UK Police Officer Exam 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.
Q1Choose the word that is closest in meaning to 'IMPARTIAL'.
✓ Correct answer: A. Unbiased
'Impartial' means treating all parties equally and without favouritism, which is synonymous with 'unbiased'. 'Partial' is an antonym; 'authoritative' relates to power; 'indifferent' suggests a lack of concern rather than fairness.
Q2Read the passage and answer the question. Passage: 'Restorative justice (RJ) is an approach that brings together victims, offenders, and community members to discuss the impact of a crime and agree how to repair harm. Unlike traditional criminal justice which focuses on punishment, RJ prioritises dialogue and repairing relationships. Studies in England and Wales suggest RJ reduces re-offending in certain contexts, though critics note it requires victims to engage voluntarily and some may find it re-traumatising.' Which criticism of restorative justice does the passage mention?
✓ Correct answer: C. It requires victims to engage voluntarily and may re-traumatise some.
The passage states critics note RJ 'requires victims to engage voluntarily and some may find it re-traumatising'. This is the specific criticism mentioned. Other options introduce claims not present in the passage.
Q3Which of the following best describes 'intelligence-led policing'?
✓ Correct answer: D. A policing model where decisions about resource deployment are guided by systematic analysis of information and intelligence.
Intelligence-led policing uses systematic collection and analysis of information to guide tactical and strategic decisions. It is evidence-based and analytical.
Q4Which of the following best describes 'duty of candour' as it applies to police officers?
✓ Correct answer: D. The professional duty to be honest and transparent when working within the justice system, including when errors are made.
'Duty of candour' in policing means officers must be open, honest, and transparent in their professional roles — this includes proactively disclosing errors or failures and not misleading courts or colleagues. It goes beyond court testimony alone.
Q5Which organisation developed the Code of Ethics for policing in England and Wales?
✓ Correct answer: A. The College of Policing
The College of Policing published the Code of Ethics in 2014. It sets the standards of professional behaviour for everyone working in policing in England and Wales.
Q6The Policing Vision 2025 published jointly by the NPCC and APCC identified several priorities for UK policing. Which of the following was identified as a key ambition?
✓ Correct answer: A. To make policing more efficient, effective, and legitimate through digital transformation, workforce development, and strengthening public confidence.
The Policing Vision 2025 set out a blueprint focused on improving efficiency, effectiveness, and legitimacy — including through digital transformation, building a diverse and skilled workforce, and strengthening public confidence in policing.
Q7In the CVF framework, which level of leadership is associated with 'inspirational leadership' behaviours such as creating a compelling vision and challenging systemic barriers?
✓ Correct answer: C. Level 4 and above (chief superintendent and above)
The CVF describes increasingly strategic and inspirational leadership behaviours at higher levels. Creating a compelling vision and challenging systemic barriers are behaviours associated with the most senior leadership levels (Level 4 and above in the CVF).
Q8An officer working with a vulnerable teenager adjusts their communication style, speaks calmly, and checks that the teenager has understood the information given. This MOST demonstrates which CVF competency?
✓ Correct answer: A. Emotional awareness
'Emotional awareness' includes recognising the emotional state of others and adapting communication accordingly. Checking for understanding and adjusting approach with a vulnerable teenager directly reflects this competency.
Q9Which scenario BEST demonstrates 'Analyse Critically' in a complex investigation?
✓ Correct answer: A. Identifying that two witness accounts contradict each other and seeking further evidence to resolve the discrepancy.
'Analyse Critically' involves not taking information at face value, identifying inconsistencies, and seeking further information. Recognising contradictions and investigating further directly demonstrates this competency.
Q10An officer consistently treats suspects with the same respect regardless of their criminal history or background. This reflects which CVF value MOST directly?
✓ Correct answer: B. Impartiality
'Impartiality' requires treating all people fairly and equally regardless of personal history or background. Consistent respectful treatment regardless of prior offending reflects this value.
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