Police Exam Practice Test: Free Questions, Answers and Prep Guide

A police exam practice practice test helps you prepare for the written exam used in police officer, deputy sheriff, state trooper and law enforcement hiring processes.

Police written exams vary by agency, but they commonly test:

• reading comprehension;
• police situational judgment;
• report writing;
• grammar and spelling;
• basic math;
• logical reasoning;
• memory and observation;
• map reading;
• following written instructions;
• attention to detail.

Recommended prep:

These are original police-style practice questions for study purposes. They are not official questions from any police department, sheriff’s office, POST commission, civil service commission or test provider.

What Is a Police Exam Practice Test?

A police exam practice practice test is a sample test that helps you prepare for the types of questions used on law enforcement written exams.

Depending on the agency, your real exam may include:

Section	What It Tests
Reading comprehension	Understanding policies, reports and written passages
Situational judgment	Choosing safe, ethical and policy-based responses
Report writing	Writing clear, factual and chronological reports
Math	Arithmetic, percentages, time, distance and word problems
Memory	Recalling people, vehicles, locations and events
Observation	Identifying visual or written details
Grammar	Professional written communication
Reasoning	Drawing conclusions from facts
Map reading	Directions, routes and location awareness

Not every exam includes every section. Always check the official candidate guide for your agency.

Police Exam Practice Test Instructions

This practice test includes 40 questions.

Recommended timing:

40 questions
45 minutes

For a harder timed drill:

40 questions
35 minutes

Answer all questions before checking the answer key.

Section 1: Reading Comprehension

Read the passage and answer Questions 1–5.

Officers responding to a disturbance call should first assess the scene for immediate safety risks. These risks may include weapons, injured persons, aggressive behavior, traffic hazards or a suspect attempting to flee. Officers should communicate relevant information to dispatch, follow department procedure and request backup when necessary.

Question 1: Main Idea

What is the main idea of the passage?

• A. Officers should ignore disturbance calls unless someone is injured
• B. Officers should assess safety risks and follow procedure during disturbance calls
• C. Officers should never request backup
• D. Officers should only focus on traffic hazards

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Officers should assess safety risks and follow procedure during disturbance calls

The passage focuses on safety assessment, communication, procedure and backup when needed.

Question 2: Stated Detail

Which risk is specifically mentioned in the passage?

• A. Weather conditions
• B. Weapons
• C. Parking tickets
• D. Court dates

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Weapons

The passage lists weapons as a possible immediate safety risk.

Question 3: Communication

According to the passage, officers should communicate relevant information to:

• A. Dispatch
• B. The media
• C. A neighbor only
• D. No one

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. Dispatch

The passage states that officers should communicate relevant information to dispatch.

Question 4: Backup

According to the passage, officers should request backup:

• A. When necessary
• B. Never
• C. Only after leaving the scene
• D. Only if a citizen asks

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. When necessary

The passage says officers should request backup when necessary.

Question 5: Unsupported Statement

Which statement is not supported by the passage?

• A. Officers should assess the scene for safety risks
• B. Aggressive behavior may be a risk
• C. Officers should always ignore suspects attempting to flee
• D. Officers should follow department procedure

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. Officers should always ignore suspects attempting to flee

The passage lists a suspect attempting to flee as a safety risk. It does not say to ignore it.

Section 2: Police Situational Judgment

Question 6: Disturbance Call

You arrive at a disturbance call. Two people are arguing loudly. No weapon is visible, and no one appears injured.

What is the best first response?

• A. Immediately use force on both people
• B. Leave because no one is injured
• C. Stay alert, separate the parties if safe, communicate calmly and gather information
• D. Ignore the quieter person and only speak to the louder person

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. Stay alert, separate the parties if safe, communicate calmly and gather information

The best response prioritizes safety, communication, de-escalation and information gathering.

Question 7: Unclear Instruction

A supervisor gives you a non-emergency instruction, but you are not sure what they mean.

What should you do first?

• A. Guess what they meant
• B. Ask for clarification respectfully
• C. Ignore the instruction
• D. Complain publicly

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Ask for clarification respectfully

Clarifying unclear instructions prevents mistakes and shows professionalism.

Question 8: Citizen Complaint

A citizen is upset and says an officer was rude during a previous call. You do not know what happened.

What is the best response?

• A. Tell the citizen they are wrong
• B. Make a promise about discipline
• C. Listen professionally and direct the citizen to the proper complaint process
• D. Ignore the citizen completely

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. Listen professionally and direct the citizen to the proper complaint process

The best response avoids speculation and follows proper procedure.

