper recording, classification and timely routing of reports to the correct investigating unit. Determining guilt beyond reasonable doubt is for the court, not the station officer. Suppressing reports is misconduct, and prosecution is the function of the public prosecutor.

Question 44PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

An officer is asked to give evidence about a conversation he overheard between two suspects. Which consideration is most important in assessing the weight of his testimony?

  1. Whether he has previously testified in similar cases
  2. The opportunity he had to hear, the conditions at the time and the accuracy of his recollection Correct answer.
  3. The rank of the officer giving the evidence
  4. The length of his service in the force

Explanation

The weight of testimony about an overheard conversation turns on the witness's opportunity to hear, the surrounding conditions and the reliability of his recollection. Rank, length of service and prior testimony experience do not make an account more or less accurate.

Question 45PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

Which of the following statements about the use of force by police in effecting an arrest is correct?

  1. Force is prohibited in all circumstances when effecting an arrest
  2. Only such force as is reasonably necessary in the circumstances may be used Correct answer.
  3. Any degree of force is permitted once an arrest is lawful
  4. Force may be used only after a warning has been given in every case

Explanation

The law permits only force that is reasonably necessary in the circumstances, judged by the threat and resistance encountered. A lawful arrest does not license unlimited force. A warning is good practice where feasible but is not a universal precondition, and force is not absolutely prohibited.

Question 46PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

An officer discovers that a colleague has falsified an entry in an official police record. Which response best reflects the officer's professional obligations?

  1. Ignore the matter because it concerns a colleague's work
  2. Alter the record himself to conceal the discrepancy
  3. Report the matter through the proper channel and ensure the accurate facts are recorded Correct answer.
  4. Discuss it with the public before notifying any supervisor

Explanation

Falsification of official records is a serious breach, and an officer who becomes aware of it must report it through the proper channel and ensure the record reflects the truth. Concealing or altering the record compounds the misconduct. Ignoring it makes the officer complicit, and public disclosure before internal notification is improper.

Question 47PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

Which statement best describes the purpose of a police roadblock established under lawful authority?

  1. To detect and deter offences and to check compliance with the law, conducted in a manner that is lawful, targeted and non-discriminatory Correct answer.
  2. To stop only vehicles of a particular racial group
  3. To search every vehicle in detail without any legal basis
  4. To collect informal payments from motorists

Explanation

Roadblocks are lawful when established under proper authority and used to detect offences, deter offending and check compliance, applied in a targeted and non-discriminatory manner. Blanket detailed searches without legal basis are unlawful. Collecting payments is corruption, and selecting motorists by race is discriminatory and unlawful.

Question 48PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

Which of the following best explains why an officer must keep a contemporaneous notebook of investigative actions?

  1. It provides an accurate and timely record that supports reliability and can be used to refresh memory in court Correct answer.
  2. It replaces the need for any formal report to a supervisor
  3. It is a private diary that cannot be disclosed in any proceeding
  4. It is required only when the case attracts media attention

Explanation

A contemporaneous notebook creates a reliable record of investigative steps, supports the officer's credibility and may be used to refresh memory when testifying. It does not substitute for formal reporting. It is an official record subject to disclosure rules, and the duty to keep it does not depend on media interest.

Question 49PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

An officer wishes to conduct an identification parade. Which practice best safeguards the reliability of the identification?

  1. Present the suspect among persons of broadly similar appearance and conduct the parade under fair and controlled conditions Correct answer.
  2. Tell the witness which person in the line is the suspect
  3. Show the witness a single photograph of the suspect before the parade
  4. Allow the witness to discuss the suspect's appearance with other witnesses beforehand

Explanation

A fair identification parade places the suspect among persons of similar appearance and is conducted under controlled conditions that avoid suggestion. Showing a single photograph beforehand, allowing witnesses to confer, or revealing the suspect's position all contaminate the identification.

Question 50PDRM examination syllabus (domains not enumerated in source)

Which of the following best describes the obligation of a police officer who receives information that a person is being held against his will at a particular location?

  1. Wait for a written complaint from the victim's family before taking any action
  2. Act promptly to verify the information and take lawful steps to secure the person's safety Correct answer.
  3. Refer the matter to the media for investigation
  4. Take no action unless the informant gives evidence in open court first

Explanation

Credible information suggesting a person is being unlawfully detained requires prompt verification and lawful action to protect the person. Waiting for a written family complaint or for the informant to testify first may expose the person to serious harm. Referring the matter to the media is not a substitute for police action.