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NYPD Police Communications Technician study materials
NYPD Police Communications Technician study resources

NYPD Police Communications Technician practice questions

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Question 1Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

A Police Communications Technician is logging a 911 call. The caller says: 'There is a man on the corner of Fifth and Main waving a gun, he looks upset, please hurry.' Which detail is the most critical to relay first to responding units?

  1. The observation that the man looks upset
  2. The request to hurry
  3. The location at Fifth and Main with a man waving a gun Correct answer.
  4. The caller's emotional description of the man

Explanation

In dispatching, the highest-priority elements are the nature of the incident and the exact location, because officers cannot respond without them. Emotional descriptors and urgency phrases are secondary to the actionable facts of weapon and place.

Question 2Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Read this radio transmission: 'Unit 42 to Central, we are 10-8 at the corner of Oak and Third, requesting a backup unit for a possible 10-52.' Based on standard signal codes, what is Unit 42 reporting?

  1. They are out of service and need a tow
  2. They are available for assignment and need an ambulance Correct answer.
  3. They are en route to a robbery and need a supervisor
  4. They are off duty and requesting overtime

Explanation

In the NYPD signal system, 10-8 means 'in service/available' and 10-52 indicates a request for an ambulance. Reading the transmission as a whole shows the unit is available and needs medical support.

Question 3Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Which sentence best demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement in a communications log entry?

  1. The team of dispatcher was handling the surge in calls.
  2. The team of dispatchers were handling the surge in call.
  3. The team of dispatchers were handling the surge in calls.
  4. The team of dispatchers was handling the surge in calls. Correct answer.

Explanation

The subject is 'team,' a collective noun that is singular, so it takes the singular verb 'was.' The prepositional phrase 'of dispatchers' does not change the number of the subject.

Question 4Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

A supervisor's memo states: 'Effective immediately, all PCTs must confirm the callback number on every 911 call before ending the call.' A technician who confirms the address but not the callback number has done what?

  1. Partially complied but missed a required step Correct answer.
  2. Followed an outdated procedure
  3. Complied fully with the memo
  4. Violated a law rather than a policy

Explanation

The memo requires confirmation of the callback number specifically, so confirming only the address leaves a required step undone. This is partial compliance with a policy directive rather than full compliance.

Question 5Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Choose the version that uses the correct word for a formal incident report.

  1. The officer was dispatched to the scene and affected an arrest.
  2. The officer was dispatched to the scene and affected an rest.
  3. The officer was dispatched to the scene and effected an arrest. Correct answer.
  4. The officer was dispatched to the scene and infected an arrest.

Explanation

'Effected' means brought about or carried out, which is correct for performing an arrest. 'Affected' means influenced, so it is the wrong word for this meaning.

Question 6Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

A caller reports: 'I saw a dark blue sedan speed away from the bank on Elm Street about ten minutes ago. The driver was wearing a red cap.' Which element is an inference rather than a direct observation?

  1. The sedan sped away
  2. The driver wore a red cap
  3. The driver was involved in a crime Correct answer.
  4. The sedan was dark blue

Explanation

The caller directly observed the color, the speed, and the cap, but never stated the driver committed a crime. Linking the departing car to a crime is an inference the technician must not record as fact.

Question 7Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Which punctuation correctly joins two independent clauses in a dispatch narrative?

  1. The suspect fled on foot, officers pursued him through the alley.
  2. The suspect fled on foot officers pursued him through the alley.
  3. The suspect fled on foot, and officers pursued him, through the alley.
  4. The suspect fled on foot; officers pursued him through the alley. Correct answer.

Explanation

A semicolon correctly separates two independent clauses that are closely related without a conjunction. A comma alone creates a comma splice, and omitting punctuation creates a run-on.

Question 8Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

A 911 caller speaks rapidly in Spanish and the technician does not speak Spanish. According to standard practice, what should the technician do?

