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Entry-Level Police OfficerWritten/Video TestApplicant Orientation andStudy GuideCivil Service CommissionCity and County of DenverProvided by Fire & Police Selection, Inc. (FPSI) andThe Denver Civil Service CommissionRevised November 10, 2011Co-copyright 2008 Fire & Police Selection, Inc. and The Denver Civil Service Commission
OverviewOne of the first steps toward becoming a Police Officer for the City and County of Denver is takingand passing a Civil Service examination which is made up of several test/screening components.This test preparation guide was written specifically to assist you with understanding the componentsof the written and video tests, to provide you with helpful hints on test taking, and to provide youwith sample questions. Upon arrival to take the written test, applicants will need to allot up to four(4) hours of time for the initial testing and screening. Dress comfortably; business attire is notrequired. You may want to dress in layers in the event the test room is too warm or too cold.The entry-level Police Officer written test is administered via computer and consists of two subtests designed to measure critical constructs required for successful job performance as a PoliceOfficer. You will have an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the computer before you start theactual test. You do not need previous Police or computer experience to pass the written test. Thecomponents of this test have been developed and validated by Denver Police Officers and Sergeantswho have experience performing the essential functions of the Police Officer job. Each constructmeasured by this test has been carefully linked to the job description and identified as a critical skillor ability necessary for performance of the job.The constructs measured by the entry-level written test include: Writing Ability—44 items (to include correct wording, grammar, spelling,punctuation as well as ease of understanding)Human Relations—58 items (to include: ability to work under stressful conditions,integrity, ethics, decision-making, self-control, the ability to maintain confidentiality,interpersonal skills, teamwork, ability to follow rules, demonstrating respect forothers)Subject-matter experts have endorsed every item on the test and have confirmed that the readinglevel of the passages and the test items are appropriate based upon the materials found on the joband in the academy.How to Prepare for the TestAll of the constructs measured on the test are based upon basic skills and abilities that a minimallyqualified applicant should possess. You should also familiarize yourself with the essential functionsrequired of a Police Officer as described in the Police Officer Examination Informational Bookletlocated on our website at www.denvergov.org/civilservice and evaluate if you are qualified for theposition before testing. This will help you determine which skill sets require additional preparation.Carefully follow any oral and written instructions that are given to you during the orientationsession before the test begins. Failure to follow instructions can be detrimental to your testing andyou could be disqualified for failure to follow instructions. Therefore, don’t be afraid to ask the testproctor for help if you do not understand the instructions.Familiarize yourself with the time limits for the test and be aware of how much time you have used.You can check your remaining time periodically during the test. It is your responsibility to manageyour time. If you do not know the answer to a question, skip it and come back to the question later.Co-copyright 2008 Fire & Police Selection, Inc. and The Denver Civil Service Commission
Do not spend too much time on one question. If you run out of time, questions you do not answerare counted as incorrect.You will be allotted three (3) hours to complete the written test. Be sure you have answered allof the questions in the section. If you have extra time, you should review your answers and be sureto answer any questions you skipped. You are allowed to return to a section once you havecompleted it providing you have time remaining.It is to your advantage to answer all of the test questions. If you are not sure which answer iscorrect, eliminate choices you know are wrong. If you can narrow the number of choices, youincrease your chances of answering the question correctly.Rely on your own ability; do not attempt to look at other computer screens for assistance answeringany of the questions. Anyone caught cheating or attempting to cheat will be disqualified and his orher test results will be invalidated and the testing process will be stopped.In addition to this study guide, there are a variety of preparatory publications available that may behelpful to those applicants who could use a refresher in basic reading and writing skills. TheDenver Civil Service Commission and FPSI cannot endorse any particular publication or resourcein