POLICE ACADEMY GRADUATION EXAM
QUESTION AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects citizens from
unreasonable searches and seizures?
A. First Amendment
B. Third Amendment
C. Fourth Amendment
D. Fifth Amendment
Answer: C. Fourth Amendment
Rationale: The Fourth Amendment establishes protections against
unreasonable searches and seizures by law enforcement.
2. Probable cause is best defined as:
A. A mere suspicion
B. Evidence sufficient to convict
C. Reasonable belief a crime has been committed
D. A hunch based on experience
Answer: C. Reasonable belief a crime has been committed
Rationale: Probable cause requires facts and circumstances that would
lead a reasonable person to believe a crime occurred.
3. Which level of force is considered the lowest on the force continuum?
A. Deadly force
B. Intermediate weapons
C. Officer presence
, D. Physical control
Answer: C. Officer presence
Rationale: Officer presence alone can often deter criminal behavior
without physical contact.
4. The Miranda warning is required when a suspect is:
A. Arrested
B. Detained
C. In custody and being interrogated
D. Questioned in public
Answer: C. In custody and being interrogated
Rationale: Miranda applies only when both custody and interrogation are
present.
5. Which crime requires intent as a necessary element?
A. Strict liability offense
B. Malum prohibitum offense
C. Felony
D. Malum in se offense
Answer: D. Malum in se offense
Rationale: Malum in se crimes involve inherently wrongful acts that
typically require criminal intent.
6. A Terry stop allows an officer to:
A. Arrest without cause
B. Search a vehicle fully
C. Conduct a limited pat-down for weapons
D. Search for evidence
Answer: C. Conduct a limited pat-down for weapons
Rationale: Terry v. Ohio allows limited frisks for officer safety when
reasonable suspicion exists.
7. Which document authorizes the arrest of a suspect?
A. Subpoena
B. Summons
, C. Arrest warrant
D. Citation
Answer: C. Arrest warrant
Rationale: An arrest warrant authorizes law enforcement to take a person
into custody.
8. The primary purpose of patrol is to:
A. Make arrests
B. Respond to calls
C. Prevent crime
D. Conduct investigations
Answer: C. Prevent crime
Rationale: Visible patrol presence deters crime and reassures the
community.
9. What is the main goal of community policing?
A. Aggressive enforcement
B. Increased arrests
C. Partnership with the community
D. Rapid response only
Answer: C. Partnership with the community
Rationale: Community policing emphasizes collaboration to solve
problems and build trust.
10.Which traffic violation is considered a moving violation?
A. Expired registration
B. Illegal parking
C. Speeding
D. Broken taillight
Answer: C. Speeding
Rationale: Moving violations occur while the vehicle is in motion.
11.Evidence obtained illegally is generally excluded under the:
A. Plain view doctrine
B. Good faith exception
QUESTION AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects citizens from
unreasonable searches and seizures?
A. First Amendment
B. Third Amendment
C. Fourth Amendment
D. Fifth Amendment
Answer: C. Fourth Amendment
Rationale: The Fourth Amendment establishes protections against
unreasonable searches and seizures by law enforcement.
2. Probable cause is best defined as:
A. A mere suspicion
B. Evidence sufficient to convict
C. Reasonable belief a crime has been committed
D. A hunch based on experience
Answer: C. Reasonable belief a crime has been committed
Rationale: Probable cause requires facts and circumstances that would
lead a reasonable person to believe a crime occurred.
3. Which level of force is considered the lowest on the force continuum?
A. Deadly force
B. Intermediate weapons
C. Officer presence
, D. Physical control
Answer: C. Officer presence
Rationale: Officer presence alone can often deter criminal behavior
without physical contact.
4. The Miranda warning is required when a suspect is:
A. Arrested
B. Detained
C. In custody and being interrogated
D. Questioned in public
Answer: C. In custody and being interrogated
Rationale: Miranda applies only when both custody and interrogation are
present.
5. Which crime requires intent as a necessary element?
A. Strict liability offense
B. Malum prohibitum offense
C. Felony
D. Malum in se offense
Answer: D. Malum in se offense
Rationale: Malum in se crimes involve inherently wrongful acts that
typically require criminal intent.
6. A Terry stop allows an officer to:
A. Arrest without cause
B. Search a vehicle fully
C. Conduct a limited pat-down for weapons
D. Search for evidence
Answer: C. Conduct a limited pat-down for weapons
Rationale: Terry v. Ohio allows limited frisks for officer safety when
reasonable suspicion exists.
7. Which document authorizes the arrest of a suspect?
A. Subpoena
B. Summons
, C. Arrest warrant
D. Citation
Answer: C. Arrest warrant
Rationale: An arrest warrant authorizes law enforcement to take a person
into custody.
8. The primary purpose of patrol is to:
A. Make arrests
B. Respond to calls
C. Prevent crime
D. Conduct investigations
Answer: C. Prevent crime
Rationale: Visible patrol presence deters crime and reassures the
community.
9. What is the main goal of community policing?
A. Aggressive enforcement
B. Increased arrests
C. Partnership with the community
D. Rapid response only
Answer: C. Partnership with the community
Rationale: Community policing emphasizes collaboration to solve
problems and build trust.
10.Which traffic violation is considered a moving violation?
A. Expired registration
B. Illegal parking
C. Speeding
D. Broken taillight
Answer: C. Speeding
Rationale: Moving violations occur while the vehicle is in motion.
11.Evidence obtained illegally is generally excluded under the:
A. Plain view doctrine
B. Good faith exception
