Conquer the Police Written Exam with Sgt. Godoy’s Police Exam Practice Test

Becoming a police officer is a noble and rewarding career path. However, before you can get your badge, you must pass the police written exam, for which preparation is essential. That’s where police exam practice tests come into play.

What is the Most Common Reason for Failing the Police Written Exam?

Typically, over 70% of police applicants will fail the police written exam. The reason most applicants fail the police exam is because they run out of time. Much like learning a new video game, taking practice tests will improve your response time and test score.

Free Police Exam Practice Tests

What are the Benefits of High Quality Police Exam Practice Tests?

Police exams are notoriously difficult, requiring you to demonstrate abilities like reading comprehension, reasoning, and math. Practice tests offer a valuable opportunity to:

• Familiarize yourself with the format and content of the exam:

Practice tests mimic the actual exam in terms of question types, difficulty level, and time limits. It reduces your anxiety on test day and allows you to concentrate on demonstrating your knowledge and skills.

• Identify your strengths and weaknesses:

By analyzing your performance on practice tests, you can pinpoint areas where you excel and those that require more attention. It helps you tailor your study sessions and maximize your time.

• Boost your confidence:

Completing practice tests builds confidence and helps you approach the actual exam with a positive and assured mindset.

• Improve your test-taking skills:

You learn to read instructions, manage your time well, and provide thoughtful answers to questions by taking practice exams.  It leads to better decision-making and problem-solving under pressure.

Spatial orientation questions on the police written exam.

Sgt. Godoy believes everyone deserves access to quality resources for their law enforcement career journey. That’s why there is a comprehensive selection of free police practice tests covering various exam formats and topics, including:

• Written Comprehension: Practice reading passages and answering questions that assess your understanding of the main idea, supporting details, and arguments.

• Reasoning: Test your ability to analyze information, identify patterns, and draw logical conclusions.

• Math: Solve math problems related to percentages, fractions, ratios, and other fundamental concepts.

• Observation and Recall: Exercise your memory skills by memorizing details and recalling information accurately. Information may be presented to you as written text, images or videos.

• Spatial Orientation: Assess your ability to visualize objects and understand their spatial relationships. This component also includes map reading and following directions.

Start your journey to become a police officer today!

Get the most effective free police practice police tests and other resources from Sgt. George Godoy.  With dedication and preparation, you can ace the police written exam and achieve your dream of serving the community as a police officer.

Law Enforcement Trends For 2022 And Beyond

Author: Amanda Childress, February 22, 2022

You might have the impression that crime is on the increase, especially when you look through the news on various media. However, statistics on Pew Research Center actually shows that crime rates in the U.S. have plunged dramatically since the 1990s — robbery has decreased by 68%, murder/negligent manslaughter by 47%, and burglary by 69%. This is due to several factors, which include more criminals getting put in prison, the presence of more police, and a generational change (with the entry of millennials into the prime age bracket for criminal activity).

Aside from the above, there are also emerging trends and innovations that are improving law enforcement that is helping decrease the crime rate. Below are some of these:

Community-oriented Policing

Relations between the police and communities have been strained due to instances of police brutality, but 76% of police chiefs want to work on improving this relationship. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood explains that it will be difficult for law enforcement professionals to effectively address crime if residents don't trust them. As such, community-oriented policing, or simply community policing, is a strategy being introduced to help develop good relationships between community members. This allows for more positive interaction, instead of residents having contact with law enforcement only in the context of crime.

With community policing, public safety can be proactively addressed since the community can help law enforcers identify crimes and potential public safety issues that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. A press release by the Department of Justice in November last year showed that $139 million in grant funding was given to around 183 law enforcement agencies. Portions of the money will be used to hire additional full-time law enforcement professionals and to build legitimacy and trust between law enforcement agencies and their communities. Despite the news saying otherwise, this shows how law enforcement agencies are looking to improve their awareness to create communities where safety is a priority for everyone.

Cybercrime Crackdown

Photo 170407735 / Cybercriminal © Dmitry Nogaev | Dreamstime.com

Cybercrime is fast taking over physical crime as a law enforcement priority. Global cybercrime costs will increase by nearly 15% on a yearly basis. This has meant that law enforcement agencies have had to divert a lot more resources to catch cybercriminals, and this shift has changed how many agencies now operate and gather evidence.

A write-up on cybercrime by Maryville University notes that the primary difference between physical-world and cybercrime investigations is that the evidence in criminal investigations will mostly be digital. The process involves handling forensic data for digital evidence. There are a number of techniques for this — such as performing background checks by using records and databases to look for individuals potentially involved in crime. Investigators are also working with internet service providers and telecom and network companies to know which websites and protocols were used in the crime.

Police Technology

Photo 196063919 © Tatiana Golmer | Dreamstime.com

Law enforcement has seen a lot of technological innovations — such as the two-way radio in 1933, the radar detectors that capture vehicle speed in 1948, and dispatching in the 1960s. New technologies are always being developed to improve public safety. There are now pre-crime technologies like predictive policing and pre-crime algorithms. One way this is done is by targeting high-frequency offenders, demanding a quick response from the police, or also ensuring that these offenders don't fall back into their old habits. These innovations show how law enforcement is always trying to better itself for the good of the public.