Question 9: Officer Safety

You and your partner respond to a call where a witness says the suspect may have a weapon.

What is the best response?

• A. Rush in without communicating
• B. Treat the information as a safety concern and follow department procedure
• C. Ignore the witness because they may be wrong
• D. Leave the scene without notifying anyone

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Treat the information as a safety concern and follow department procedure

Officer and public safety are central in police judgment questions.

Question 10: Coworker Misconduct

You observe a coworker falsifying a minor detail in a report.

What is the best response?

• A. Ignore it because it is minor
• B. Report or address the issue according to department policy
• C. Falsify your own report too
• D. Post about it online

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Report or address the issue according to department policy

Integrity and accurate reporting are essential in law enforcement.

Related guide:

• Police Situational Judgment Test

Section 3: Police Report Writing

Read the incident details and answer Questions 11–15.

At approximately 9:10 p.m., Officer Harris observed a male subject standing beside a blue Honda Civic in the parking lot of 400 West Pine Street. The subject placed a small black bag under the front passenger seat. Officer Harris approached and identified the subject as Daniel Reed. The vehicle license plate was 8LQZ319.

Question 11: Best Report Sentence

Which sentence is best for a police report?

• A. The guy was obviously hiding something illegal.
• B. At approximately 9:10 p.m., Officer Harris observed a male subject place a small black bag under the front passenger seat.
• C. Daniel Reed was clearly guilty.
• D. The suspect was acting weird near a car.

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B.

This sentence is factual, specific and based on observed information.

Question 12: Unsupported Statement

Which statement is not supported by the incident details?

• A. Officer Harris observed the subject near a blue Honda Civic
• B. The subject placed a small black bag under the front passenger seat
• C. The subject was identified as Daniel Reed
• D. The bag contained stolen property

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: D. The bag contained stolen property

The details say the subject placed a bag under the seat. They do not state what was inside the bag.

Question 13: Location

Where did the incident occur?

• A. 400 East Pine Street
• B. 400 West Pine Street
• C. 404 West Pine Street
• D. 400 West Oak Street

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. 400 West Pine Street

The incident occurred in the parking lot of 400 West Pine Street.

Question 14: Vehicle

What vehicle was involved?

• A. Blue Honda Civic
• B. Black Honda Civic
• C. Blue Toyota Camry
• D. White Honda Accord

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. Blue Honda Civic

The report states that the vehicle was a blue Honda Civic.

Question 15: License Plate

What was the license plate?

• A. 8LQZ391
• B. 8LZQ319
• C. 8LQZ319
• D. 8LQX319

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 8LQZ319

The exact license plate was 8LQZ319.

Related guide:

• Police Report Writing Test

Section 4: Police Math

Question 16: Addition

An officer issues 14 citations in one week and 19 citations the next week. How many citations were issued total?

• A. 29
• B. 31
• C. 33
• D. 35

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 33

14 + 19 = 33

Question 17: Subtraction

A department has 85 traffic cones. Officers use 37 cones during an event. How many cones remain?

• A. 42
• B. 46
• C. 48
• D. 52

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 48

85 - 37 = 48

Question 18: Percentage

What is 25% of 120?

• A. 20
• B. 25
• C. 30
• D. 35

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 30

25% is one quarter.

120 ÷ 4 = 30

Question 19: Average

An officer completes reports in 20, 25, 30 and 35 minutes. What is the average time?

• A. 25 minutes
• B. 27.5 minutes
• C. 30 minutes
• D. 32.5 minutes

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. 27.5 minutes

20 + 25 + 30 + 35 = 110
110 ÷ 4 = 27.5

Question 20: Speed

An officer drives 18 miles in 30 minutes. What is the average speed in miles per hour?

• A. 24 mph
• B. 30 mph
• C. 36 mph
• D. 40 mph

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 36 mph

30 minutes is half an hour.

18 × 2 = 36 mph

Related guide:

• Police Math Test

Section 5: Memory and Observation

Study the details for 45 seconds, then answer Questions 21–26.

Vehicle: red Ford Escape
License plate: 8LQZ319
Driver: female, blue jacket
Passenger: male, gray hoodie
Direction: west on Pine Avenue
Time observed: 8:35 p.m.
Location: 5th Street and Pine Avenue

Question 21: Vehicle

What vehicle was observed?

