It Would Be a Crime Not to Know These Facts About Police Officers
Written by Leni Davenport
Last updated · 12 min play time
Learn about the ins and outs of everyday life for a police officer.
Did you know that for over 15 years, actor David Zayas, who played the role of police officer Detective Angel Batista in the show Dexter, was an actual NYPD officer? What do you know about real police officers? Take this quiz and see if we can stump you!
Quiz written by
Leni DavenportMs. Davenport is a freelance graphic designer, an online retailer, and is a part-time writer, home stager and wedding cake designer. She is the mother of four and grandmother of seven. Enjoying classic films and road trips are among her favorite pastimes.
Police Officer Quiz Questions
30 Questions · 10.2K Plays · No comments
Question 1
Which of these will disqualify a person from becoming a police officer?
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AThey don’t speak American Sign Language
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BThey cannot bench press 125 pounds
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CThey have had a felony as an adult
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DThey drink more than two beers after 5:00 pm.
They have had a felony as an adult
In the event that an applicant has ever had a felony conviction, he or she would not be qualified to become a member of the police force. The main reason behind this rule is that a convicted felon may never possess a firearm – a necessary piece of police equipment. Additionally, if a person has been convicted of a misdemeanor involving the abuse of a spouse or other domestic dispute, he or she would also be unable to possess a firearm.
Question 2
What are the residency rules for joining a police force in the United States?
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AThey can be in the US on a Green Card
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BThey must be legal citizens of the United States
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CThey can live in a neighboring country as long as it isn’t more than 100 miles to get to the States.
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DThey can be visiting from any other country as long as they have lived here for six months
They must be legal citizens of the United States
Candidates hoping to become federal or state police officers are required by law to be legal residents of the United States. City police must live within the boundaries of the city they are working in, and county police must live within the county they have jurisdiction over. Different rules may apply for city and county officers.
Question 3
What is the oldest statewide law enforcement agency in the United States?
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AThe Montana Peace Keepers
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BThe Texas Rangers
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CThe Arizona Guardians
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DThe Washington Sentry
The Texas Rangers
Canada has the Canadian Royal Mounted Police – a nationwide law enforcement agency. In the United States, our country's officers are called the federal police. The states may have different names, but they are usually fairly straightforward (ie: Idaho State Police) with the exception of the Texas Rangers, formed in 1857 – the oldest statewide law enforcement agency in the United States. Incidentally, their uniforms are topped off with just what you would expect – a cowboy hat.
Question 4
Which of the following is not a myth perpetuated by movies and television?
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AOfficers regularly break in and do illegal searches
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BOfficers “go-rogue” on a regular basis.
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COfficers spend a good share of their day doing paperwork.
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DThe favorite food of police officers is donuts.
Officers spend a good share of their day doing paperwork.
Officers are required by law to obtain a warrant before entering a home or business to conduct a search for evidence. It is also very rare for an officer to “go rogue” and become dangerous. There are no statistics on the frequency of enjoying donuts, but the one thing that police officers spend a great deal of time on is paperwork, as everything needs to be documented and filed for future reference.
Question 5
Which sports figure is a reserve police officer?
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ACody Bryant
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BShaquille O’Neal
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CLeBron James
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DSean Miller
Shaquille O’Neal
Nineteen-year basketball veteran Shaquille O’Neal, who played for six different NBA teams, has also served as a reserve police officer in the Miami Beach Police Department, the Tempe Police Department, Doral and Port of Los Angeles, as well as the Golden Beach Police Department. He plans to use the experience to run for sheriff in 2020.
Question 6
Which of the following tests do people have to pass to qualify to become a police officer?
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AA rorschach ink blot test and a CPR test
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BA calculus test and a Latin test
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CA psychological test and a polygraph test
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DA geographical test of their area
A psychological test and a polygraph test
While all of these tests could have some value and may or may not be required, the two that are pretty standard are the psychological and polygraph tests. An officer must be stable and rational even in an emergency or threatening situation. A psychological test may reveal if there is some mental imbalance. The polygraph test is given to determine whether the officer is honest and reliable.
Question 7
What now famous American Prohibition law enforcement agent brought down Al Capone?
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AEliot Ness
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BJohn McClane
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CLt. William Somerset
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DAlonzo Harris
Eliot Ness
If several of these names sound familiar, it is because they are fictitious characters from popular movies. However, Federal Agent Eliot Ness is the real deal. He was chosen to lead a legendary group of agents in Chicago nicknamed "The Untouchables.” The group ultimately consisted of eleven men; Barney Cloonan, Joe Leeson, Marty Lahart, Sam Seager, Lyle Chapman, Tom Friel, Frank Basile, Paul Robsky, Mike King, Bill Gardner and Al 'Wallpaper' Wolff. Al Capone attempted to bribe Ness with $1000 a week – not a small sum - if he would turn a blind eye to his bootlegging activities. Ness refused and earned the reputation of being incorruptible.