terms of preparing for the test, however, you will find a list of additional testing resources at theend of this guide or you may visit the Commission website at www.denvergov.org/civilservice orthe Denver Department of Public Safety Recruitment website www.denvergov.jobs for other testresource information. Public libraries, bookstores, and the Internet are other resources to help youprepare for the test or to refresh your skills.Test Yourself for Success with the Practice Test ItemsSample questions from the constructs being measured on the written test are included in this studyguide. These sample test items are very similar to the types of items found on the actual test.Prepare for Your Test DayTo decrease test anxiety, avoid junk food and concentrate on a well-balanced diet for several daysbefore the test. A good night’s sleep the night before the test and a healthy breakfast the morning ofthe test is strongly recommended.Familiarize yourself with the test location and the parking requirements. A map to the CivilService, parking and public transportation information can be accessed via our website atwww.denvergov.org/civilservice .Don’t be late for the test. Plan on arriving a few minutes early. Please refer to your particularscheduled appointment date and time.The Day of the TestArrive at least fifteen minutes early on the day of the test. Applicants who are late will be deniedpermission to take the test. Be sure to bring photo identification such as a driver’s license or otherpicture I.D. If you fail to bring a picture I.D., you will not be permitted to test. Casual attire isrecommended as the written test may last up to three (3) hours. You are permitted to bring aCo-copyright 2008 Fire & Police Selection, Inc. and The Denver Civil Service Commission
watch, however the computer will provide you the amount of time remaining when you click on the“time” button. The Commission will provide all necessary supplies. Please be advised thatapplicants are not allowed to bring any test preparation materials or notes into the testing area. Youmay NOT refer to any study materials during the test.In the Writing Ability Section of the test, you will be instructed to choose the “best” or “mostcorrect” alternative from four different alternatives. Most applicants find it helpful to read the entirequestion and all of the alternatives before choosing the best or most correct alternative. It is better toread all of the alternatives as you may find one that is a better answer than the one you firstthought was correct. In the Human Relations Section of the test, you will be asked to identify boththe “most appropriate” response and the “least appropriate” response.DO NOT LEAVE ANY ANSWERS BLANK. You are scored on the number of correctanswers you give in response to the questions. In other words, you will be penalized for anyanswers left blank. Even if you are not certain of a correct answer, you SHOULD GUESS atwhat the correct answer might be. Try to eliminate alternatives that you know are wrong andguess from the ones that remain. This will increase your chances of guessing the correctanswer(s). Answers left blank will NOT be counted towards the number of correct responses inyour final score.All of the items on the test are unit-weighted items (e.g., they are each worth one point). Thehighest score you can obtain on the written test is a raw score of 102.The current passing score for the written test is 64.7059% or 66 raw items out of 102. Applicantswho pass the written test will be allowed to proceed to the video test.Dealing with AnxietyThis test is not a measure of your self-worth or your intelligence. This test is designed to measureyour levels of writing ability and a variety of human relations skills. If you have performed poorlyon other tests in the past, that does not necessarily mean you will perform poorly on this test.Because, unlike many other types of tests, this test is designed to measure a variety of critical skillsand abilities that are essential to successful Police Officer job performance in a way that does notoverestimate the importance of cognitive skills and other constructs which, historically, result inlower passing rates.There are no trick questions on the test. Each and every question on the test can be answered basedupon basic skills and abilities you should have developed throughout your life.We wish you a successful testing experience in your employment endeavors to become a DenverPolice Officer!Co-copyright 2008 Fire & Police Selection, Inc. and The Denver Civil Service Commission
SampleWriting Ability SectionPractice TestFor this section of the practice test, you will answer twenty-five (25) sample items that are similarto those items found on the Writing Ability Section of the Entry-Level Police Officer Written Test.Please note the actual test contains forty-four (44) test items.You may proceed to the Human Relations Section Practice Test when you have completed theWriting Ability Section Practice Test.Co-copyright 2008 Fire & Police Selection, Inc. and The Denver Civil Service Commission