  1. Transfer the call to a supervisor's voicemail
  2. Use a language line or interpreter service while keeping the caller on the line Correct answer.
  3. End the call and wait for the caller to call back
  4. Guess the nature of the emergency and dispatch units

Explanation

Standard practice is to keep the caller on the line and use an interpreter or language line to gather critical information. Ending or guessing risks losing life-safety details.

Question 9Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Read the sentence: 'Neither the sergeant nor the officers was aware of the change in procedure.' Which correction is needed?

  1. Change 'nor' to 'or'
  2. Change 'Neither' to 'Either'
  3. No correction is needed
  4. Change 'was' to 'were' Correct answer.

Explanation

With 'neither...nor,' the verb agrees with the nearer subject, which is 'officers' (plural), so the verb should be 'were.' The conjunction pair is already correctly formed.

Question 10Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

A technician must summarize a 20-minute call into a short log entry. Which summary best preserves the essential facts?

  1. Caller reported a lot of noise and was very upset about the situation on their street.
  2. Caller reported hearing three gunshots near 14 Maple Ave at 9:15 p.m.; no injuries observed. Correct answer.
  3. Caller was concerned and asked for help with a problem in the neighborhood.
  4. Caller called about something happening near a house and wanted police to check it out.

Explanation

A good summary preserves the who, what, when, and where with specific detail. Only the option with time, location, and nature of incident gives units actionable information.

Question 11Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Which sentence correctly uses a colon in an incident narrative?

  1. The following items were recovered; a knife, a wallet, and a phone.
  2. The following items: were recovered a knife, a wallet, and a phone.
  3. The following items were recovered, a knife, a wallet, and a phone.
  4. The following items were recovered: a knife, a wallet, and a phone. Correct answer.

Explanation

A colon introduces a list after a complete independent clause. The clause 'The following items were recovered' is complete, so the colon is correct.

Question 12Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

A caller states: 'The man broke the window and ran toward the park.' Which question would most improve the report's operational value?

  1. How do you feel about what happened?
  2. Do you know anyone who lives near the park?
  3. Can you describe the man's clothing and direction of travel? Correct answer.
  4. Why do you think he broke the window?

Explanation

Descriptive information and direction of travel help officers locate the suspect. Questions about feelings or speculation do not add actionable detail.

Question 13Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Which revision makes this sentence most concise without losing meaning? 'At this point in time, the officers are in the process of conducting a search of the building.'

  1. The officers are in the process of searching the building.
  2. Officers are currently conducting a search.
  3. Officers are searching the building. Correct answer.
  4. At this time, officers are searching the building.

Explanation

Concise writing removes empty phrases like 'at this point in time' and 'in the process of.' The simplest version preserves the full meaning with the fewest words.

Question 14Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

A witness tells the technician: 'I think the car had a license plate ending in 7, but I'm not sure.' How should this be recorded?

  1. The plate ended in 7.
  2. The witness stated the plate may have ended in 7 but was uncertain. Correct answer.
  3. The plate number is unknown.
  4. The witness was confused and unreliable.

Explanation

Reports should accurately capture the witness's level of certainty rather than upgrading an uncertain statement to fact. Recording the uncertainty preserves accuracy for investigators.

Question 15Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Identify the sentence with correct pronoun-antecedent agreement.

  1. Each dispatcher must log its calls before the shift ends.
  2. Each dispatcher must log their call before the shift ends.
  3. Each dispatcher must log their calls before the shift ends.
  4. Each dispatcher must log his or her calls before the shift ends. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Each' is singular, so the pronoun must be singular; 'his or her' agrees with the singular antecedent. The plural 'their' does not agree in formal written usage, and 'its' is inappropriate for people.

Question 16Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

A memo says: 'Personnel assigned to the night tour shall report fifteen minutes prior to roll call.' A technician assigned to the night tour arrives exactly at roll call. What is the result?

  1. The technician did not comply because they arrived after the required report time Correct answer.
  2. The technician did not comply because they arrived too early
  3. The technician complied because they attended roll call
  4. The technician complied because the memo applies only to day tours

Explanation

The memo requires arrival fifteen minutes before roll call, so arriving exactly at roll call does not meet the requirement. Compliance depends on the stated time, not mere attendance.