• A. Red Ford Escape
• B. Blue Ford Escape
• C. Red Ford Explorer
• D. Red Honda Civic

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. Red Ford Escape

The vehicle was a red Ford Escape.

Question 22: License Plate

What was the license plate?

• A. 8LQZ391
• B. 8LQZ319
• C. 8LZQ319
• D. 8LQX319

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. 8LQZ319

The exact license plate was 8LQZ319.

Question 23: Driver Description

What was the driver wearing?

• A. Blue jacket
• B. Gray hoodie
• C. Black coat
• D. Red shirt

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. Blue jacket

The driver was female and wore a blue jacket.

Question 24: Passenger Description

What was the passenger wearing?

• A. Blue jacket
• B. Gray hoodie
• C. Black backpack
• D. White shirt

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Gray hoodie

The passenger was male and wore a gray hoodie.

Question 25: Direction

Which direction was the vehicle traveling?

• A. East on Pine Avenue
• B. West on Pine Avenue
• C. North on 5th Street
• D. South on Oak Street

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. West on Pine Avenue

The vehicle was traveling west on Pine Avenue.

Question 26: Time

What time was the vehicle observed?

• A. 8:25 p.m.
• B. 8:35 p.m.
• C. 8:53 p.m.
• D. 9:35 p.m.

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. 8:35 p.m.

The time observed was 8:35 p.m.

Related guide:

• Police Memory Test

Section 6: Grammar and Written Communication

Question 27: Subject-Verb Agreement

Choose the correct sentence.

• A. The officers was reviewing the report.
• B. The officers were reviewing the report.
• C. The officers is reviewing the report.
• D. The officers be reviewing the report.

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. The officers were reviewing the report.

“Officers” is plural, so the correct verb is “were.”

Question 28: Clear Sentence

Which sentence is clearest and most professional?

• A. The guy did something near the thing.
• B. Officer Rivera observed the subject place a black bag under the passenger seat.
• C. It was weird and probably bad.
• D. Someone handled the situation somehow.

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B.

This sentence is clear, specific and factual.

Question 29: Objective Writing

Which sentence should be avoided in a police report because it contains an unsupported opinion?

• A. The subject was wearing a gray hoodie.
• B. The vehicle was parked near the entrance.
• C. The subject was obviously planning a crime.
• D. The officer arrived at 9:10 p.m.

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. The subject was obviously planning a crime.

The sentence states a conclusion that is not supported by observable facts.

Question 30: Spelling

Choose the correctly spelled word.

• A. Suspiscious
• B. Suspicious
• C. Suspicous
• D. Suspishous

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Suspicious

“Suspicious” is the correct spelling.

Section 7: Logical Reasoning

Question 31: Rule Application

Policy:

If a report involves property damage, photographs must be included when available. The incident involves property damage, and photographs are available.

What must the officer do?

• A. Include photographs
• B. Ignore the photographs
• C. Submit no report
• D. Wait one month

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. Include photographs

The policy says photographs must be included when available in property damage cases.

Question 32: Must Be True

Statement:

All officers assigned to Zone 3 must attend the briefing. Officer Lee is assigned to Zone 3.

What must be true?

• A. Officer Lee must attend the briefing
• B. Officer Lee is a supervisor
• C. All officers are assigned to Zone 3
• D. The briefing is optional

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. Officer Lee must attend the briefing

The conclusion follows directly from the statement.

Question 33: Sequence

A procedure requires the following steps:

1. Secure the scene.
2. Check for injuries.
3. Notify dispatch.
4. Begin the report.

What should happen immediately after checking for injuries?

• A. Secure the scene
• B. Notify dispatch
• C. Begin the report
• D. Leave the scene

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Notify dispatch

Step 3 comes immediately after Step 2.

Question 34: Classification

A policy states:

Emergency calls involve immediate threats to life, serious injury, active violence or fire. Non-emergency calls involve delayed reports, minor complaints or administrative requests.

Which call is an emergency?

• A. Report request
• B. Wallet stolen last week
• C. Person unconscious in a parking lot
• D. Noise complaint from yesterday

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. Person unconscious in a parking lot

An unconscious person may involve an immediate threat to life.

Section 8: Map Reading

Use the grid below for Questions 35–38.

Avenues run north-south and increase as you go east:

1st Ave | 2nd Ave | 3rd Ave | 4th Ave | 5th Ave

Streets from north to south:

Oak St
Pine St
Maple St
Cedar St
Birch St

Officer location: 2nd Ave and Pine St
Incident location: 5th Ave and Cedar St

Question 35: Direction

From the officer’s location to the incident, the officer should generally travel:

• A. East and south
• B. East and north
• C. West and south
• D. West and north

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. East and south

From 2nd Ave to 5th Ave is east.