For items 1-2, choose the pair of words that best completes the sentence.1.Be of obvious things and of persons quick to produce identification oralibis.A.B.C.D.2.Every officer should in mind that when two objects meet, some of thatmeeting can be established and verified at a later time.A.B.C.D.3.“bear” and “effect”“bare” and “effect”“bear” and “affect”“bare” and “affect”Considering grammar, spelling, and punctuation as well as ease of understanding, whichof the following sentences is most acceptable?A.B.C.D.4.“caution” and “weary”“cautious” and “wary”“aware” and “skeptacle”“cautious” and “skepticle”Listening to what others has to say is always a good idea?Listening to what others have to say is always a good idea.Always listen to what other’s have to say until answering her.Always listen to what others has to say before answering them.Considering grammar, spelling, and punctuation as well as ease of understanding, whichof the following sentences is most acceptable?A. Strict traffic law enforcement is the most effective weapon with which the officermay combat the auto theft problem.B. Strict traffic law enforcement is the best way with which the officer will combat aauto theft problem.C. Officers can combat a auto theft problem by being strict law enforcers.D. Officers which are strict law enforcers can best combat the auto theft problems.5.Considering grammar, spelling, and punctuation as well as ease of understanding, whichof the following sentences is most acceptable?A. Many times a traffic violator will provide an officer the opportunity to stop a car andapproach a car theif that might otherwise escape detection.B. Many times, a traffic violation will provide an officer the opportunity to stop a carand apprehend a car thief who might otherwise escape detection.C. Many times, a violator provides and officer the option to stop a car and approach acar thief who might otherwise escape detention.D. Many times, a traffic violation provides an officer the option to stop a car andapprehend a car their who might otherwise escape detention.Co-copyright 2008 Fire & Police Selection, Inc. and The Denver Civil Service Commission
6.Considering grammar, spelling, and punctuation as well as ease of understanding, whichof the following sentences is most acceptable?A. Certain procedural steps must be taking by the officers on scene to make a strongcase to work.B. Certain things must happen by the officers when they need a case to work strongly.C. Certain procedural steps must be taken by the officers at the scene to create a strongfoundation from which to work.D. Certain steps by the officer must occurr at the scene for certain foundations to work.7.Identify the type of error that is found in the following sentence:The public judges our department by our employees’ actions.A.B.C.D.8.SpellingGrammarPunctuationThere is no errorIdentify the type of error that is found in the following sentence:If an officer has probubble cause to believe that a vehicle contains stolen property,he or she may thoroughly search both the locked and unlocked portions of re is no errorIdentify the type of error that is found in the following sentence:When evaluating evidence ask yourself, “Is there anything I’m nThere is no errorIdentify the type of error that is found in the following sentence:Direct evidence is the testimony of an eye witness to a crime who posesses anindependent knowledge of the facts.A.B.C.D.SpellingGrammarPunctuationThere is no errorCo-copyright 2008 Fire & Police Selection, Inc. and The Denver Civil Service Commission
11.Identify the type of error that is found in the following sentence:Any public officer or employee, who willfully deprives an arrested person of anyright, is guilty of a here is no errorIdentify the type of error that is found in the following sentence:Any uniformed law enforcement officer shall wear a badge, nameplate, or otherdevice which bears clearly on its face the identification number or name of here is no errorA person has called on the telephone and asks to speak with your supervisor. Becausehe is not currently available, you take a message. Which of the following messageswould be most correctly worded with respect to grammar, spelling, and punctuation?A. Joan called u this morning regarding dinner. If u return her call by 4:00 her numberis 419-9813. If u call after 4:00, call her at home at 6671.B. Joan called you this morning reguarding dinner. If you return her call by 4:00 PM,her number is 419-9813. If you call after 4:00 PM, call her at home.C. Joan called you this morning? If you return her call by 4:00 PM, her number is 4199813. If you call after 4:00, she can be reached at home at 419-6671.D. Joan called you this morning about dinner. If you return her call by 4:00 PM, hernumber is 419-9813. If you call after 4:00 PM, call her at home at 419-6671.14.A person has called on the telephone and asks to speak with your supervisor. Becausehe