Question 17Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Which sentence correctly distinguishes 'then' from 'than' in a narrative?

  1. The suspect ran faster than the officer and then turned left. Correct answer.
  2. The suspect ran faster then the officer and than turned left.
  3. The suspect ran faster than the officer and than turned left.
  4. The suspect ran faster then the officer and then turned left.

Explanation

'Than' is used for comparison, while 'then' refers to time or sequence. The correct sentence uses 'than' for the comparison and 'then' for the sequence of turning.

Question 18Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

A caller says: 'There's a fire in the apartment above mine and smoke is coming under my door.' Which action best reflects proper triage?

  1. Keep the caller on the line to gather more details before dispatching
  2. Ask the caller to investigate the source of the smoke first
  3. Advise the caller to evacuate and dispatch fire units immediately Correct answer.
  4. Transfer the caller to a non-emergency line

Explanation

An active fire with smoke entering an occupied unit is an immediate life-safety emergency requiring dispatch and evacuation guidance. Delaying to gather details or investigate increases danger.

Question 19Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Which sentence best avoids ambiguous pronoun reference?

  1. The officer told the dispatcher that the officer would call back. Correct answer.
  2. The officer told the dispatcher that he would call back.
  3. The officer told the dispatcher that it would call back.
  4. The officer told the dispatcher that they would call back.

Explanation

Repeating 'the officer' clarifies who will call back, eliminating the ambiguity of 'he' or 'they.' Clear pronoun reference is essential in official records.

Question 20Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Read: 'The complainant alleged that the neighbor's dog barked continuously for three hours.' Which word signals that the statement is an unverified claim?

  1. Continuously
  2. Neighbor's
  3. Alleged Correct answer.
  4. Barked

Explanation

'Alleged' signals that the statement is a claim not yet verified. Using such language protects the accuracy and neutrality of the report.

Question 21Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

A technician receives a call about a stolen bicycle and a simultaneous call about a cardiac arrest. Which call should be handled first?

  1. The stolen bicycle because property crimes require documentation
  2. The cardiac arrest because it is a life-threatening emergency Correct answer.
  3. Both should be handled at the same time regardless of priority
  4. The stolen bicycle because it came in first

Explanation

Triage prioritizes life-threatening emergencies over property crimes regardless of call order. A cardiac arrest requires immediate dispatch and medical guidance.

Question 22Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Which sentence uses the apostrophe correctly in a communications context?

  1. The dispatchers log was reviewed by the supervisors'.
  2. The dispatchers' log was reviewed by the supervisor.
  3. The dispatcher's log was reviewed by the supervisors. Correct answer.
  4. The dispatchers's log was reviewed by the supervisor.

Explanation

'Dispatcher's' shows that one dispatcher owns the log, and 'supervisors' is a simple plural with no possessive needed. The other options misuse apostrophes.

Question 23Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

A caller reports a '10-13' over the phone. What does this signal most likely indicate in NYPD usage?

  1. Assist the officer Correct answer.
  2. Officer in trouble
  3. Weather conditions
  4. Officer needs assistance

Explanation

In the NYPD signal system, 10-13 means 'assist the officer,' indicating a request for backup. Confusing it with similar codes can delay critical support.

Question 24Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Which sentence best demonstrates an objective tone in an incident report?

  1. The suspect raised his voice and stepped toward the officer. Correct answer.
  2. The suspect was obviously trying to intimidate the officer.
  3. The suspect was clearly a dangerous individual who acted aggressively.
  4. The suspect seemed like the type to cause trouble.

Explanation

Objective reports describe observable actions rather than conclusions about character or intent. Describing specific behavior keeps the record factual and defensible.

Question 25Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

A technician must write a brief note explaining why a call was escalated. Which note best communicates the reason?

  1. Escalated the call as per usual procedure.
  2. Escalated the call for various reasons.
  3. Escalated the call because the caller reported an active hostage situation at 22 Pine St. Correct answer.
  4. Escalated the call because it seemed important.

