AU Police Entrance Exam
Practice Test

A. 1901 ✓

B. 1788

C. 1890

D. 1927

Correct — A. The Constitution of Australia came into force on 1 January 1901 when the six colonies federated to form the Commonwealth of Australia. 1788 was the year of European settlement; 1927 was when the federal capital was moved to Canberra.

A. To publicly shame police officers involved in deaths in custody

B. To provide a legal basis for criminal prosecution of all officers present at a death in custody

C. To identify the cause of death and make recommendations to prevent similar deaths in the future ✓

D. To determine the sentence for criminal conduct related to a death

Correct — C. A coronial inquest makes findings about the cause and circumstances of death and can make recommendations to government, agencies, and organisations (including police) to prevent similar deaths. While findings can lead to referrals for criminal or professional disciplinary action, the primary purpose is prevention and accountability, not punishment.

A. To redesign prison cells to reduce reoffending

B. To use surveillance cameras throughout public spaces

C. To design and modify physical environments to reduce opportunities for crime and increase community safety — for example, improving lighting in carparks, designing open sightlines in public spaces, and using natural barriers ✓

D. To create environmental laws that criminalise pollution

Correct — C. CPTED is a multi-disciplinary approach to crime prevention based on designing built environments to reduce crime opportunities. Strategies include natural surveillance (clear sightlines), natural access control (directing movement), territorial reinforcement (distinguishing public from private space), and maintenance. Police work with planners and architects to implement CPTED principles.

A. A checklist for arresting violent offenders

B. A mental health assessment framework

C. A structured briefing format used to deliver operational briefings to police teams ✓

D. An acronym for radio communications protocol

Correct — C. IIMARCH (or similar formats like SMEAC) is a structured military/police briefing format. IIMARCH stands for Information, Intention, Method, Administration, Risk assessment, Communication, and Humanitarian concerns (or variations). It ensures all necessary operational information is communicated clearly and consistently in police briefings.

A. Policing based on the physical intelligence (fitness) of officers

B. A policing strategy that uses analysis of criminal intelligence to guide the allocation of resources and direct police activity toward the most significant threats and crime problems ✓

C. A strategy focused solely on collecting information from informants

D. A reactive policing method that responds to crime after it occurs

Correct — B. Intelligence-led policing (ILP) is a strategy that uses crime analysis, intelligence assessment, and data-driven insights to direct police resources and activities. It shifts policing from purely reactive to proactive, targeting resources at identified patterns, prolific offenders, and high-risk locations rather than responding only after the fact.

A. Arrest the alleged offender based on the complainant's account

B. Dismiss the complaint as it is a civil dispute

C. Record statements from both parties, document the interaction, advise on options available (including a formal complaint or AVO), and provide safety information to the complainant ✓

D. Side with the alleged victim as complainants are always assumed truthful

Correct — C. In the absence of direct evidence or ongoing threat, the appropriate initial step is to gather statements from both parties, document the matter, and advise the complainant about options (formal complaint, AVO application). The officer should not immediately arrest or dismiss the matter — a measured, procedurally fair approach is required.

A. Ask all onlookers to immediately delete their footage to protect the privacy of those involved

B. Identify yourself, speak with witnesses, obtain contact details, and consider whether footage may be relevant evidence; request (do not demand) that they preserve it ✓

C. Seize all phones immediately as the footage may be evidence

D. Leave immediately as the matter has been resolved

Correct — B. Members of the public generally have the right to film in public spaces. The officer should identify relevant witnesses, explain that footage may be needed as evidence, and politely request (not demand, as they generally have no power to compel) that they preserve the footage. Seizing phones without proper authority could be unlawful.

A. Follow your partner's direction as they are more experienced

B. Omit the details to protect both of you

C. Ask your partner to write the report instead

D. Politely decline, explain that reports must be accurate and complete, and write the report truthfully ✓

Correct — D. Falsifying or omitting material information from police reports is misconduct and potentially a criminal offence, regardless of seniority or experience. Probationary status does not change this obligation. The correct response is to respectfully decline and document the incident accurately. If pressured, this itself may need to be reported.