is not currently available, you take a message. Which of the following messageswould be most correctly worded with respect to grammar, spelling, and punctuation?A. Mike calls you this mourning asking about the gym. If you call him back at 3458910 you can before 4:00 PM. Otherwise, call him at his other number.B. Mike called you this morning to see if you’d like to meet him at the gym after work.You can reach him at the office before 4:00 PM at 345-8910 or on his cell phone at432-7654 after 4:00 PM.C. Mike calls about the gim. Call him at 345-8910 or 432-7654 after 4:00 PM.D. Mike called you about the gym. You can reach him at 345-8910 before 4:00 PM orcall him on his cell.Co-copyright 2008 Fire & Police Selection, Inc. and The Denver Civil Service Commission
For items 15-16, choose the word that is synonymous (meaning the same thing)as the underlined word in the sentence.15.The suspect had a(n) eclectic set of The motive did not seem plausible to the hodicalFor items 17-20, choose the pair of words that best completes the sentence.17.Hair will be worn in a style and color that does not from the overall imageof the traditionally accepted profile.A.B.C.D.18.Officers are prohibited from or any fee or compensation for theperformance of official duties.A.B.C.D.19.“giving” and “taking”“accepting” and “soliciting”“getting” and “taking”“accepting” and “giving”The quickest way for to grow in a department is for the officers to it amongthemselves.A.B.C.D.20.“deter” and “responsible”“distract” and “responsable”“detract” and “professional”“distract” and “profesional”“missconduct” and “except”“rumers” and allow”“problems” and “encourage”“misconduct” and “tolerate”Failure to approval for outside employment may lead to action.A.B.C.D.“obtain” and “disciplinary”“get” and “serious”“have” and “strong”“ask” and “unfavorable”Co-copyright 2008 Fire & Police Selection, Inc. and The Denver Civil Service Commission
21.Considering grammar, spelling, and punctuation as well as ease of understanding, whichof the following sentences is most acceptable?A. When responding, to an emergency calls, officers should never allow the speed ofthe response to thretan people or property.B. When responding to emergency calls, officers should never allow the speed ofresponse to endanger people or property.C. Officers should never allow, when responding to an emergency call, the speed ofresponding to endanger people or property.D. Officers, responding to emergency calls, should not let the speed of the response, tothreaten people or property.22.Considering grammar, spelling, and punctuation as well as ease of understanding, whichof the following sentences is most acceptable?A. Only marked, department, vehicles equipped with blue lights, and sirens will engagein persuits.B. Only marked department vehicles equipped with blue lights and sirens will engage inpursuits.C. Only marked department vehicles equiped with blue lights and sirens will engauge inpersuits.D. Only marked department vehicles equiped with blue lights and sirens, will engaugein pursuits.23.Considering grammar, spelling, and punctuation as well as ease of understanding, whichof the following sentences is most acceptable?A. Officers who are off duty are prohibited from carrying there weapons whileattending social events where alchoholic beverages are served.B. Officers who are off duty are prohibitted from carrying their weapons, whileattending social events, when alcoholic beverages are served.C. Off duty officers are prohibited from carrying their weapons while attending socialevents where alcoholic beverages are served.D. Off duty officers are prohibited from carrying there weapons, while attending socialevents, where intoxicated beverages are served.24.Considering grammar, spelling, and punctuation as well as ease of understanding, whichof the following sentences is most acceptable?A. There are basic requirements to ensure safety and security for prisoners, transportingofficers, and the general public.B. When transporting officers and the general public, as well as ensuring safety, andsecurity for prisoners, there are basic requirements.C. There are basic requirements for ensureing the safety and security of prisoners,transporting officers and the general public.D. When officers and the general public are transported and security of prisoners, andsafety, is needed, there are basic requirement to follow.Co-copyright 2008 Fire & Police Selection, Inc. and The Denver Civil Service Commission
25.Considering grammar, spelling, and punctuation as well as ease of understanding, whichof the following sentences is most acceptable?A. Organized crime activity’s arent restricked to large, urban, areas but can exist in anysize community.B. Organized crime activities are not restricted to large urban areas but can exist in anysize community.C. Organized crime activities can ocurr in any size communities, not just large urbanareas.D. Organized crime activities can occur any where, not just in large communities.Co-copyright 2008 Fire & Police Selection, Inc. and The Denver Civil Service Commission