Explanation

A useful escalation note states the specific factual reason and location so the receiving unit understands the urgency. Vague phrases do not convey why escalation was needed.

Question 26Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

A Police Communications Technician must record a caller's statement in a Computer Aided Dispatch entry. Which sentence reports the caller's words most objectively?

  1. The caller was clearly terrified by the man in the red jacket at 45 Oak Avenue.
  2. Some guy in a red jacket was acting crazy and pounding on a door on Oak Avenue.
  3. The caller stated that a man in a red jacket was banging on the door of 45 Oak Avenue. Correct answer.
  4. The caller claimed a maniac in a red jacket was about to break into 45 Oak Avenue.

Explanation

An objective CAD entry reports what the caller said without adding the technician's interpretation or emotional labels. Attributing the content to the caller ("stated that") keeps the entry factual and defensible if it is later reviewed. Words such as "terrified," "crazy," and "maniac" introduce judgment that the technician cannot verify.

Question 27Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

A technician's log entry reads: "Caller reported smoke in the hallway, however the fire alarm had not sounded." Which revision best corrects the punctuation of this compound sentence?

  1. Caller reported smoke in the hallway, however the fire alarm had not sounded.
  2. Caller reported smoke in the hallway: however the fire alarm had not sounded.
  3. Caller reported smoke in the hallway however, the fire alarm had not sounded.
  4. Caller reported smoke in the hallway; however, the fire alarm had not sounded. Correct answer.

Explanation

"However" is a conjunctive adverb, so it cannot join two independent clauses with only a comma. The standard fix is a semicolon before the adverb and a comma after it. A colon would be wrong here because the second clause does not explain or introduce the first.

Question 28Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

A caller says: "The car was blue... no, wait, it was green, a dark green, I think." How should the technician record this in the narrative portion of the complaint?

  1. The caller could not describe the vehicle's color.
  2. The caller first described the vehicle as blue, then corrected the description to dark green. Correct answer.
  3. The vehicle was dark green.
  4. The vehicle was blue or green.

Explanation

When a caller self-corrects, the record should preserve both the initial statement and the correction so investigators know how the description developed. Flattening the sequence to a single color hides the uncertainty and the revision. Recording only the final color or claiming the caller gave no description misstates what was said.

Question 29Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

A technician is drafting a note about a call that was referred to a specialized unit. Which sentence uses the colon correctly?

  1. The call was escalated and: the caller reported a possible hostage situation.
  2. The call was escalated: because the caller reported a possible hostage situation.
  3. The call was escalated for one reason: the caller reported a possible hostage situation. Correct answer.
  4. The call was escalated to: the specialized unit handling hostage situations.

Explanation

A colon may follow a complete independent clause to introduce the explanation or specification that follows. In this option the clause before the colon is grammatically complete and the colon sets up the reason. Colons should not separate a verb or preposition from its object, nor follow a conjunction.

Question 30Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

A supervisor's memo reads: "Technicians shall annotate every transferred call with the receiving unit and the time of transfer." A technician transfers a call without recording the receiving unit. How does this action relate to the memo?

  1. The action does not comply because only supervisors annotate transfers.
  2. The action complies because the time of transfer was recorded.
  3. The action does not comply because both required elements were not recorded. Correct answer.
  4. The action complies because transferred calls are exempt from annotation.

Explanation

The memo requires two elements for every transferred call: the receiving unit and the time of transfer. Recording only one element leaves the requirement partially unmet, so the action does not comply. Nothing in the memo exempts transferred calls or limits annotation to supervisors.

Question 31Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Which sentence in a complaint report uses pronouns so that each pronoun clearly refers to one person or thing?

  1. The caller told the technician that they had seen the driver, and they were upset.
  2. The caller told the technician that the caller had seen the driver, and the caller was upset. Correct answer.
  3. The caller told the technician that she had seen the driver, and she was upset.
  4. The caller told the technician that he had seen the driver, and it was upset.