As for post-crime technologies, DNA is at the forefront of innovations in law enforcement. An article on Nature reported how forensic DNA phenotyping is being used by enforcement agencies around the world. DNA phenotyping uses predictive DNA forensics to reveal physical appearance, biological sex, and ancestry. This has helped police quickly narrow a pool of suspects as well as identify long-dead remains. However, each country has different stances on the use of DNA phenotyping since DNA can reveal highly sensitive information. Solid guidelines must be created before any technologies are used for law enforcement.

Diversity and Inclusion

Data from The Lancet shows that black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) are disproportionately affected by police brutality compared to non-Hispanic white people — with black citizens three to five times likelier to be killed than white people. University psychologist Patricia Devine explains that while it may not be possible to completely get rid of biases, there are ways to manage behavior in the long term.

For one, aside from training the existing law enforcement professionals, leaders are making law enforcement more diverse and start a culture of inclusivity. In 2021, for instance, the FBI recruited more female and minority officers to build more trust between law enforcers and the community. Admittedly, the recruits expect challenges, but they choose to be part of the solution so members of their community aren’t discriminated against. One way to improve inclusion in the law enforcement workforce is by disseminating updated policies, procedures, and training regarding inclusion. This can include in-person training and a post-assessment. Enforcing a zero-tolerance policy to hold those who discriminate upholds a law enforcement agency’s pledge to inclusion.

Written exclusively for Policetest.info

by Amanda Childress

Snatching Success from the Jaws of Disaster

How do I reply when asked, "Why have you applied to so many agencies (12) in the last year?"

I recently received the above question from a nervous student who was entering the final stages of the hiring process. He was nervous because he had successfully gotten into the police academy earlier in the year but failed due to problems he had with the shotgun training. Would the fact that he had applied to so many agencies create the impression that he was a loser?

To add to his nervousness, he felt that he made additional mistakes along the way. This realization caused his self-confidence to go down and his self-doubt to go up. How can he get past the next interview?

There are several valuable lessons in this story for all law enforcement applicants.

Applicant’s Original Strategy

I initially applied to 6 departments to increase my chances of getting hired.

Applicant Regret #1 – Over Confidence?

When I was invited to 3 interviews, I dropped out of the other 3 departments, because they were not my favorite agencies. That turned out to be a big mistake, as I failed the 3 interviews I chose to pursue! Now, I was out of options.

Applicant Regret #2 – Why I Failed the Interviews

I failed the interview because they said I didn’t sound like I wanted the job. Which makes sense to me now. I wasn’t very enthusiastic during the interview. I was questioning the whole process.

Applicant Regret #3 – Dismissed from Academy

Cross Eye Dominant can be corrected

“I started the academy and failed the firearms portion of the academy. I found out I was Cross-Eye Dominant. There wasn’t enough time for me to get adjusted and pass the shot gun test. If I had known this was an problem for me, I could have corrected it earlier”

Depression and Doubt

“It’s been over 6 months now. I am restarting the process. I got my act together and decided to try again after failing academy and not getting hired. I applied to 7 agencies. On one hand, am more committed than ever to becoming a police officer, but on the other hand, I am afraid that all these applications will hurt my image.”

Sgt. Godoy’s Advice

Take pride in making smart moves when looking for a job

1. The fact that you applied to multiple agencies should be worn as a badge of pride. It is a smart move given the competitive nature of hiring. I recommend to all of my students,  “Do not to put all your eggs into one basket.” Applying to multiple agencies DOES NOT mean that you are less excited about one over the other.

2. Acknowledging that the field is competitive is a compliment to anyone hiring/interviewing you. It demonstrates to the interviewer that you see the position as hard to come by and having real value.

3. Reapplying to multiple agencies shows wisdom and commitment to the field. NOT giving up is a great quality in law enforcement.

4. As my Mastering the Police Interview course states, showing enthusiasm and awareness of each specific agency is critical. Therefore,  you will go into future interview ENTHUSIASTIC and up to speed on local issues – right?

5. Failing shooting? Cross-eye dominant? They would not care about this if it wasn’t important. You have taken steps to understand and correct for being cross-eye dominant. This is more solid evidence that you are committed and adaptable. So, talk about it!

6. DO NOT apologize like these were failures – they were learning experiences.

7. DO NOT use the term “getting my act together.”

8. Having competed side-by-side with others at the academy, you are now confident that you are well qualified both mentally and physically.

You are now motivated more than ever.

Good luck – Sgt. Godoy

Smoothing over Past SINs

Whether on your initial application or during a final interview, most job candidates will have to explain minor sins of their past. This week, I received the following email from a very conscientious applicant. In this article, I will explain how to turn this type of problem into an advantage for yourself.

