Police Test Questions: Practice Questions, Answers and Explanations

Police test questions are used to evaluate whether candidates have the reading, writing, judgment, reasoning and attention-to-detail skills needed for entry-level law enforcement work.

Police written exams vary by agency and test provider, but they commonly include questions on:

• 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.

This page gives you police-style practice questions with answers and explanations.

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 Types of Questions Are on Police Tests?

Police test questions usually measure practical skills rather than advanced legal knowledge.

Common question types include:

Question Type	What It Measures
Reading comprehension	Understanding policies, reports and written passages
Situational judgment	Choosing safe, ethical and policy-based responses
Report writing	Writing clear, factual and objective reports
Grammar and spelling	Professional written communication
Math	Arithmetic, percentages, time, distance and word problems
Memory	Recalling people, vehicles, locations and events
Observation	Noticing accurate details
Logical reasoning	Drawing conclusions from facts and rules
Map reading	Directions, routes and locations
Following instructions	Applying written rules correctly

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

Police Test Questions: Mixed Practice Set

Recommended timing:

35 questions
40 minutes

For a harder timed drill:

35 questions
30 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 subject attempting to flee. Officers should communicate relevant information to dispatch, follow department procedure and request assistance when necessary. Officers should avoid making assumptions until they have gathered information from available sources.

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, communicate and follow procedure
• C. Officers should never request assistance
• D. Officers should assume every caller is wrong

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Officers should assess safety risks, communicate and follow procedure

The passage focuses on safety assessment, communication, procedure, assistance and avoiding assumptions.

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: Assistance

According to the passage, officers should request assistance:

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

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. When necessary

The passage says officers should request assistance when necessary.

Question 5: Unsupported Statement

Which statement is not supported by the passage?

• A. Officers should assess safety risks
• B. Aggressive behavior may be a risk
• C. Officers should always ignore a subject attempting to flee
• D. Officers should avoid making assumptions too early

Answer and Explanation

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

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

Related guide:

• Police Reading Comprehension

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: Possible Weapon

A witness says a subject may have a knife. You have not yet seen the subject.

What is the best response?

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

Answer and Explanation

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

A possible weapon should be treated as a safety concern until clarified.

Question 8: Angry Citizen

A citizen is angry and yelling during a non-emergency contact.

What is the best response?

• A. Yell back to establish authority
• B. Stay calm, maintain safety and communicate professionally
• C. Walk away without assessing the situation
• D. Threaten arrest immediately only because the citizen is upset

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Stay calm, maintain safety and communicate professionally

A strong answer shows emotional control, professionalism and safety awareness.

Question 9: Report Error

You realize you made an error in an incident report after submitting it.

What is the best response?

• A. Ignore the error unless someone notices
• B. Correct the error according to department procedure and notify the appropriate person if required
• C. Delete the report without telling anyone
• D. Blame another officer

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Correct the error according to department procedure and notify the appropriate person if required

This response shows integrity, accountability and respect for accurate documentation.

Question 10: Coworker Misconduct

You observe another officer adding a detail to a report that did not happen.

What is the best response?

• A. Ignore it because the detail seems minor
• B. Address or report the issue according to policy
• C. Add false details to your own report too
• D. Post about it online

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Address or report the issue according to policy

Report accuracy and integrity are essential in law enforcement.

Related guide:

• Police Situational Judgment Test

Section 3: Report Writing

Read the incident details and answer Questions 11–16.

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 Corolla
• D. White Honda Accord

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. Blue Honda Civic

The subject was standing beside 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.

Question 16: Observation vs Conclusion

Which statement is an observation rather than a conclusion?

• A. The subject was planning to commit a crime
• B. The subject was clearly hiding stolen property
• C. The subject placed a small black bag under the front passenger seat
• D. The subject was guilty

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C.

This statement describes an observed action. The other options contain unsupported conclusions.

Related guide:

• Police Report Writing Test

Section 4: Police Math

Question 17: 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 18: Subtraction

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

• A. 42
• B. 46
• C. 48
• D. 52

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 48

85 - 37 = 48

Question 19: Percentage

What is 25% of 160?

• A. 30
• B. 35
• C. 40
• D. 45

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 40

25% is one quarter.

160 ÷ 4 = 40

Question 20: Average

An officer completes reports in 20, 25, 30 and 35 minutes. What is the average report completion 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 21: Time

A shift begins at 6:45 a.m. and ends at 3:15 p.m. How long is the shift?

• A. 7 hours 30 minutes
• B. 8 hours
• C. 8 hours 30 minutes
• D. 9 hours

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 8 hours 30 minutes

6:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. = 8 hours
2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. = 30 minutes
Total = 8 hours 30 minutes

Related guide:

• Police Math Test

Section 5: Memory and Observation

Study the details for 45 seconds, then answer Questions 22–27.