Explanation

Repeating the noun "the caller" removes any doubt about who saw the driver and who was upset. In the other options the pronouns could refer to either the caller or the technician, or they are grammatically mismatched. Clear reports avoid pronouns whose antecedent is uncertain.

Question 32Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

A caller reports: "A man just grabbed a woman's bag near the subway entrance and ran north on the avenue." Which follow-up question would add the most operationally useful detail to the broadcast?

  1. Why do you think the man took the bag?
  2. How often do you use that subway entrance?
  3. Can you describe the man's clothing and the direction he ran? Correct answer.
  4. What is your full name and date of birth?

Explanation

Responding units need a physical description and a direction of travel to locate a suspect, and the caller has already supplied the direction, so confirming and expanding it is valuable. Questions about motive or the caller's habits do not help officers find the person. Identifying information can be gathered after the broadcast details are captured.

Question 33Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Which sentence best replaces "Due to the fact that the units were at the location, they were able to observe the subject" while keeping the meaning?

  1. The units were at the location, and they were able to observe the subject.
  2. Because the units were at the location, they were able to observe the subject. Correct answer.
  3. In view of the fact that the units were at the location, they were able to observe the subject.
  4. The units, being at the location, were able to observe the subject.

Explanation

"Due to the fact that" is a wordy substitute for "because," and replacing it shortens the sentence without changing the causal meaning. The other options either use another wordy phrase or drop the causal link entirely. Concise writing matters in time-pressured dispatch records.

Question 34Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

In a narrative the technician writes: "The complainant stated that the neighbor's dog barked continuously for three hours." Which word signals that the statement is the complainant's allegation rather than an established fact?

  1. neighbor's
  2. stated Correct answer.
  3. continuously
  4. barked

Explanation

The verb "stated" attributes the content to the complainant, marking it as that person's account rather than a verified fact. "Continuously" describes duration, "barked" is the reported action, and "neighbor's" shows possession. Attribution verbs are how reports separate observation from allegation.

Question 35Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

A caller says: "I think the van had a plate ending in 4, but I only saw it for a second." Which wording best preserves this in the report?

  1. The van's plate ended in 4.
  2. The caller could not provide any plate information.
  3. The caller believed the plate may have ended in 4 but was uncertain. Correct answer.
  4. The van's plate ended in 4, according to the caller.

Explanation

The caller expressed both a tentative detail and a reason for doubt, and the report should carry that uncertainty forward. Stating the plate as fact overstates the evidence, while saying no information was given understates it. Hedged wording protects the accuracy of the report.

Question 36Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

A technician receives two simultaneous calls: one reports a stolen bicycle from a locked rack, and one reports a person who is not breathing. Which handling best reflects standard prioritization?

  1. Handle the bicycle call first because it arrived first.
  2. Handle the bicycle call first because property crimes require faster documentation.
  3. Alternate between the two calls until both are complete.
  4. Handle the medical emergency first because it poses an immediate threat to life. Correct answer.

Explanation

Calls are prioritized by threat to life and safety, and a person not breathing is a life-threatening emergency that outranks a property crime. Arrival order does not override that priority. Alternating between calls delays the emergency response and risks losing critical information.

Question 37Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Which sentence uses the apostrophe correctly for a communications unit?

  1. The dispatchers's console was replaced after the power surge.
  2. The dispatchers console was replaced after the power surge.
  3. The dispatchers' console was replaced after the power surge. Correct answer.
  4. The dispatcher's console was replaced after the power surge, and the dispatcher's were pleased.

Explanation

The apostrophe after the plural "dispatchers" shows that the console belongs to more than one dispatcher. Omitting the apostrophe leaves possession unmarked, and adding "'s" to a plural ending in s is incorrect. The other option misuses the possessive form as a plural noun.

Question 38Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

A technician must write a short note explaining why a call was escalated to a supervisor. Which note best communicates the reason?

  1. Escalated because the caller reported that a family member threatened self-harm and the caller requested crisis guidance. Correct answer.
  2. Escalated; the supervisor was notified.
  3. Escalated to the supervisor as per procedure and in accordance with standard operating practice.
  4. Escalated to the supervisor for review.

