NPOST Police Test Observation and Memory Skills Flashcards

You must monitor the north entrance of a building while approaching from the south. Which direction should you face?

Answer: North

To monitor the north entrance while approaching from the south the officer must face north toward the target location.

A description states a suspect has a tattoo on his LEFT arm. When you are facing the suspect the tattoo appears on which side of YOUR body?

Answer: Your right side

When facing someone their left arm is on your right side due to mirror orientation.

A photo showing four items on a table is removed and you are tested on it. Which question tests observational memory?

Answer: How many items were on the table?

Observational memory questions ask about what was visually present such as the quantity and type of observed items.

An officer responding to a call notes a parked car with the engine running. Which observation is MOST relevant to report?

Answer: The vehicle's make, model, color, and license plate

Make, model, color, and license plate are the four standard identifiers used to locate and trace a vehicle.

An officer must recall the sequence of events during a 10-minute incident. Which approach ensures accurate sequencing?

Answer: Write events in chronological order immediately after the incident

Immediate chronological documentation preserves the accurate sequence of events before memory fades.

When scanning a crowd for suspicious behavior what is the MOST important principle for an officer to apply?

Answer: Observe without bias, focusing on behaviors rather than physical appearance

Behavior-based observation is more accurate and legally sound than appearance-based profiling.