Situational Judgement

A member of the public approaches you claiming their neighbour is abusing them. They're visibly distressed. What should you do first?

• ATell them it's a civil matter
• BRecord their account and explain the process for reporting domestic abuse✓
• CArrest the neighbour immediately
• DAdvise them to contact their solicitor and return only if they obtain a court order

Answer: As a police officer, you must take domestic abuse seriously, record their account carefully, and explain the reporting and support process. This demonstrates duty of care and professional standards.

During a public order incident, a colleague uses language you consider offensive to a detained person. What's your professional responsibility?

• AStay silent to avoid conflict with your colleague
• BAddress it immediately and report if necessary✓
• CReport it to the inspector without speaking to the colleague first
• DOnly report it if another officer complains

Answer: You must maintain professional standards and dignity. Address it appropriately through proper channels, which may include speaking to the colleague first or reporting through chain of command if behaviour is serious.

You discover a witness to a crime is underage and vulnerable. What's your primary consideration?

• AProceed with the standard adult interview procedure and make no adjustments for their age or vulnerability
• BRecord that the parents failed to supervise them properly and refer the whole family for prosecution
• CTake their statement as quickly as possible on the doorstep, before an appropriate adult can attend
• DTheir wellbeing, obtaining appropriate adult presence, and specialised interview techniques✓

Answer: Vulnerable people, especially children, require safeguarding considerations, appropriate adults, and child-friendly interview methods. Duty of care is paramount.

You're patrolling an area with high community tensions. A young person from a minority background appears suspicious but hasn't committed any offence. What's appropriate?

• ARequest backup so that a show of numbers discourages them from staying in the area
• BStop and search them on the basis of their appearance and the tension in the area
• CEngage positively, explain why you're in the area, build community trust✓
• DAvoid that part of the area for the rest of the shift so that no conflict arises

Answer: Community engagement and relationship-building reduce tensions. You should interact professionally and respectfully. Stop and search requires reasonable suspicion, not appearance alone.

A victim of crime declines to pursue prosecution due to fear. What's your response?

• ATell them there is nothing at all the police can do unless they agree to give evidence in court
• BExplain options, provide support services, document their wishes, consider ongoing risk✓
• CWarn them they may be summonsed as a witness and press them to testify for the wider public good
• DClose the case immediately

Answer: Respect victim autonomy while providing safeguarding support. Explain options (non-molestation orders, witness protection, etc.), document their decisions, and manage risk independently if needed.

You witness a minor traffic offence by a senior officer. What's the correct approach?

• AReport through appropriate professional standards channels✓
• BTell the media
• CPublicly challenge them
• DIgnore it out of respect for rank

Answer: Professional standards apply to all ranks equally. Report through proper channels (Professional Standards Department or chain of command) rather than ignoring or publicly confronting.

A person is in mental health crisis and is not committing a crime. Should you arrest them?

• AOnly as last resort; prioritise mental health support and de-escalation✓
• BNo, the police should never be involved where mental health is the only issue
• CTake them to hospital by force without using any statutory mental health power
• DYes, arrest them for their own good so that they are guaranteed to be seen quickly

Answer: Use discretion appropriately. De-escalation, mental health crisis teams, and support services are preferable to arrest unless immediate public risk exists.

You're responding to a potential hate crime. A victim belongs to a protected characteristic and reports bias motivation. What's essential?

• AMinimise the seriousness of the incident so that it does not appear in hate crime statistics
• BRecord the hate crime element accurately, treat seriously, arrange specialist support✓
• CDismiss it as misunderstanding
• DOnly record the hate element if you personally agree that hostility was the motive for the offence

Answer: Hate crimes must be recorded based on victim perception of motivation and evidence. They warrant investigation, support services, and appropriate aggravation in charging decisions.

A colleague admits to fitting you up in an investigation. What must you do?

• AKeep it confidential to protect the team
• BReport through Professional Standards immediately✓
• CConsider quitting to avoid trouble
• DConfront them privately first

Answer: Misconduct, especially evidence tampering, must be reported to Professional Standards. This protects the integrity of investigations and public trust. Confidentiality agreements don't cover criminal conduct.

You're investigating a complaint against yourself. What's appropriate?

• AOnly speak to your own inspector and refuse to deal with Professional Standards
• BRequest that the complaint be closed down without any investigation at all
• CCooperate fully, inform your union rep, provide clear account✓
• DDeny everything

Answer: Cooperate fully with investigations into yourself. Inform your union representative, provide honest account, and allow due process. Refusing to cooperate looks worse.

A vulnerable adult reports being isolated by family members who control their finances. What's your role?