Explanation

A useful escalation note states the specific circumstance that triggered the referral so the supervisor knows what to address. The other options either restate that escalation occurred or cite procedure without naming the reason. Specificity is what makes the note actionable.

Question 39Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

A technician's draft contains the sentence: "The officer advised the technician that he would respond to the location." Which revision best removes the ambiguity?

  1. The officer advised the technician that they would respond to the location.
  2. The officer advised the technician that it would respond to the location.
  3. The officer advised the technician that he would respond to the location, and he did.
  4. The officer advised the technician that the officer would respond to the location. Correct answer.

Explanation

Replacing the ambiguous "he" with "the officer" makes clear who will respond. The original pronoun could refer to either the officer or the technician, which is exactly the ambiguity a report must avoid. The other revisions either keep the ambiguity or use a pronoun that cannot refer to a person.

Question 40Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

A technician summarizes a long call in the CAD narrative. Which summary best preserves the essential facts without editorializing?

  1. Caller was very shaken up about a bad crash at 5th and Main and said somebody was hurt.
  2. Caller reported a collision; details are unclear and the caller was difficult.
  3. There was a collision downtown and the caller sounded worried about injuries.
  4. Caller reported a two-car collision at 5th Avenue and Main Street at 14:32, with one person complaining of neck pain. Correct answer.

Explanation

An effective summary captures the location, time, nature of the incident, and reported injuries in neutral terms. The other options omit essential facts or include judgments about the caller's manner. Neutral, specific summaries let responding units act without recontacting the caller.

Question 41Information Gathering, Recording, and Prioritization

A caller dials the emergency line and reports a fire in a high-rise apartment building. According to standard call-taking priorities, which piece of information should the Police Communications Technician obtain first?

  1. The name of the building's management company
  2. The caller's full name, date of birth, and home address
  3. The exact location of the fire, including building address and floor Correct answer.
  4. A description of the building's fire alarm system

Explanation

Location is the highest-priority element in emergency call intake because responders cannot be dispatched without it. Identifying the exact address and floor allows units to be sent while other details are gathered. Caller identity and building management details are secondary and can be collected afterward.

Question 42Information Gathering, Recording, and Prioritization

A Police Communications Technician receives a call about a possible burglary in progress. Which of the following best describes the purpose of the call classification code entered into the dispatch system?

  1. It replaces the need for a narrative description of the incident
  2. It determines the officer's patrol route for the shift
  3. It records the caller's emotional state for later review
  4. It standardizes the incident type so units and supervisors interpret the call consistently Correct answer.

Explanation

Classification codes exist to standardize how an incident is labeled so that all responders and supervisors share the same understanding of the call type. They support consistent prioritization and resource assignment. They do not substitute for narrative detail or determine patrol routes.

Question 43Information Gathering, Recording, and Prioritization

While taking a report of a stolen vehicle, a Police Communications Technician must record the vehicle identification number (VIN). Why is accurate VIN recording important for the subsequent investigation?

  1. It indicates the vehicle's current market value
  2. It determines which precinct has jurisdiction over the theft
  3. It uniquely identifies the specific vehicle for entry into law enforcement databases Correct answer.
  4. It establishes the caller's insurance coverage level

Explanation

The VIN is a unique identifier for a specific vehicle and is used to enter stolen vehicle information into law enforcement databases. Accurate recording allows other agencies to identify and recover the vehicle. Insurance, jurisdiction, and market value are unrelated to the VIN's identification function.

Question 44Information Gathering, Recording, and Prioritization

A caller reports hearing what sounds like gunshots but is unsure of the exact address. Which action best reflects proper information gathering by the Police Communications Technician?

  1. Ask the caller to walk toward the sound to find the address
  2. Wait for additional callers before recording any information
  3. Ask for nearby landmarks, cross streets, or a description of the surroundings to narrow the location Correct answer.
  4. End the call because no address was provided

Explanation

When an exact address is unavailable, the technician should use probing questions about landmarks, cross streets, and surroundings to establish the best possible location. This supports a timely response while keeping the caller safe. Asking the caller to investigate or ending the call would be improper.

