How to Survive the Written Police Officer Exam
All departments require applicants to take a written exam during the first part of the selection process for eligibility to attend a police academy. The multiple-choice questions and essays focus on common-sense knowledge, memory skills, comprehension of events and problem-solving capabilities. Preparation for this exam is crucial in order to gain confidence and improve one's chances of passing the test.
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Instructions
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Sharpening Observation Skills
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Practice observing your surroundings frequently. With a keen eye, take in everything about each situation such as the number of people present, what they are doing and how they are acting. Don't make any judgments, just focus on observing the area.
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Remember as much detail as possible, such as what people are wearing, a cracked window nearby or an abandoned kite on the ground. This is what a police officer does during various types of situations. Take about a minute or two to absorb everything, then turn away from the scene to recall what you've seen from memory.
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After your recollection is complete, turn back around to check the entire scene for accuracy. If you are unsatisfied with your results or remembered some things incorrectly, repeat the observation again. This exercise pertains to the written test that may include visual or text observations, for about a minute or two, before having to turn the page and answer related questions.
Practice Exams
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Purchase police officer exam preparation books from a bookstore or an online store, such as Amazon. Look out for books with specific state exams as these books only have sample exams and not the exact type that a department will have.
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Take the various practice exams in pencil keeping in mind that observations and common sense are the keys to answering a question correctly. Make it a point to take these exams repeatedly in order to improve scores and learn more about the thinking process of police work.
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Read the multiple-choice answers before reading a question. Remember that this method will help to distinguish accurate facts within a lengthy question that focuses on memory and observation.
Self-Practice Methods
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Read on a regular basis, to improve grammar and comprehension skills. Make reading material varied, in order to absorb all kinds of information. Do not read when tired since memory is at a disadvantage during that time.
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Read newspapers and magazine articles as an exercise to retain facts. Read short stories, novels and nonfiction books to learn about different points of views and situations.
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Practice writing in order to prepare for any required essays during the exam. Any kind of writing will do, such as listing tasks or jotting down observations and opinions.
Observing a Police Officer's Duties
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Sign up for a shift ride with a patrol officer at the local police department. The opportunity to see firsthand what police work involves will give an applicant a better perspective before the written exam.
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Observe all of the officer's interactions on the street, as well as his radio communications with colleagues and the dispatch center. Be aware of surroundings and what it takes to answer a nonemergency or emergency call.
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Ask questions about certain scenarios that are hard to understand such as the officer's decision to search a car for weapons. Keep in mind any advice the officer gives in regard to situations.
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Pay attention to how the officer deals with problem-solving during calls, like the right way to handle a domestic disturbance at a house. Observe from a distance in order to remain safe and to help the officer focus on the task at hand.
Department Test Guidance
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Check the department's website to find out if there are any helpful tips for written exams. Some departments have test guides.
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Follow contact instructions in case of any questions regarding the exam process. Do not call the department directly unless its website provides a specific number for questions.
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Study available exam guides or pertinent information. Also, learn as much as possible about the department's history and procedures, not only to become familiar with its inner workings but also to acquire some knowledge that may be related to an exam question.
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Tips & Warnings
During the exam period, try to relax and keep an open mind. Do not rush through questions or go too slowly since there are time constraints.
While on a ride-along with a police officer, unforeseen dangerous circumstances can happen so stay alert and be ready to get out of the way. Also, listen to any instructions from the officer before the shift begins.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit taking test image by Petro Feketa from Fotolia.com