From Pine St to Cedar St is south.

Question 36: Distance

How many blocks away is the incident using the shortest grid route?

• A. 3
• B. 4
• C. 5
• D. 6

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 5

From 2nd Ave to 5th Ave:

3 blocks east

From Pine St to Cedar St:

2 blocks south

Total:

3 + 2 = 5 blocks

Question 37: Street Order

Which street is immediately south of Pine St?

• A. Oak St
• B. Maple St
• C. Cedar St
• D. Birch St

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Maple St

The street order is:

Oak
Pine
Maple
Cedar
Birch

Maple is immediately south of Pine.

Question 38: Avenue Order

Which avenue is immediately west of 4th Ave?

• A. 1st Ave
• B. 2nd Ave
• C. 3rd Ave
• D. 5th Ave

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 3rd Ave

Avenues increase as you go east. Therefore, 3rd Ave is immediately west of 4th Ave.

Section 9: Following Instructions

Use this rule for Questions 39–40.

If an incident involves injury, notify medical assistance.
If an incident involves a weapon, request backup.
If both conditions apply, do both.

Question 39: Injury Only

A subject fell and injured their arm. No weapon is mentioned.

What should the officer do under the rule?

• A. Notify medical assistance
• B. Request backup only
• C. Do nothing
• D. Leave the scene

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. Notify medical assistance

The incident involves injury, so medical assistance should be notified.

Question 40: Injury and Weapon

A subject has a leg injury, and a witness reports seeing a knife.

What should the officer do under the rule?

• A. Notify medical assistance only
• B. Request backup only
• C. Notify medical assistance and request backup
• D. Do nothing

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. Notify medical assistance and request backup

Both conditions apply: injury and weapon.

Police Exam Practice Test Answer Key

Question	Section	Correct Answer
1	Reading comprehension	B
2	Reading comprehension	B
3	Reading comprehension	A
4	Reading comprehension	A
5	Reading comprehension	C
6	Situational judgment	C
7	Situational judgment	B
8	Situational judgment	C
9	Situational judgment	B
10	Situational judgment	B
11	Report writing	B
12	Report writing	D
13	Detail accuracy	B
14	Detail accuracy	A
15	Detail accuracy	C
16	Math	C
17	Math	C
18	Math	C
19	Math	B
20	Math	C
21	Memory	A
22	Memory	B
23	Memory	A
24	Memory	B
25	Memory	B
26	Memory	B
27	Grammar	B
28	Written communication	B
29	Objective writing	C
30	Spelling	B
31	Logical reasoning	A
32	Logical reasoning	A
33	Sequence	B
34	Classification	C
35	Map reading	A
36	Map reading	C
37	Map reading	B
38	Map reading	C
39	Following instructions	A
40	Following instructions	C

How to Score This Police Exam Practice Test

Use this unofficial scoring guide:

Score	Interpretation
0–19	Needs significant review
20–27	Basic readiness, but several weak areas
28–33	Solid practice result
34–37	Strong practice result
38–40	Excellent practice result

This is not an official score scale.

Real police exam scoring depends on the agency, test provider, civil service rules and hiring process.

How to Improve Your Police Exam Score

Step 1: Identify Your Weakest Section

Do not study everything equally.

Track mistakes by section:

reading comprehension
situational judgment
report writing
math
memory
grammar
reasoning
map reading

Focus first on the section where you lost the most points.

Step 2: Practice Reading From the Passage

Police reading questions often test whether you can use only the facts provided.

Avoid outside assumptions.

Related guide:

• Police Reading Comprehension

Step 3: Improve Situational Judgment

Strong police SJT answers usually prioritize:

• safety;
• law and policy;
• ethics;
• communication;
• de-escalation when appropriate;
• officer safety;
• public safety;
• documentation;
• chain of command.

Related guide:

• Police Situational Judgment Test

Step 4: Practice Objective Report Writing

Police reports should be factual.

Avoid:

obviously
probably
crazy
guilty
bad person
acting weird

Use observable details instead.

Related guide:

• Police Report Writing Test

Step 5: Review Police Math

Police math is usually practical and basic.

Practice:

• arithmetic;
• percentages;
• averages;
• time;
• distance;
• speed;
• word problems.