Dear Sergeant Godoy,

The personal history statement (PHS) asked if I had ever received disciplinary action from a previous employer. I received one while working security for Target about a year ago. Here is what I put down for the explanation: 

"I have received a disciplinary action only once. My employer was Target. It happened in 2020. I was employed as a security specialist. A disciplinary action was given because the company did not specify rules based on the totality of the circumstance. I searched a customer's unpaid shopping bag with verbal consent. The policy indicated, "no AP (Asset Protection) member shall conduct a search on guests' personal bags." The company did not define what personal bags are and what happens if I obtain consent from the customer. At the time of the search, the customer did not pay for the merchandise, and the merchandise was still considered the company's property. A week after receiving the disciplinary action, the company changed the policy to "no AP member shall search anything that is in a guest's possession under any circumstance."

At first glance, this sounds like a well written explanation. But there are several improvements that would turn this problem into an advantage for your application. Read on to learn what advice I sent to this deserving candidate.

Charlie -

Your explanation is pretty good. However, there are very small refinements that will help you – in life as well as on this application.

1. Provide Proper Context.

The term “disciplinary action” can cover a wide range of sins. Did you get fired? Did you get a hand-slap? Etc. If it was a “warning” that sounds better than getting fired. From your description, it is hard to tell what “action” the company responded with. Take control of the playing field!

2. Accept Responsibility.

When you get in trouble, accept responsibility, and do not blame ”the system.” A better phrasing, therefore, would be something to the effect that:

“I received a minor warning when I misinterpreted the company policy about what type of customer bag could be searched. My error led to the company improving the wording of their policy.”

3. Be a Problem Solver.

Presenting yourself as an individual who helps solve problems and improve organizational outcomes is a very attractive quality when seeking a job. This wording demonstrates you accepting responsibility, not blaming the company for their error, AND showing a positive outcome that you contributed to. Even if this is an exaggeration, your involvement did help improve the policy.

4. Be Concise

Following my example – strive to keep these explanations as short as possible. Don’t throw more fuel on the fire.

Sergeant George Godoy

How my Student Failed His Police Panel Interview

I received the following email that really upset me. Here is student who claims he studied my Mastering the Interview prep course, but really fell on his face when his opportunity to shine came up. Everyone interested in joining law enforcement should READ THIS STORY - even though it is frustrating.

"After studying your Mastering the Interview course, I took my interview today and did poorly. There were 3 questions that caught me off guard and I couldn't come up with a good answer in time. What would you recommend?

1. Why should police have a positive attitude and have good community relations?

2.What should the police be doing to improve community relations that they aren't already doing?.

3. What preparations did you take to get ready for a career law enforcement?"

This applicant’s failure highlights several valuable lessons:

Lesson 1: Get Prepared for your Interview

The oral interview is probably the most important step in the hiring process. This is true for any job in any field. You are almost to the end of the long journey, so don’t screw this up! Good preparation will be apparent to your reviewers not only in your answers but your overall self-confidence.

Lesson 2: Don’t Waste your Money

The main point presented in my prep course is that you need to understand what issues are facing the organization you are applying to. What are they proud of and what challenges do they face? This is especially true in law enforcement. How this student missed this point is UNBELIEVABLE to me, but a good lesson for all of us. Sometimes we read things without actually learning anything! Ask yourself a day after you study some subject, “What did you learn?”

Don’t waste your money on my prep courses if you’re not going to take it seriously!

Lesson 3: Do Your Own Research

Normally, I am very sensitive to any question submitted by students, but in this case, my answer was terse and placed the monkey back in the place it belongs - the applicant. Take ownership of your career and your job search. Look what happened when I cut and pasted the exact question from the email into a Google search!

Here is that link again -

Mastering the Interview prep course.

Sgt. George Godoy

Future Police Officers - Maybe You'll Be Driving a Tesla?

As the country moves towards more electric vehicles, future generations of law enforcement officers may find themselves driving a Tesla for their squad cars. Some cities, like Fremont, CA have already started using them (Model S). Of course, Fremont is the site of Tesla’s first manufacturing plant. Here are some other police departments currently using them.

Tesla Model S Police Cruiser

Today, you can find lots of stories about how this deployment is going. As an example, the mayor of Tulsa, OK promised to buy a fleet of Tesla Cybertrucks if they decided to build their new manufacturing plant in that city. Unfortunately, the decision went to Austin, TX. One thing for sure, you will certainly look great in this dream car.

Meanwhile, in Bargersville, Indiana, the first electric police cruiser has been a big hit. Even though the towns’ population is only 7,700, the town deployed their first Tesla in August 2019. The department reports that they are saving about $300 per month on gas. Better yet, the citizens love it, even when they get pulled over. Another benefit officers like about it is the lack of noise – the ability to be as stealthy as possible.

NYPD rolls out Tesla Model 3 police car.

The nation’s largest police department, NYPD, just rolled out a new Model 3, the cheaper version of the Tesla.

If you are joining law enforcement now, there is a good chance you will be driving one someday soon!