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NYPD Police Officer practice questions

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Question 1Written Comprehension

A police report states: 'The suspect fled northbound on Elm Street after the officer exited the vehicle.' According to the sentence, what happened first?

  1. The report does not indicate order
  2. The suspect fled northbound
  3. The officer exited the vehicle Correct answer.
  4. Both events occurred simultaneously

Explanation

The word 'after' signals sequence: the clause following 'after' occurs later, so the officer exiting the vehicle happened first. The fleeing followed that action.

Question 2Written Comprehension

Read this passage: 'Officers are required to submit a use-of-force report within 24 hours of any incident involving physical force. A supervisor must review the report within 48 hours of submission.' How long does a supervisor have to review a report after it is submitted?

  1. 72 hours
  2. 24 hours
  3. No time limit is stated
  4. 48 hours Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage states the supervisor must review within 48 hours of submission. The 24-hour figure applies to the officer's submission deadline, not the review.

Question 3Written Comprehension

A memo reads: 'Although the new patrol schedule reduced overtime costs, it also increased response times in two precincts.' Which statement best captures the memo's main point?

  1. The new schedule saved money but slowed responses in some areas Correct answer.
  2. Overtime costs were unaffected by the schedule
  3. Response times are the only measure that matters
  4. The new schedule should be discontinued immediately

Explanation

The memo balances a benefit (lower overtime) against a drawback (slower responses in two precincts). A summary must capture both sides of that contrast.

Question 4Written Comprehension

The word 'contraband' most nearly means:

  1. Property returned to its owner
  2. Evidence collected at a crime scene
  3. Items that are illegal to possess or transport Correct answer.
  4. Paperwork filed after an arrest

Explanation

Contraband refers to goods that are unlawful to possess, make, or move, such as illegal weapons or smuggled items. The other choices describe lawful police activities or property.

Question 5Written Comprehension

Read: 'The witness stated that she saw a blue sedan leave the lot at approximately 9 p.m. She added that she was not wearing her glasses at the time.' What is the most reasonable inference about her statement?

  1. She was too far away to see anything
  2. She definitely saw the correct vehicle
  3. Her identification of the car's color may be unreliable Correct answer.
  4. The time of 9 p.m. is certainly accurate

Explanation

The witness admits she lacked her glasses, which casts doubt on visual details like color. An inference must follow from stated facts, not assume certainty.

Question 6Written Comprehension

A policy states: 'Officers shall not engage in secondary employment that interferes with their official duties or brings discredit upon the department.' Which situation would most clearly violate this rule?

  1. Taking a part-time job that requires staying out late before morning shifts Correct answer.
  2. Teaching a community safety class on weekends
  3. Working as a weekend security guard at a bank
  4. Coaching a youth sports team on days off

Explanation

The policy bars secondary work that interferes with official duties. A job that leaves an officer fatigued before shifts directly conflicts with duty performance.

Question 7Written Comprehension

Read: 'The detective reviewed the file, then interviewed the witness, and finally wrote her summary.' Which action did the detective perform last?

  1. All were done at once
  2. Interviewed the witness
  3. Wrote the summary Correct answer.
  4. Reviewed the file

Explanation

The word 'finally' marks the last action in the sequence. The summary was written after reviewing the file and interviewing the witness.

Question 8Written Comprehension

A report says: 'The officer observed the vehicle run a red light. The officer initiated a traffic stop.' What is the cause-and-effect relationship?

  1. The traffic stop caused the vehicle to run the light
  2. Running the red light led to the traffic stop Correct answer.
  3. The officer's observation caused the light to change
  4. Both events were unrelated

Explanation

The sequence and logic indicate the observed violation prompted the stop. The first sentence describes the triggering event, and the second describes the response.

Question 9Written Comprehension

Read the passage: 'Community policing emphasizes partnership between officers and residents. Rather than responding only to calls, officers build relationships through regular neighborhood contact. These relationships can improve information sharing and trust.' According to the passage, what is a benefit of regular neighborhood contact?

  1. Improved information sharing and trust Correct answer.
  2. Fewer officers are needed on patrol
  3. Residents take over patrol duties
  4. Calls for service are eliminated

Explanation

The passage directly names improved information sharing and trust as a result of relationship-building. The other choices go beyond what is stated.

Question 10Written Comprehension

A directive states: 'When two orders conflict, the officer shall follow the more restrictive order unless a supervisor directs otherwise in writing.' Which action complies with the directive?

  1. Ignore both orders until a supervisor arrives
  2. Follow the less restrictive order without any documentation
  3. Ask a fellow officer which order to follow
  4. Follow the more restrictive order when no written direction exists Correct answer.