• AIdentify safeguarding concerns, refer to adult social care, gather evidence of financial abuse✓
• BAdvise them to instruct a solicitor and to move out of the family home straight away without telling anyone
• CTreat it as a private family matter and take no action beyond making a brief record of the telephone call
• DOnly act if they have the capacity to sign a written statement and are willing to support a prosecution

Answer: Financial and emotional abuse of vulnerable adults is a safeguarding matter. Report to adult social care and investigate potential crimes. Assume vulnerability; they may be intimidated into denying abuse.

You stop a vehicle and discover the driver is a friend. They're over the drink-drive limit. What should you do?

• AContact your sergeant to ask if you can release them
• BLet them off as a favour
• CReport them exactly as you would anyone else✓
• DSuggest they call a taxi

Answer: Impartiality is fundamental. You must treat them the same as any other driver. Personal relationships cannot influence enforcement. This protects public safety and police integrity.

A detained person requests a solicitor. You believe they're guilty and a solicitor will complicate the case. What's correct?

• ADelay informing them of legal rights
• BQuestion them before the solicitor arrives
• CInform them immediately and facilitate legal representation✓
• DTell them that solicitors are expensive and rarely make any difference

Answer: Legal representation is a fundamental right. Delaying or discouraging it is a breach of PACE Code C and likely to render the interview inadmissible, damaging the investigation.

You discover that evidence crucial to an investigation has been lost or contaminated. What must you do?

• ADestroy the remaining related exhibits so that the case file stays consistent
• BDon't mention it to prosecutors
• CImmediately disclose it and consider whether it impacts the case✓
• DResign to avoid accountability

Answer: Disclosure of material that could affect the case is a legal obligation. Failure to disclose breaches CPIA and can result in wrongful prosecution. Immediate action is essential.

A victim of sexual assault states they feel pressured to drop the case. What's your responsibility?

• ATell them they must testify
• BRespect their choice and close the case
• CSupport their autonomy but investigate independently, manage risk, connect to specialist services✓
• DOnly continue with the investigation if they give you a written promise to attend court and give evidence

Answer: Respect victim choice but maintain independent investigation for public protection. Pressure indicates potential intimidation/coercion. Use specialist sexual assault advocates and safeguarding measures.

You're on social media in uniform off-duty. You post a political opinion that's divisive. What's the risk?

• AThere is a risk only if you actually name your force or your division somewhere in the post or in your profile
• BThere is no risk at all, because freedom of expression protects anything an off-duty officer chooses to say
• CIt is acceptable provided that you delete the post as soon as a colleague or a supervisor complains about it
• DMay damage police impartiality and public trust; could breach standards of professional behaviour✓

Answer: Police officers are held to higher standards. Using uniform or identifiable role in divisive posts risks undermining impartiality and public confidence. Professional standards may apply.

A child discloses abuse to you during a school visit. Who should you inform first?

• AThe child's friends
• BOnly if the child consents
• CYour supervisor and children's social care/designated safeguarding officer✓
• DThe alleged abuser (to hear their side)

Answer: Duty of care requires immediate reporting to safeguarding professionals. Don't inform the alleged abuser or delay. Child protection supersedes confidentiality.

You observe a colleague accepting a gift from someone with business before the force. What's your responsibility?

• AMention it casually to them
• BReport through standards/management channels✓
• CSay nothing; it's minor
• DOnly report if they refuse to disclose it

Answer: Conflicts of interest and potential bribery must be reported. This maintains integrity and public trust. Minor gifts may be acceptable if declared; undeclared presents are problematic.

A person with learning disability is accused of a crime. They don't fully understand the allegations. What's essential?

• ATreat their confusion as evidence of guilt and put that suggestion to them during the interview
• BBail them without support
• CArrange appropriate adult, use plain language, consider recording, adjust procedures✓
• DProceed with the interview immediately so that their account is obtained while it is still fresh

Answer: Appropriate adult presence is mandatory. Interviews must be recorded, conducted slowly, using plain language and examples. Vulnerability requires procedural adjustments.

You notice colleagues frequently making derogatory comments about certain ethnic groups. What's your professional duty?

• ALaugh along to fit in
• BOnly say something if the comments are aimed directly at you
• CAddress it, report through channels if it continues✓
• DLeave the force if you disagree

Answer: Diversity and inclusion are core values. Challenge discriminatory behaviour and report persistent issues. Staying silent enables discrimination and damages community trust.

A witness to a serious crime is extremely frightened and reluctant to give a statement. What approach helps?