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 22: 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 23: 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 24: 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 described as wearing a blue jacket.

Question 25: 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 described as wearing a gray hoodie.

Question 26: 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 27: 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 Spelling

Question 28: Subject-Verb Agreement

Choose the correctly written 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 29: Complete Sentence

Which option is a complete sentence?

• A. Because the witness left the scene.
• B. The officer arrived at 9:15 p.m.
• C. While the subject was walking away.
• D. After reviewing the statement.

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. The officer arrived at 9:15 p.m.

This option contains a subject, a verb and a complete thought.

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.

Question 31: Best Word Choice

Which sentence uses the most professional wording?

• A. The suspect booked it down the street.
• B. The suspect fled eastbound on Oak Street.
• C. The suspect got out of there real fast.
• D. The suspect was super suspicious.

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. The suspect fled eastbound on Oak Street.

This sentence is professional, specific and clear.

Section 7: Logical Reasoning and Instructions

Question 32: 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 rule says photographs must be included when available.

Question 33: 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 34: 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 35: 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.

Police Test Questions Answer Key

Question	Section	Correct Answer
1	Reading comprehension	B
2	Detail	B
3	Detail	A
4	Detail	A
5	Unsupported statement	C
6	Situational judgment	C
7	Officer safety	B
8	Public interaction	B
9	Report accuracy	B
10	Integrity	B
11	Report writing	B
12	Unsupported statement	D
13	Detail accuracy	B
14	Detail accuracy	A
15	Detail accuracy	C
16	Observation vs conclusion	C
17	Math	C
18	Math	C
19	Percentage	C
20	Average	B
21	Time calculation	C
22	Memory	A
23	Memory	B
24	Memory	A
25	Memory	B
26	Direction recall	B
27	Time recall	B
28	Grammar	B
29	Complete sentence	B
30	Spelling	B
31	Word choice	B
32	Rule application	A
33	Logical reasoning	A
34	Sequence	B
35	Classification	C

How to Use Police Test Questions Effectively

Do not only answer questions and count your score.

Use each question to identify a specific weakness.

Track mistakes by section:

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

Then spend more time on the section where you lose the most points.

Police Test Question Strategies by Section

Reading Comprehension Strategy

Use only the passage.

Ask:

Where is this answer supported?

Avoid using outside assumptions, even if the answer sounds reasonable.

Related guide:

• Police Reading Comprehension

Situational Judgment Strategy

Strong police judgment answers usually prioritize:

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

Weak answers are often too aggressive, too passive or unethical.

Related guide:

• Police Situational Judgment Test

Report Writing Strategy

Choose sentences that are:

• factual;
• specific;
• objective;
• chronological;
• professional;
• based on observation or properly attributed statements.

Avoid unsupported words such as:

obviously
probably
guilty
crazy
weird
bad person

Related guide:

• Police Report Writing Test

Math Strategy

Before calculating, ask:

What am I being asked to find?

Common police math topics include:

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

Related guide:

• Police Math Test

Memory Strategy

Focus on high-value details:

person
vehicle
license plate
location
time
direction
weapon
injury
action

Use structured recall instead of trying to remember every word.

Related guide:

• Police Memory Test

Grammar Strategy

Police grammar questions often test:

• subject-verb agreement;
• spelling;
• punctuation;
• complete sentences;
• word choice;
• sentence clarity.

Professional communication matters because officers write reports, statements and official documentation.

Common Mistakes on Police Test Questions

Avoid these mistakes:

• using outside knowledge on reading questions;
• missing “not” or “except” in the question;
• choosing overly aggressive judgment answers;
• choosing passive answers that ignore safety;
• writing opinions instead of facts;
• confusing observation with reported information;
• rushing simple math;
• forgetting exact memory details;
• ignoring grammar and spelling;
• not practicing under time limits.

Related guide:

• Common Public Safety Test Mistakes

Best Police Test Prep

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

Use JobTestPrep for:

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

Recommended prep:

Free vs Paid Police Test Questions

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

Free practice is useful for orientation. Paid prep is more useful when your exam is competitive, ranked or includes multiple sections.

7-Day Police Test Question Plan

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

24-Hour Police Test Question 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 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
Police Exam Practice Test	Full police practice test
Police Written Exam	Exam format overview
How to Pass Police Exam	Strategy guide
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
NPOST Practice Test	NPOST-style questions
PELLET-B Practice Test	California PELLET-B prep
NYPD Police Exam	NYPD exam prep
OACP Practice Test	Ontario police certificate prep

Sources / Information to Verify Before Publication

Before publication, verify police test 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.

FAQ