Explanation

The default rule is to follow the more restrictive order; only a written supervisor direction changes that. Without written direction, the more restrictive order controls.

Question 11Written Comprehension

Read: 'Despite heavy rain, the search continued through the night. By dawn, searchers had covered the entire hillside.' What does 'despite' indicate about the search?

  1. The rain stopped the search
  2. The rain made the search harder but did not end it Correct answer.
  3. The search happened before the rain began
  4. The rain was the reason the search continued

Explanation

'Despite' signals contrast: an obstacle existed but did not prevent the action. The search continued through heavy rain, showing the rain was an obstacle overcome.

Question 12Written Comprehension

A witness says: 'I heard a loud noise and looked out the window. A man was running toward the corner, and a car door was open nearby.' Which conclusion is best supported?

  1. The man definitely committed a crime
  2. The witness saw the entire incident from start to finish
  3. The man was running away from something near an open car door Correct answer.
  4. The loud noise had no connection to the man

Explanation

The facts support a cautious inference: a man running near an open car door after a noise. The passage does not establish guilt or complete observation.

Question 13Written Comprehension

Read: 'The department's new data system, which replaced a decade-old database, allows officers to file reports from their vehicles. However, some officers report that the system occasionally loses entered data.' What is the balanced summary of the passage?

  1. Officers refuse to use the new system
  2. The new system is entirely successful
  3. The old database was better in every way
  4. The new system offers convenience but has a reliability concern Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage presents a benefit (mobile filing) and a drawback (occasional data loss). A balanced summary reflects both.

Question 14Written Comprehension

In the sentence 'The officer's account was corroborated by two independent witnesses,' what does 'corroborated' mean?

  1. Supported with additional evidence Correct answer.
  2. Recorded in writing
  3. Contradicted
  4. Ignored

Explanation

To corroborate means to strengthen or confirm a statement with supporting evidence. Independent witnesses confirming the account illustrates that meaning.

Question 15Written Comprehension

A procedure says: 'Before entering a structure, officers should conduct a visual assessment, announce their presence when feasible, and request additional units if resistance is anticipated.' Which step should occur before requesting additional units?

  1. Entering the structure
  2. Conducting a visual assessment Correct answer.
  3. Announcing presence only after entry
  4. Waiting for resistance to begin

Explanation

The procedure lists steps in order: visual assessment, announcement, then requesting units if needed. The visual assessment precedes the decision to request backup.

Question 16Written Comprehension

Read: 'Officers who respond to domestic disturbances should separate the parties before interviewing them. Interviewing parties together can escalate tensions and discourage candid statements.' Why does the passage recommend separation?

  1. To speed up the interview process
  2. To determine who is at fault before questioning
  3. To reduce tension and encourage honest statements Correct answer.
  4. To avoid filing a report

Explanation

The second sentence gives the reasons: separating parties reduces escalation and encourages candor. The stated rationale matches those two effects.

Question 17Written Comprehension

A rule states: 'Any officer who observes misconduct by another officer must report it to a supervisor within the same tour of duty.' An officer observes misconduct at the start of a 12-hour tour. By when must the report be made?

  1. Only if the misconduct is serious
  2. Within one week
  3. Before the current tour ends Correct answer.
  4. Within 24 hours

Explanation

'Within the same tour of duty' means before that shift ends. A 12-hour tour sets the deadline at the end of that tour, not a fixed number of hours beyond it.

Question 18Written Comprehension

Read: 'The suspect was described as approximately 30 years old, of medium build, wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt. The witness could not recall the suspect's height or facial features.' Which detail was the witness unable to provide?

  1. Age estimate
  2. Clothing description
  3. Build description
  4. Height and facial features Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage explicitly says the witness could not recall height or facial features. The other details were provided.

Question 19Written Comprehension

A passage states: 'Because the intersection had no working traffic signals, officers directed traffic manually during the morning commute.' What is the stated cause of the manual traffic direction?

  1. The lack of working traffic signals Correct answer.
  2. A request from commuters
  3. A scheduled training exercise
  4. Routine morning procedure

Explanation

The word 'because' introduces the cause: the signals were not working. The manual direction was the effect.

Question 20Written Comprehension

Read: 'The report noted that the officer remained calm while the crowd grew agitated. Her steady tone appeared to settle several bystanders.' What does the passage suggest about the officer's demeanor?

  1. It caused the crowd to become agitated
  2. It was noted as inappropriate
  3. It was ineffective
  4. It had a calming influence on some bystanders Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage states her steady tone 'appeared to settle several bystanders,' linking calm demeanor to a calming effect.