• AIgnore their concerns and insist on formal statement
• BInterview them immediately before they change their mind
• CTell them they must cooperate
• DRespect their fear, explain protection options, allow time, use calm environment, specialist interview techniques✓

Answer: Trauma-informed approach builds rapport and trust. Explain witness protection, arrange safe environments, allow breaks. Rushed interviews produce poor evidence and re-traumatise.

You arrest someone who later claims you used excessive force. They have injuries. What must you do?

• AMake sure that no photographs of the injuries are taken at any stage while they remain in police custody
• BDocument injuries, obtain medical evidence, explain any force used, cooperate with investigation✓
• CEncourage them not to make a formal complaint by warning them that doing so will only delay their release
• DRefuse medical examination

Answer: Transparency protects you and maintains accountability. Medical documentation and clear records of any force used support your account and ensure proper investigation.

A missing person's family is demanding police search their property without a warrant. No court approval yet. What's correct?

• ASearch the whole of the property straight away without any authority and without recording your grounds for doing so
• BIgnore their pleas
• CExplain what the law allows, and apply to court urgently if grounds exist✓
• DTell them to hire private search teams

Answer: Police may enter without a warrant under s.17(1)(e) PACE to save life or limb, so an immediate risk to the missing person can justify entry. Absent that, a warrant is needed and the courts can grant one urgently. Explain the position to the family and record the decision either way.

You're investigating a complaint about police. The complaint is against your best friend. How should you handle it?

• AWithdraw from the investigation quietly, without telling your supervisor why you have stepped back
• BInvestigate it thoroughly yourself so that you can make sure your friend is cleared of blame
• CConduct it normally, declare the relationship, ask to be reassigned if instructed✓
• DMinimise the complaint

Answer: Declare the conflict of interest to management. You likely can't investigate impartially due to the relationship. Recusal protects both you and the investigation's credibility.

A young person is arrested for vandalism. It's their first offence. What factors should influence your discretion?

• AAge, circumstances, intent, previous behaviour, restorative options, community impact✓
• BAlways prosecute to deter others
• CJust follow a standard warning procedure
• DOnly their age

Answer: Discretion involves holistic assessment. Youth, first offence, lack of intent, and community resolution options might justify warning or restorative justice over prosecution.

You're requested to provide police services to a private event. The organiser is asking you to exclude people based on appearance. What's appropriate?

• AAgree to exclude anyone who looks suspicious
• BOnly provide services to paying clients
• CProvide equal public law enforcement services, refuse discriminatory requests✓
• DLet the organiser make all decisions

Answer: Police must provide impartial service. You can't discriminate or become private security enforcing discriminatory rules. Decline if asked to breach equality duties.

A domestic abuse victim is pregnant and fears telling their partner will escalate violence. What's your advice?

• AEncourage them to wait until they are no longer financially dependent on their partner before saying anything
• BIt's their decision; you can't help
• CDevelop a safety plan, connect to specialist DV services, discuss what happens when they disclose✓
• DAdvise them to say nothing at all until after the baby has been born and they have come home from hospital

Answer: Work with specialist DV services (Safelives, local refuges). Create safety plans, discuss disclosure timing and protective measures. Pregnancy is a high-risk period for homicide.

You discover a detainee has medical conditions you weren't informed about. They're deteriorating. What's immediate priority?

• ARelease them immediately without any processing so that they become the hospital's problem
• BContinue with the interview and review their condition once it has been completed
• COnly call the healthcare professional if they actually lose consciousness in the cell
• DGet medical assessment, inform custody officer, document their condition✓

Answer: Health and safety are paramount. Obtain medical assessment, document conditions, inform custody officer. Proceeding despite deterioration breaches duty of care.

A police community support officer reports a sergeant for inappropriate comments. The sergeant is highly respected. What should happen?

• AInvestigate impartially regardless of rank or reputation✓
• BProtect the sergeant's long-standing reputation by dealing with the matter quietly and off the record
• CInterview the sergeant privately and off the record
• DSuggest to the PCSO that they were probably mistaken and encourage them to withdraw the report

Answer: All reports must be investigated fairly. Rank and reputation don't exempt anyone from accountability. PCSO testimony is equally valid as any officer's.

You're interviewing a witness who's afraid of being deported. They're crucial to solving a serious crime. What approach works?

• ATell them that the police will report them to immigration enforcement unless they agree to give a full statement
• BTake their account verbally only and keep no written record at all of what they have told you about the offence
• CRefuse to interview them at all on the basis that their immigration status makes them an unreliable witness
• DExplain you can't guarantee immigration status, but you can discuss options with them confidentially✓

Answer: Even undocumented witnesses have rights. Explain you can't promise immigration status but offer confidentiality where possible and connect them to legal advice. Don't use immigration status as coercion.

A crime victim requests not to be contacted by police updates. Your force procedure requires contact updates. What's most appropriate?