Question 45Information Gathering, Recording, and Prioritization

Two calls arrive simultaneously: one reports a barking dog, and the other reports a person bleeding from a stab wound. How should the Police Communications Technician prioritize these calls?

  1. Both calls should be held until a supervisor assigns priority
  2. The stabbing victim takes priority because it involves a life-threatening injury Correct answer.
  3. Both calls should be handled in the order received regardless of content
  4. The barking dog takes priority because it was received first

Explanation

Calls are prioritized by the severity of the situation, not by arrival order. A stabbing with active bleeding is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate dispatch. A barking dog complaint is a low-priority, non-emergency matter.

Question 46Information Gathering, Recording, and Prioritization

A Police Communications Technician is entering a caller's report of a robbery into the computer-aided dispatch system. Which practice best supports accurate data entry?

  1. Deferring all data entry until the end of the shift
  2. Summarizing the caller's words loosely to save time
  3. Reading back key details such as the address and description to confirm accuracy Correct answer.
  4. Entering information as quickly as possible without reviewing it

Explanation

Reading back critical details confirms that the technician understood the caller correctly and reduces entry errors. Verification of addresses and descriptions is especially important because responders rely on that data. Rushing, loosely paraphrasing, or deferring entry all increase the risk of error.

Question 47Information Gathering, Recording, and Prioritization

During a call, the caller states that a suspect fled in a dark-colored sedan heading east on a named avenue. Which of the following is the most useful way for the Police Communications Technician to record this information?

  1. Ask the caller to guess the license plate number
  2. Note only that a vehicle left the scene
  3. Record the vehicle description, direction of travel, and street name as stated Correct answer.
  4. Record the direction but omit the vehicle color

Explanation

Recording all reported details, including vehicle description, direction, and street, gives responding units the information needed to attempt a stop. Each element helps narrow the search. Omitting details or asking the caller to guess reduces the reliability of the report.

Question 48Information Gathering, Recording, and Prioritization

A caller becomes highly agitated and begins shouting during a report of a domestic dispute. What is the most appropriate technique for the Police Communications Technician to use?

  1. Speak over the caller to assert control of the conversation
  2. Threaten to disconnect the call if the caller does not calm down
  3. Transfer the call immediately without gathering information
  4. Use a calm, firm tone and guide the caller with short, direct questions Correct answer.

Explanation

A calm, firm tone combined with short, direct questions helps de-escalate an agitated caller and keeps the information flowing. This approach maintains control of the call without antagonizing the caller. Speaking over, threatening, or abandoning the call are counterproductive.

Question 49Information Gathering, Recording, and Prioritization

A Police Communications Technician receives a call from a person who reports a crime that occurred two weeks ago and is not ongoing. How should this call generally be handled?

  1. As a lower-priority report that can be directed to appropriate follow-up procedures Correct answer.
  2. As a call that should be refused because it is not recent
  3. As a matter to be reported only to the caller's insurance company
  4. As an immediate emergency requiring lights-and-siren response

Explanation

A past, non-ongoing crime is generally lower priority than an in-progress emergency and may be routed to appropriate reporting or follow-up procedures. Priority is based on whether there is an immediate threat or need for urgent response. The call should still be recorded and handled properly.

Question 50Information Gathering, Recording, and Prioritization

When a caller provides a suspect description, which set of elements is most useful to record for responding officers?

  1. Only the color of the suspect's shoes
  2. Race, sex, approximate age, height, weight, clothing, and distinguishing features Correct answer.
  3. The caller's opinion of the suspect's character
  4. Only the suspect's approximate height

Explanation

A complete suspect description includes race, sex, approximate age, height, weight, clothing, and distinguishing features, giving officers the best chance of identification. Each element contributes to a usable description. Single details or subjective opinions are far less useful.