NZ Police Recruitment Test 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.
Q11Which sentence is correct?
✓ Correct answer: C. The witness's testimony was vital to the case.
One witness — singular possessive: 'witness's testimony'.
Q12You are completing a traffic stop and the driver becomes increasingly agitated and begins to shout. What is the best approach?
✓ Correct answer: C. Speak calmly, maintain a safe distance, and use de-escalation techniques
De-escalation is always the first response to agitation where no immediate threat exists. Calm, controlled communication reduces risk.
Q13You attend an incident and notice a bystander recording you on their phone. What should you do?
✓ Correct answer: B. Allow them to record — members of the public have a right to film police in public spaces
In NZ, members of the public generally have the right to film police in public spaces. Officers should not prevent lawful recording.
Q14You are off duty in uniform when you witness a shoplifting incident. What should you do?
✓ Correct answer: B. Take reasonable steps to address the situation and notify on-duty police
Police officers retain their powers even off duty. They should take reasonable action and notify on-duty colleagues.
Q15A driver is stopped and found to have a breath alcohol level just above the legal limit. They beg you not to charge them as they will lose their job. What should you do?
✓ Correct answer: B. Process them according to the law
Police must apply the law consistently and impartially. Personal circumstances do not change the legal requirement to process an offence.
Q16Read: 'A complainant is the person who makes a complaint to police. A victim is the person who has suffered harm. These may or may not be the same person.' A person witnesses a crime and reports it but was not harmed themselves. Which are they?
✓ Correct answer: C. A complainant only
They reported the crime (complainant) but did not suffer harm (not a victim). They are a complainant only.
Q17Read: 'The Search and Surveillance Act 2012 governs how police may search people and places, and how they may conduct surveillance operations.' Which statement is supported by this passage?
✓ Correct answer: A. The Search and Surveillance Act 2012 sets rules for police searches and surveillance
The passage directly states the Act governs police searches and surveillance operations.
Q18Read: 'Police may issue a trespass notice to a person at any private premises, requiring them to leave and not return. Breach of a trespass notice is an offence.' A person returns to premises from which they received a trespass notice. What have they done?
✓ Correct answer: A. Committed an offence
The passage states breaching a trespass notice is an offence — returning to the premises is a breach.
Q19Choose the word most similar in meaning to 'adversarial'.
✓ Correct answer: C. Opposing
'Adversarial' means involving opposing sides in conflict or dispute.
Q20Choose the word most similar in meaning to 'duplicitous'.
✓ Correct answer: C. Deceitful
'Duplicitous' means deceitful — saying one thing while meaning another.
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