Question 21Written Comprehension

A policy states: 'Officers shall use the minimum amount of force reasonably necessary to effect an arrest.' Which factor does the policy make central to force decisions?

  1. The speed of the arrest
  2. The officer's personal preference
  3. The number of officers present
  4. What is reasonably necessary in the situation Correct answer.

Explanation

The policy ties force to what is reasonably necessary, making necessity the central standard. Other factors may inform that judgment but are not the stated standard.

Question 22Written Comprehension

Read: 'Although the tip seemed credible, investigators could not verify its central claim. They continued to treat the informant's account with caution.' What does the second sentence clarify?

  1. The informant was arrested
  2. Investigators remained skeptical of the account Correct answer.
  3. The tip was fully confirmed
  4. The investigation was closed

Explanation

Treating the account 'with caution' clarifies that investigators remained skeptical because the central claim was unverified.

Question 23Written Comprehension

A memo says: 'The pilot program reduced repeat calls at two sites, but the sample was small and the period was brief.' What is the most accurate evaluation of the program's results?

  1. The results show the program failed
  2. The results prove the program works everywhere
  3. The results are irrelevant to future decisions
  4. The results are promising but not yet conclusive Correct answer.

Explanation

Positive findings from a small, short sample support cautious optimism rather than firm conclusions. The memo itself flags limitations that prevent definitive claims.

Question 24Written Comprehension

Read: 'The directive requires officers to document each use of force, no matter how minor. This requirement exists so that every application of force can be reviewed for appropriateness.' What is the stated purpose of documenting minor uses of force?

  1. To discourage officers from making arrests
  2. To increase paperwork for supervisors
  3. To allow every use of force to be reviewed Correct answer.
  4. To replace the need for supervision

Explanation

The second sentence states the purpose: ensuring every application of force can be reviewed. The documentation requirement serves that review function.

Question 25Written Comprehension

A report states: 'The officer's initial estimate of the vehicle's speed was later revised downward after review of camera footage.' What does this sentence imply about the initial estimate?

  1. It was more accurate than the footage
  2. It was higher than the speed shown by the footage Correct answer.
  3. It was based on camera footage
  4. It was never recorded

Explanation

Revising the estimate 'downward' after reviewing footage implies the original figure was higher than what the footage supported. The footage provided a more reliable basis.

Question 26Written Expression

Choose the sentence that is grammatically correct and clearest in meaning.

  1. The officer, along with two detectives, were assigned to the case.
  2. The officer along with two detectives have been assigned to the case.
  3. The officer along with two detectives were assigned to the case.
  4. The officer, along with two detectives, was assigned to the case. Correct answer.

Explanation

A phrase set off by 'along with' does not change the number of the subject, so the singular subject 'officer' takes the singular verb 'was.' The commas also correctly mark the interrupting phrase.

Question 27Written Expression

Which sentence uses the apostrophe correctly?

  1. The suspects' alibi was checked by the detectives.
  2. The suspects alibi was checked by the detectives.
  3. The suspect's' alibi was checked by the detectives.
  4. The suspect's alibi was checked by the detectives. Correct answer.

Explanation

A singular noun takes an apostrophe plus 's' to show possession, giving 'suspect's.' The other forms either omit the apostrophe or misplace it.

Question 28Written Expression

Select the sentence with correct punctuation.

  1. Before entering the building the officer checked her equipment.
  2. Before entering the building; the officer checked her equipment.
  3. Before entering the building: the officer checked her equipment.
  4. Before entering the building, the officer checked her equipment. Correct answer.

Explanation

An introductory element that precedes the main clause is followed by a comma. A semicolon or colon is not used to separate a subordinate introductory phrase from its main clause.

Question 29Written Expression

Which sentence is written in the active voice?

  1. The surveillance footage is being reviewed.
  2. The detective reviewed the surveillance footage. Correct answer.
  3. The surveillance footage was reviewed by the detective.
  4. The surveillance footage had been reviewed.

Explanation

In the active voice, the subject performs the action, as in 'the detective reviewed.' The other sentences place the receiver of the action in the subject position.

Question 30Written Expression

Choose the option that best combines the two sentences into one clear sentence: 'The witness waited in the hallway. The witness was asked to identify a suspect.'

  1. The witness waited in the hallway; the witness was asked to identify a suspect.
  2. The witness waited in the hallway and was asked to identify a suspect. Correct answer.
  3. The witness waited in the hallway, and the witness was asked to identify a suspect.
  4. Waiting in the hallway, the witness was asked to identify a suspect.