SampleHuman Relations SectionPractice TestFor this section of the practice test, you will read samples of short police-related situations and willthen answer two multiple-choice questions relating to that situation. You will be asked to identifyboth the “most appropriate” response and the “least appropriate” response.For example:You are transporting an injured and intoxicated male who has a large amount of money protrudingfrom his pockets. While transporting him to jail you notice that the money falls out of his pocket.A.B.C.D.Pretend you didn’t see the man drop the money.Wait until you go back outside and take the money if nobody else has found it.Pick up the money and give it to the staff at the jail for safekeeping.Pick up the money and place it next to the victim’s hand.1.WHAT IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?2.WHAT IS THE LEAST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?There are five (5) additional sample practice situation test items that are similar to those itemsfound on the Human Relations Section of the Entry-Level Police Officer Written Test. Please notethe actual test will have twenty-nine (29) situations requiring two (2) responses per question for atotal of fifty-eight (58) test items.Co-copyright 2008 Fire & Police Selection, Inc. and The Denver Civil Service Commission
Sample Situation #1You and your backup simultaneously arrive at a house where a domestic violence incident isreported to be occurring. As you approach the house you hear a woman and child scream and aman yelling, “I’ll teach you!” Your backup officer is visibly nervous and says, “We should call asupervisor.” How would you handle this situation?A.B.C.D.Ask the dispatcher for a call history on the house.Forcibly enter the house and contact a supervisor after the situation is under control.Tell your backup to calm down and knock on the door.Call your supervisor to request permission to enter the home immediately.26.WHAT IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?27.WHAT IS THE LEAST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?Sample Situation #2You and your partner respond to a combative male. The suspect spits on your partner after he ishandcuffed. Your partner punches the suspect while in custody. How would you handle thissituation?A.B.C.D.Don’t question your partner but report the incident to his supervisor.Don’t tell anyone; just keep the incident to yourself.Tell your partner that his behavior was inappropriate and that if he reacts this wayagain that you will report his behavior to his supervisor.Tell the officer that his behavior was inappropriate and that he needs to tell hissupervisor or else you will.28.WHAT IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?29.WHAT IS THE LEAST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?Co-copyright 2008 Fire & Police Selection, Inc. and The Denver Civil Service Commission
Sample Situation #3At the beginning of each shift you check the backseat of your patrol car for contraband,weapons, personal items, etc. You are starting your shift and notice that there is a new Magliteflashlight under the cushion in your backseat with a badge number engraved on it. Theflashlight is obviously new and belongs to a fellow officer. Your flashlight is old and you don’thave the money to purchase a new flashlight. How would you handle this situation?A.B.C.D.Track down the officer based upon the badge number engraved on the flashlight andreturn it.Keep the flashlight and scratch out the badge number.Use the flashlight until the owner comes looking for it.Keep the flashlight and replace it with your older flashlight.30.WHAT IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?31.WHAT IS THE LEAST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?Sample Situation #4You receive a noise complaint call. The reporting party states that the people behind him havebeen partying all night and it’s after hours. He demands that the neighbors receive a ticket. Youapproach the house with the noise disturbance and are greeted by an elderly man who invites youinside. He states that he and his wife are celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary. How wouldyou handle this situation?A.B.C.D.Don’t issue a citation.Tell the neighbor who complained that the music has been turned off for the nightand that the neighbor will not receive a citation.Demand that he turns off the music and issue a citiation.Go back on your normal duties and ignore the complaint.32.WHAT IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?33.WHAT IS THE LEAST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?Sample Situation #5You initiate a traffic stop on a vehicle for running a red light. The driver does not stop andinstead speeds away. You use your police radio to advise dispatch that you are pursuing a vehiclethat failed to stop for a traffic violation. Your Sergeant radios you to cancel pursuing the vehicle.How would you handle this situation?A.B.C.D.Continue following the vehicle and say you did not hear the Sergeant’s order due toradio interference.Continue following the vehicle just to see where it goes so you can catch the driver.Radio the Sergeant and explain why you should continue pursuing the car.Stop pursuing the car and call the Sergeant on the radio to advise him/her that youunderstand and have followed the order.34.WHAT IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?35.WHAT IS THE LEAST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?Co-copyright 2008 Fire & Police Selection, Inc. and The Denver Civil Service Commission