Related guide:

• Police Math Test

Step 6: Train Memory and Observation

Use a fixed recall structure:

Person
Location
Vehicle
Weapon
Direction
Time
Action

Related guide:

• Police Memory Test

Common Police Exam Practice Test Mistakes

Avoid these mistakes:

• using outside knowledge on reading questions;
• choosing aggressive situational judgment answers;
• ignoring officer safety;
• failing to call for backup when appropriate;
• writing opinions instead of facts;
• rushing simple math;
• forgetting exact memory details;
• confusing license plate characters;
• misreading map directions;
• ignoring “not” or “except” questions;
• not practicing under time limits.

Related guide:

• Common Public Safety Test Mistakes

Best Police Exam Practice Test Prep

JobTestPrep is useful for police exam preparation because it provides law enforcement-style practice across major written exam sections.

Use JobTestPrep for:

• police written exam practice;
• reading comprehension;
• situational judgment;
• report writing;
• grammar;
• spelling;
• math;
• memory and observation;
• logical reasoning;
• timed simulations;
• answer explanations.

Recommended prep:

Free vs Paid Police Exam Practice Tests

Prep Type	Best Use
Free police practice questions	Learn common question types
Official candidate guides	Confirm exam format
Agency study guides	Understand local requirements
Timed drills	Build pacing
Paid JobTestPrep	More practice volume and explanations
Full practice tests	Build readiness

Free practice is useful for orientation. Paid prep is more useful when the exam is competitive or ranked.

7-Day Police Exam Practice Plan

Day	Study Focus
Day 1	Take diagnostic practice test
Day 2	Reading comprehension and grammar
Day 3	Situational judgment
Day 4	Report writing
Day 5	Math and reasoning
Day 6	Memory, observation and map reading
Day 7	Full timed practice and review

24-Hour Police Exam Practice Plan

If your exam is tomorrow:

1. Read the official test instructions.
2. Practice 10 reading questions.
3. Practice 10 situational judgment questions.
4. Practice 5 report writing questions.
5. Review basic math.
6. Practice one memory set.
7. Take one timed mixed practice set.
8. Review common mistakes.
9. Prepare ID, documents and logistics.
10. Rest.

When your hiring step includes mixed sections, pre-employment assessment practice can support broader review before test day.

Yes. Situational judgment test practice can offer practice materials for similar assessment formats.

Police exam practice can support extra practice with explanations when you want more timed drills.

For additional preparation, pre-employment assessment practice may be useful when your invitation includes similar question types.

Before test day, situational judgment test practice can help you rehearse timed sections and build answer consistency.

Police exam practice can help candidates become familiar with common question formats before the live assessment.

When your hiring step includes mixed sections, pre-employment assessment practice can support broader review before test day.

Yes. Situational judgment test practice can offer practice materials for similar assessment formats.

Police exam practice can support extra practice with explanations when you want more timed drills.

For additional preparation, pre-employment assessment practice may be useful when your invitation includes similar question types.

Before test day, situational judgment test practice can help you rehearse timed sections and build answer consistency.

Police exam practice can help candidates become familiar with common question formats before the live assessment.

Related Police Exam Guides

Use these related pages to continue preparing:

Guide	Best For
How to Pass Police Exam	Strategy guide
Police Written Exam	Exam format overview
Police Reading Comprehension	Reading passages
Police Situational Judgment Test	Judgment scenarios
Police Report Writing Test	Report writing
Police Math Test	Math practice
Police Memory Test	Memory and observation
Police Written Exam	Written test guide
Sheriff Exam	Sheriff / deputy exam prep
Common Public Safety Test Mistakes	Mistakes to avoid
Public Safety Test Study Plan	Study schedule

Sources / Information to Verify Before Publication

Before publication, verify police exam details with current official and agency sources.

Use sources such as:

• official police exam announcement;
• official police candidate guide;
• city or county civil service exam notice;
• POST-style study guides;
• agency study guides;
• Honolulu PD written exam guide;
• DART Police study guide;
• DPS careers POST resources;
• GoLawEnforcement police written exam guide;
• Peterson’s law enforcement prep;
• JobTestPrep police exam prep;
• PoliceTest.info police exam resources.

Verify:

• exact exam name;
• test provider;
• sections included;
• time limits;
• passing score;
• retest rules;
• whether calculator use is allowed;
• whether report writing is included;
• whether situational judgment is included;
• whether memory or observation is included;
• whether physical ability testing is separate;
• current JobTestPrep product contents;
• current affiliate URL;
• access duration and refund terms.

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