Police Written Exam: What Varies by Agency and Jurisdiction

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A police written exam is a common early screening step in many U.S. Police Officer hiring processes. There is no single national Police Officer entrance examination. Format, scoring, and later stages are set by the hiring agency, civil service commission, state POST program, or testing vendor named in the announcement.

Key takeaway: Prepare from the current job announcement or Notice of Examination for your agency. Do not treat one city’s written exam as the national standard.

This page covers general written-exam possibilities. For NYC, use the NYPD Police Exam guide. For California POST’s PELLETB, use the PELLETB guide. For Stanard & Associates’ National Police Officer Selection Test, use the NPOST guide. Return to the Police and Dispatcher Tests hub.

Written exam versus later hiring stages

Common Police Officer process stages and what controls them

Stage	What candidates should verify
Application and minimum qualifications	Age, education, citizenship, license, and related rules in the announcement
Written or computer-based exam	Subjects, delivery mode, and scoring rules in the announcement or vendor materials
Physical ability testing	Agency physical standards and event list when published
Oral board or structured interview	Agency interview instructions
Background investigation	Agency background packet; no evasion guidance belongs on this site
Medical and psychological evaluation	Agency medical and psychological screening rules
Polygraph or similar tools	Only when the agency publishes them; never universal
Academy and appointment	Agency academy and appointment conditions after list or offer steps

Possible written-exam skill areas

Agencies and vendors may sample reading comprehension, written expression, report writing, memory, observation, spatial orientation, basic arithmetic, reasoning, situational judgment, or biodata or work-style inventories. Present these as common possibilities, not a guaranteed national module list.

Personality or work-style items, when used, do not have one universally correct personality. Follow the instructions on the form you receive.

How to prepare

Read the announcement for your exact process. Practise the named ability areas under timed conditions. Distinguish local civil service exams from state POST batteries and from vendor products such as NPOST or agency-specific tools.

Optional third-party police exam practice

After you confirm the subjects named in your announcement, broader timed practice may help with pacing across common police written-exam skills. Police exam preparation practice from JobTestPrep is an independent commercial option. It is not an official agency exam and cannot promise exact local replication. Compare coverage with your announcement before purchasing.

Police Written Exam Practice Questions

Answer each question before reading the explanation.

Section 1: Reading Comprehension

Read the passage and answer Questions 1-4.

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.

For ranked-response or work-style sections, situational judgment preparation may also be useful when you need extra drills under time pressure.

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.

When your invitation covers several skill areas, broader Assessment test preparation can support mixed review before test day.

Question 4: 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.

Related guide:

• Police Reading Comprehension

Section 2: Situational Judgment

Question 5: 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 6: Possible Weapon

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

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 risk.

Question 7: Report Integrity

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

What is the best response?

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

Answer and Explanation

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

Report accuracy and integrity are essential in law enforcement.

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, listen, maintain safety and communicate professionally
• C. Walk away without considering the situation
• D. Threaten arrest immediately because the citizen is upset

Answer and Explanation

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

A strong response maintains emotional control and avoids unnecessary escalation.

Related guide:

• Police Situational Judgment Test

Section 3: Report Writing

Read the incident details and answer Questions 9-12.

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 9: 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 10: 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 11: 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 12: 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 13: 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 14: 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 15: 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 16: 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 17-22.

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 17: 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 18: 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 19: 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 20: 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 wore a gray hoodie.

Question 21: 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 22: 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 23: 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 24: 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 25: Objective Writing

Which sentence should be avoided 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 26: 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 and Instructions

Question 27: 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 28: 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 29: 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 30: 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 Written Exam Answer Key

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

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