Answer KeyItem Co-copyright 2008 Fire & Police Selection, Inc. and The Denver Civil Service Commission
Situational Judgment Video TestIf you successfully pass the written test you will advance to the video test. The situational judgmentvideo measures interpersonal skills, problem solving, judgment and decision-making, ability tohandle stress, initiative, resourcefulness, honesty, integrity, flexibility and adaptability. PoliceOfficers are required to make sound judgments in job-related situations. You do not need previouspolice experience to score well on the video test. The Video Test is worth a maximum of 100%of the total exam score. Your Final Exam Score is your Video Test score plus any Veteranpreference points and/or any language proficiency Special Skill preference points, asapplicable. Ties shall be broken randomly.You will be shown several video scenarios and asked to choose the best response out of fourresponses to each scenario. You will be allowed ten (10) seconds to choose the correct response.Currently, there are a total of thirty-five (35) video scenarios that you will be shown. This testtypically takes about forty-five (45) minutes to complete. For your viewing, sample video scenariosare available on our website: www.denvergov.org/civilservice .The video test measures skills in the following areas: human interactions, responding calmly toprovocation, unbiased enforcement, situational judgment, ethics, social maturity, and handlingauthority.Behavioral QuestionnaireApplicants who successfully complete the written and video tests will be required to complete adetailed questionnaire regarding their past behavior, to include: Illegal drug use, driving record,criminal behavior, arrests, job performance and employment separations. The questionnaire iscomprised of approximately 80 questions. The questionnaire typically takes thirty (30) minutes toone (1) hour to complete.This information will be used to guide the background investigation process and to assist theindividuals conducting the suitability interview and polygraph examination. The informationprovided must be complete and truthful. Omissions or falsification of information will not betolerated and may be grounds for disqualification.Physical Ability VideoAll applicants who successfully complete the written and video tests will be required to view thePolice Officer physical ability test video. The video is approximately ten (10) minutes in duration.A complete physical ability test study guide is available in the Police Officer ExaminationInformational Booklet. The booklet may be accessed through our Website atwww.denvergov.org/civilservice or you may pick one up at the time of your written testappointment.Minimum Qualifications and Additional Test PhasesA complete list of minimum qualifications and additional test phases is available in the PoliceOfficer Examination Informational Booklet. The booklet may be accessed through our Website atCo-copyright 2008 Fire & Police Selection, Inc. and The Denver Civil Service Commission
www.denvergov.org/civilservice or you may pick one up at the time of your written testappointment.Additional Testing ResourcesThis study guide and sample questions provide a basis for understanding the test components andthe minimal skills and competencies tested for in each component. Below are additional testingresources which may be used to prepare you to do your best. uageArtsWriting/Writing.htmTutorials for Language arts LangArts Writing.aspWriting tutorials and practice tests http://www.testprepreview.com/Test Prep Review (online prep tests for GED, SAT, ACT, etc.) http://www.4tests.com/exams/examdetail.asp?eid 38Free practice tests mainly for GED http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic text/education/ged/ques.htmGED free practice tests http://highschoolace.com/ace/ace.cfmTutorials and practice tests for English, Math and Language http://www.dailygrammar.com/archive.shtmlGrammar lessons http://www.act.org/work
All of the items on the test are unit-weighted items (e.g., they are each worth one point). The highest score you can obtain on the written test is a raw score of 102. The current passing score for the written test is 64.7059% or 66 raw items out of 102. Applicants who pass the written test will be allowed to proceed to the video test.
