AU Police Entrance Exam practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q21The principle that no person is above the law and that all persons are subject to the ordinary law of the land is known as:
✓ Correct answer: C. Rule of law
The 'rule of law' is the principle that all persons — including government officials and police — are subject to and accountable under the law. It is a foundational principle of the Australian legal and political system.
Q22What is the 'Ombudsman' and how does it relate to policing?
✓ Correct answer: D. The Commonwealth (or state) Ombudsman is an independent officer who investigates complaints from the public about government agencies, including police, and can recommend remedies for administrative failures or misconduct
The Ombudsman is an independent statutory officer who investigates complaints about government agency conduct. At the federal level, the Commonwealth Ombudsman investigates AFP conduct. State Ombudsmen may also have roles in overseeing state police. They can recommend remedies, changes to practice, and apologies, though they generally lack direct disciplinary powers.
Q23The Australian Constitution was enacted in which year?
✓ Correct answer: A. 1901
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.
Q24What is the purpose of 'coronial inquest' findings in Australian policing?
✓ Correct answer: C. To identify the cause of death and make recommendations to prevent similar deaths in the future
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.
Q25What is the purpose of 'crime prevention through environmental design' (CPTED)?
✓ Correct answer: 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
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.
Q26In Australian policing, what does 'RICISTAR' (or IIMARCH) refer to in the context of a briefing format?
✓ Correct answer: C. A structured briefing format used to deliver operational briefings to police teams
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.
Q27What is 'intelligence-led policing'?
✓ Correct answer: 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
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.
Q28You receive a report from a complainant who alleges their neighbour has been making threats over a fence dispute. When you attend, you speak with both parties. The alleged victim appears credible; the alleged offender (who has no prior record) denies everything and appears cooperative. What is the most appropriate initial response?
✓ Correct answer: 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
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.
Q29You arrive at a call and find that the situation has already been safely resolved by bystanders before your arrival. A group of onlookers have filmed the incident on their phones. What should you do?
✓ Correct answer: 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
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.
Q30You are a probationary constable. Your experienced partner tells you to write up the incident report in a way that omits certain details that might make your shared response look inadequate. What should you do?
✓ Correct answer: D. Politely decline, explain that reports must be accurate and complete, and write the report truthfully
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.
Use the free AU Police Entrance Exam sample, download the PDF, then unlock web-based timed mock exams for a full exam rehearsal.
Theory