Explanation

A compound predicate joined by 'and' shares the single subject 'witness,' producing a concise sentence without repetition. The other options either repeat the subject or create a confusing modifier.

Question 31Written Expression

Which sentence is free of a dangling modifier?

  1. After reviewing the report, the sergeant approved the arrest. Correct answer.
  2. After reviewing the report, it was approved by the sergeant.
  3. After reviewing the report, approval of the arrest occurred.
  4. After reviewing the report, the arrest was approved.

Explanation

A modifier must attach to the noun that performs the action. Only in the first sentence does the sergeant, the person who reviewed the report, appear as the subject.

Question 32Written Expression

Identify the sentence that uses 'who' or 'whom' correctly.

  1. The officer whom arrested the suspect filed the report.
  2. The officer who arrested the suspect filed the report. Correct answer.
  3. The officer whom was on patrol filed the report.
  4. The officer who the suspect identified filed the report.

Explanation

'Who' is the subject form and is used when the pronoun performs the verb, as in 'who arrested the suspect.' 'Whom' is the object form and is used when the pronoun receives the action.

Question 33Written Expression

Choose the sentence that correctly uses a colon.

  1. The officer carried three items, a radio, a flashlight, and handcuffs.
  2. The officer carried: a radio, a flashlight, and handcuffs.
  3. The officer carried three items: a radio, a flashlight, and handcuffs. Correct answer.
  4. The officer carried three items; a radio, a flashlight, and handcuffs.

Explanation

A colon follows a complete independent clause and introduces a list that elaborates on it. The clause before the colon must be able to stand alone.

Question 34Written Expression

Which word correctly completes the sentence: 'The sergeant was ___ to hear that the evidence had been mishandled.'

  1. appalls
  2. appalled Correct answer.
  3. appalling
  4. appall

Explanation

The past participle 'appalled' describes how the sergeant felt, functioning as a predicate adjective. The present participle 'appalling' would describe something that causes that feeling.

Question 35Written Expression

Select the sentence in which parallel structure is used correctly.

  1. The recruit was trained to observe, report, and to testifying.
  2. The recruit was trained to observe, reporting, and to testify.
  3. The recruit was trained to observe, to report, and testifying.
  4. The recruit was trained to observe, to report, and to testify. Correct answer.

Explanation

Items in a series should share the same grammatical form. Using 'to' plus a verb for each item keeps the series parallel.

Question 36Written Expression

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

  1. The suspect said, "I was not there".
  2. The suspect said, "I was not there." Correct answer.
  3. The suspect said "I was not there".
  4. The suspect said "I was not there."

Explanation

A comma separates the speaker's tag from a direct quotation, and periods and commas go inside the closing quotation mark in standard American usage.

Question 37Written Expression

Choose the sentence that avoids a run-on.

  1. The officer stopped the car, she approached the driver carefully.
  2. The officer stopped the car; and she approached the driver carefully.
  3. The officer stopped the car, and she approached the driver carefully. Correct answer.
  4. The officer stopped the car she approached the driver carefully.

Explanation

Two independent clauses must be joined by a coordinating conjunction with a comma, by a semicolon, or by a period. Option 0 correctly uses a comma plus 'and.'

Question 38Written Expression

Which sentence uses 'fewer' or 'less' correctly?

  1. There were fewer noise after the new policy took effect.
  2. There were less officers on patrol after the new policy took effect.
  3. There were fewer complaints after the new policy took effect. Correct answer.
  4. There were less complaints after the new policy took effect.

Explanation

'Fewer' is used with countable items such as complaints or officers, while 'less' is used with uncountable quantities such as noise or time.

Question 39Written Expression

Choose the option that correctly completes the sentence: 'Neither the sergeant nor the officers ___ aware of the change in procedure.'

  1. was
  2. were Correct answer.
  3. has been
  4. is

Explanation

With 'neither...nor,' the verb agrees with the nearer subject, which is the plural 'officers,' requiring 'were.' The plural form also matches the past-time context of the sentence.

Question 40Written Expression

Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?

  1. The abandoned truck was examined by the officer.
  2. The officer examined the abandoned truck that was covered in mud.
  3. The officer carefully examined the abandoned truck.
  4. Covered in mud, the officer examined the abandoned truck. Correct answer.

Explanation

The opening phrase 'covered in mud' is placed so that it appears to describe the officer rather than the truck. A modifier should sit next to the word it describes.

Question 41Written Expression

Select the most concise revision of this sentence: 'The officer returned back to the station in order to file the report.'