• AContact them anyway for their own good and record on the file that they agreed to updates
• BAssign a liaison officer to keep contacting them regardless of what they have asked for
• COnly contact them when something urgent arises and close the file without telling them
• DRespect their preference while explaining why contact is typically important✓

Answer: Victim autonomy is important. Discuss the benefits of updates but respect their preference if they're adamant. Document their choice and any risks they understand.

You arrest someone who becomes verbally abusive and spits on you. You feel anger rising. What's professional?

• AUse more force than is necessary so that they learn not to behave that way again
• BCall for backup and use a show of numbers to intimidate them into staying quiet
• CMaintain composure, restrain only what's necessary, document the assault✓
• DRefuse to process them and hand them over to a colleague without explaining what happened

Answer: Spitting is assault and must be documented, but responses must remain proportionate and professional. Personal anger doesn't justify excessive response. Professionalism is especially important when provoked.

A colleague confides that they're struggling with alcohol addiction. They're a firearms officer. What should you do?

• AKeep it confidential; they'll sort it out
• BOnly report if they arrive for duty impaired
• CTell everyone at the station
• DEncourage them to seek help and inform appropriate management given firearms access✓

Answer: Firearms access requires fitness for duty. Confidentiality is important, but safety is paramount. Suggest professional help first; if they refuse, management must know.

You're handling a complaint from a suspect you convicted. They claim you fabricated evidence. What's your role?

• ADismiss the allegation entirely on the basis that they are simply upset about being convicted
• BCooperate fully with investigation, provide detailed account, allow independent review✓
• CContact the prosecutor privately to explain that the allegation made against you is completely false
• DSay nothing until asked in court

Answer: Serious allegations of evidence fabrication warrant full investigation cooperation. Your account matters, but investigators must examine evidence independently to maintain integrity.

A domestic abuser is released on bail with conditions not to contact the victim. You suspect they're breaching it. What's your action?

• AMonitor but don't act unless you're certain
• BWait until they commit a new crime to enforce
• CTell the victim to ring you personally if any further breaches happen and take no other action
• DInvestigate the breach, gather evidence, consider recall to custody if risk is high✓

Answer: Bail breaches must be investigated. Evidence of contact (calls, messages, witnesses) can result in recall. This protects the victim and enforces court orders.

You're investigating a business robbery. The business owner suggests you ignore CCTV evidence that implicates their son. They're offering a reward for 'quick resolution'. What's appropriate?

• ALeave the CCTV evidence out of the file so that the reward can be claimed for a quick result
• BConduct thorough investigation, follow all evidence, decline any inducements✓
• CQuestion the son informally at his home address and make no written record of what he says
• DSuggest that the family settle the matter privately between themselves and withdraw the report

Answer: Investigations must follow evidence impartially. Rewards don't change investigation direction. Compromising for reward is corruption and undermines justice.

A young person you've built rapport with through youth work discloses minor cannabis use. What's your responsibility?

• AIgnore it to maintain rapport
• BDiscuss options (education, community resolution) dependent on circumstances, escalate only if needed✓
• CArrest them immediately
• DTell their parents but not management

Answer: Discretion applies. Consider diversification options for young people. Simple possession might warrant education or community resolution rather than arrest, building trust in the process.

You're aware that a detained person has a serious mental health condition. They're expressing suicidal thoughts. What's essential?

• ATell them their problems will be sorted out once they get to prison and carry on with the interview
• BContinue questioning to gather information
• CMove them to a cell alone for safety
• DStop questioning, inform custody officer, arrange immediate psychiatric assessment✓

Answer: Custody officers have responsibility for welfare. Suicidal ideation requires mental health assessment. Continuing to question risks deterioration and breach of duty of care.

A colleague is knowingly providing false overtime records to inflate their salary. What's your obligation?

• AReport to the press
• BSay nothing at all, on the basis that the overtime budget is not your problem
• CReport through appropriate channels (management, financial audit)✓
• DTell them privately to stop and make no report at all of what you have found

Answer: Financial fraud affects force integrity and public funds. Report through internal channels. This allows investigation and prevents further loss.

A witness to an assault is terrified of the suspect (a gang member). They won't come to the police station. What's a reasonable accommodation?

• ATell them that the police cannot help them at all unless they attend the station and give a formal statement
• BInterview at their home or neutral location, provide safety reassurance, consider special measures✓
• CLet the suspect know that a witness has come forward so that he has a chance to put his own side of the story
• DInsist they come to the station

Answer: Witness safety is paramount. Home visits, neutral locations, or video statements can facilitate evidence gathering while protecting vulnerable witnesses from intimidation.