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UTAH POST SFO FINAL ACTUAL
EXAM 200 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS | LATEST 2026-
2027 VERSION | RATED A + | NEW AND
REVISED
1. An SFO working courthouse security observes a subject
intentionally bypass a metal detector after being instructed
to stop. What is the most appropriate initial response?
A. Immediately use physical force to detain the subject
B. Give a clear verbal command and attempt voluntary
compliance
C. Ignore the behavior unless a weapon is visible
D. Arrest the subject for disorderly conduct
Italicized rationale: Verbal direction and voluntary
compliance align with officer safety, professionalism, and
the force continuum.*
2. Which amendment primarily governs search and seizure by
SFOs?
A. First Amendment
B. Fifth Amendment
C. Fourth Amendment
D. Sixth Amendment
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Italicized rationale: The Fourth Amendment protects
against unreasonable searches and seizures.*
3. Probable cause is best defined as:
A. A hunch based on officer experience
B. Proof beyond a reasonable doubt
C. Facts and circumstances that would lead a
reasonable person to believe a crime occurred
D. Information provided only by another officer
Italicized rationale: Probable cause is a reasonable belief
based on articulable facts.*
4. An SFO may conduct a frisk during a lawful stop when:
A. The subject refuses to answer questions
B. The officer reasonably believes the subject may be
armed and dangerous
C. The subject has a criminal history
D. The stop occurs at night
Italicized rationale: Terry v. Ohio authorizes a limited pat-
down for weapons.*
5. Use of force must always be:
A. Equal to the suspect’s size
B. Approved by a supervisor
C. Objectively reasonable based on the totality of
circumstances
D. The highest level necessary to gain compliance
Italicized rationale: Graham v. Connor establishes
objective reasonableness.*
6. An SFO working in a correctional setting should prioritize
which duty first?
A. Report writing
B. Inmate discipline
C. Safety and security of staff and inmates
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D. Property control
Italicized rationale: Safety is the primary responsibility in
secure facilities.*
7. Which factor is MOST important when determining arrest
authority?
A. Officer seniority
B. Agency policy only
C. Statutory authority and jurisdiction
D. Public opinion
Italicized rationale: Arrest authority derives from law and
jurisdiction.*
8. When must Miranda warnings be given?
A. During every citizen contact
B. During custodial interrogation
C. Prior to any arrest
D. When force is used
Italicized rationale: Miranda applies only to custodial
interrogation.*
9. Ethical conduct for an SFO requires:
A. Loyalty to coworkers above all
B. Honesty, integrity, and accountability
C. Avoiding all discretionary decisions
D. Strict enforcement without judgment
Italicized rationale: Ethics emphasize integrity and public
trust.*
10. A subject verbally insults an SFO but makes no
threats. The officer should:
A. Arrest for disorderly conduct
B. Remain professional and not escalate
C. Use force to gain respect
D. Leave the area immediately
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Italicized rationale: Verbal insults alone are protected
speech.*
11. Chain of custody refers to:
A. Evidence storage location
B. Documented control and transfer of evidence
C. Supervisor approval of evidence
D. Courtroom presentation
Italicized rationale: Proper documentation preserves
evidentiary integrity.*
12. An SFO discovers contraband during a lawful search.
The next step is to:
A. Destroy the item
B. Ignore it
C. Secure and document the evidence
D. Return it after the shift
Italicized rationale: Evidence must be secured and
documented.*
13. Which situation BEST justifies handcuffing during a
detention?
A. Officer convenience
B. Reasonable concern for officer safety
C. Subject’s attitude
D. Public visibility
Italicized rationale: Safety concerns justify temporary
restraints.*
14. Deadly force is justified when:
A. A suspect flees custody
B. There is an imminent threat of death or serious
bodily harm
C. A felony has occurred
D. The suspect resists arrest
UTAH POST SFO FINAL ACTUAL
EXAM 200 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS | LATEST 2026-
2027 VERSION | RATED A + | NEW AND
REVISED
1. An SFO working courthouse security observes a subject
intentionally bypass a metal detector after being instructed
to stop. What is the most appropriate initial response?
A. Immediately use physical force to detain the subject
B. Give a clear verbal command and attempt voluntary
compliance
C. Ignore the behavior unless a weapon is visible
D. Arrest the subject for disorderly conduct
Italicized rationale: Verbal direction and voluntary
compliance align with officer safety, professionalism, and
the force continuum.*
2. Which amendment primarily governs search and seizure by
SFOs?
A. First Amendment
B. Fifth Amendment
C. Fourth Amendment
D. Sixth Amendment
,2|Page
Italicized rationale: The Fourth Amendment protects
against unreasonable searches and seizures.*
3. Probable cause is best defined as:
A. A hunch based on officer experience
B. Proof beyond a reasonable doubt
C. Facts and circumstances that would lead a
reasonable person to believe a crime occurred
D. Information provided only by another officer
Italicized rationale: Probable cause is a reasonable belief
based on articulable facts.*
4. An SFO may conduct a frisk during a lawful stop when:
A. The subject refuses to answer questions
B. The officer reasonably believes the subject may be
armed and dangerous
C. The subject has a criminal history
D. The stop occurs at night
Italicized rationale: Terry v. Ohio authorizes a limited pat-
down for weapons.*
5. Use of force must always be:
A. Equal to the suspect’s size
B. Approved by a supervisor
C. Objectively reasonable based on the totality of
circumstances
D. The highest level necessary to gain compliance
Italicized rationale: Graham v. Connor establishes
objective reasonableness.*
6. An SFO working in a correctional setting should prioritize
which duty first?
A. Report writing
B. Inmate discipline
C. Safety and security of staff and inmates
,3|Page
D. Property control
Italicized rationale: Safety is the primary responsibility in
secure facilities.*
7. Which factor is MOST important when determining arrest
authority?
A. Officer seniority
B. Agency policy only
C. Statutory authority and jurisdiction
D. Public opinion
Italicized rationale: Arrest authority derives from law and
jurisdiction.*
8. When must Miranda warnings be given?
A. During every citizen contact
B. During custodial interrogation
C. Prior to any arrest
D. When force is used
Italicized rationale: Miranda applies only to custodial
interrogation.*
9. Ethical conduct for an SFO requires:
A. Loyalty to coworkers above all
B. Honesty, integrity, and accountability
C. Avoiding all discretionary decisions
D. Strict enforcement without judgment
Italicized rationale: Ethics emphasize integrity and public
trust.*
10. A subject verbally insults an SFO but makes no
threats. The officer should:
A. Arrest for disorderly conduct
B. Remain professional and not escalate
C. Use force to gain respect
D. Leave the area immediately
, 4|Page
Italicized rationale: Verbal insults alone are protected
speech.*
11. Chain of custody refers to:
A. Evidence storage location
B. Documented control and transfer of evidence
C. Supervisor approval of evidence
D. Courtroom presentation
Italicized rationale: Proper documentation preserves
evidentiary integrity.*
12. An SFO discovers contraband during a lawful search.
The next step is to:
A. Destroy the item
B. Ignore it
C. Secure and document the evidence
D. Return it after the shift
Italicized rationale: Evidence must be secured and
documented.*
13. Which situation BEST justifies handcuffing during a
detention?
A. Officer convenience
B. Reasonable concern for officer safety
C. Subject’s attitude
D. Public visibility
Italicized rationale: Safety concerns justify temporary
restraints.*
14. Deadly force is justified when:
A. A suspect flees custody
B. There is an imminent threat of death or serious
bodily harm
C. A felony has occurred
D. The suspect resists arrest