  1. The officer returned back to the station to file the report.
  2. The officer returned to the station to file the report. Correct answer.
  3. The officer went back and returned to the station to file the report.
  4. The officer returned to the station in order to file the report.

Explanation

'Returned back' is redundant because 'returned' already means going back, and 'in order to' can be shortened to 'to.' Concise writing removes needless words.

Question 42Written Expression

Which sentence uses the semicolon correctly?

  1. The officer finished the report then; she went on patrol.
  2. The officer finished the report; then she went on patrol. Correct answer.
  3. The officer finished; the report then she went on patrol.
  4. The officer finished the report; and then she went on patrol.

Explanation

A semicolon can join two independent clauses, especially when a conjunctive adverb like 'then' introduces the second. It should not be paired with a coordinating conjunction.

Question 43Written Expression

Choose the sentence in which the pronoun reference is clear.

  1. When the officer spoke to the witness, she took careful notes on the interview. Correct answer.
  2. When the officer spoke to the witness, they were unclear.
  3. When the officer spoke to the witness, she took careful notes.
  4. When the officer spoke to the witness, it was recorded.

Explanation

A pronoun must refer to a single, unmistakable antecedent. Adding 'on the interview' clarifies that the notes, not the witness, are the subject of the sentence, though the pronoun 'she' still needs a clear antecedent; option 1 is the only choice whose reference is unambiguous.

Question 44Written Expression

Which sentence correctly uses the comparative or superlative form?

  1. Of the three suspects, this one is the most cooperative. Correct answer.
  2. Of the three suspects, this one is most cooperative than the others.
  3. Of the three suspects, this one is the more cooperative.
  4. Of the three suspects, this one is more cooperative than the others.

Explanation

When comparing three or more items, the superlative form ('most cooperative') is required. The comparative form is reserved for comparing exactly two items.

Question 45Written Expression

Choose the sentence that is written in a consistent tense.

  1. The officer arrived at the scene and secured the perimeter. Correct answer.
  2. The officer arrives at the scene and has secured the perimeter.
  3. The officer arrives at the scene and secured the perimeter.
  4. The officer arrived at the scene and secures the perimeter.

Explanation

Both verbs in a compound predicate should be in the same tense when the actions occur at the same time. The past tense 'arrived' and 'secured' keep the sentence consistent.

Question 46Written Expression

Which sentence best avoids biased or imprecise language for a formal report?

  1. The guy was described as a male in his thirties.
  2. The suspect was described as a male individual in his thirties or so.
  3. The man was described as a male in his thirties.
  4. The person of interest was described as a male in his thirties. Correct answer.

Explanation

Formal police writing favors neutral, precise terms such as 'person of interest' and avoids slang and vague hedges. The other options use informal or imprecise wording.

Question 47Written Expression

Choose the sentence that correctly uses a dash or parentheses.

  1. The evidence (which had been logged improperly) was excluded. Correct answer.
  2. The evidence which had been logged improperly) was excluded.
  3. The evidence (which had been logged improperly, was excluded.
  4. The evidence-which had been logged improperly, was excluded.

Explanation

Parentheses must come in matched pairs and enclose a complete interrupting phrase. The other options leave a pair unclosed or mix punctuation marks incorrectly.

Question 48Written Expression

Which sentence correctly uses 'its' or 'it's'?

  1. The department revised it's policy on use of force.
  2. The department revised its policy, and it's officers were notified.
  3. The department revised its policy on use of force. Correct answer.
  4. The department revised its' policy on use of force.

Explanation

'Its' is the possessive form, while 'it's' is a contraction of 'it is.' The possessive form is required before 'policy.'

Question 49Written Expression

Select the option that best states the same idea in clear, direct language: 'It is the responsibility of the officer to ensure that the report is completed by the end of the shift.'

  1. The officer must complete the report by the end of the shift. Correct answer.
  2. The officer is responsible for ensuring the report's completion by shift end.
  3. It is required of the officer that the report be completed by shift end.
  4. The report must be completed by the end of the shift by the officer.

Explanation

Direct language uses an active subject and a strong verb ('officer must complete') rather than nominalizations and passive constructions. This makes the sentence shorter and clearer.

Question 50Written Expression

Which sentence uses a coordinating conjunction correctly?

  1. The officer was tired, she stayed alert.
  2. The officer was tired but she stayed alert, however.
  3. The officer was tired; but she stayed alert.
  4. The officer was tired, but she stayed alert. Correct answer.

Explanation

A coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses is preceded by a comma. The comma signals the boundary between the clauses.