Question 8
Among other physical tests, candidates are required to pass off which of the following to become an officer?
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AA 1-2 mile run and a stair-climbing test.
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B250 chin-ups.
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CBench press 180 lbs.
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DRun a triathlon.
A 1-2 mile run and a stair-climbing test.
Although a bench press test is required, it is far below the 180 lb. mark, and while chin-ups are not required, push-ups and sit-ups are. The triathlon can wait for weekend fun. Climbing a few flights of stairs and being able to run a distance are critical for police officers in the performance of their duties, hence the pre-hire testing.
Question 9
How often do law enforcement officials fire a weapon in the line of duty?
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AOn average, two to three times a week.
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BOutside the pistol range, most police officers never fire a gun.
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COne to three times monthly.
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DIt’s a daily occurance.
Outside the pistol range, most police officers never fire a gun.
Police officers are thoroughly trained in the use of firearms and carry them at all times when on duty. However, on average, the majority of law enforcement officers rarely have the need to fire a weapon on the job. If they did, they would likely inflict a wound, as they are good shots.
Question 10
What is the main duty of a Patrol Officer?
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AA special squad assigned to handle a specific problem, ie: drugs, etc.
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BTo circle through a particular area repeatedly to prevent problems.
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CTo handle situations after a crime occurs.
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DIt’s not really a thing – just a name that stuck.
To circle through a particular area repeatedly to prevent problems.
Patrol officers are what they call an officer who is assigned to a particular area, or beat, to watch it for signs of trouble or crime. They may have the same beat for months or years and become familiar with the people they see often. They may flash their lights or turn on a siren now and again to warn people they see doing things they shouldn’t. They may also staff the local jails or enforce traffic rules and patrol public events.
Question 11
Why do police officers wear their badges above their left chest pocket?
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ABecause most are right-handed, so it is on the left to be out of the way.
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BIt was the only place that was not taken up by other labels and emblems.
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CIt is a reminder of their pledge to serve and protect.
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DThe right side represents authority.
It is a reminder of their pledge to serve and protect.
In days of old, the original police officers were medieval knights and carried a shield to protect themselves. The badge is a shield shape to remind them of that. It is worn on the right side, directly over the heart to remind officers that they swore an oath to serve and protect. By design, the shirts have an extra layer of fabric reinforcing that area to prevent the badge from tearing through.
Question 12
Which local law enforcement agency has the largest number of sworn officers?
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ALos Angeles, California
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BMiami, Florida
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CHouston, Texas
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DNew York City, New York
New York City, New York
New York City leads the pack with a whopping 34,000 law enforcement officials sworn to preserve and protect. That number saw a groundswell following the 9-11 attacks and makes them second only to the United States Custom and Border Protection Agency.
Question 13
What are the rules for driving as a police officer?
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AThey do not need to drive as long as they are assigned to a partner who does
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BCandidates must be able to obtain a drivers license within six months of becoming an officer
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CPotential officers must be able to drive through an obstacle course backward
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DThey must have a valid driver’s license
They must have a valid driver’s license
The only requirement for law enforcement officers regarding driving is that they currently hold a valid driver’s license in the state where they reside. Officers are required to drive patrol cars and must be licensed to do so.
Question 14
A search warrant is required to enter any premises to conduct a search; however, no warrant is needed to search which of these?
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AA bar and grill
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BA dump
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CA public restroom
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DAny motor vehicle
Any motor vehicle
It is true that an officer who feels the necessity to enter and search the premises of any residence or business is required to obtain a search warrant. If that same officer feels the need to search a vehicle of any kind, all he has to do is tell the driver that he needs to inspect the seat belt mountings.
Question 15
How many babies are delivered by police officers each year in the United States?
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AApproximately 775 babies.
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BOver 1000 babies.
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CClose to 2000 babies.
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DOnly a handful of babies.
Only a handful of babies.
Although in reality only a handful of babies are delivered by law enforcement officers each year, they do receive thorough training for the task. They are more likely to assist by keeping things under control as well as possible and calling paramedics and an ambulance to do the real work of it. Among other things, recruits receive training on Lamaze, the anatomy of the birth canal and how to syringe out a baby’s mouth.
Question 16
Are male police officers allowed to have facial hair?
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AA beard is allowed as long as it does not touch their collar.
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BA short and well-groomed mustache is allowed.
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CA full beard and mustache is allowed as long as it is well-groomed.
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DOfficers must be clean-shaven.
A short and well-groomed mustache is allowed.
Officially, the police would prefer all to be cleanly shaven so there is a uniformity of appearance that helps with camaraderie and discipline, but they do allow a well-groomed mustache that does not cover the upper lip line and extends no further than the corner point of the lips. In rare cases where there is a medical need to avoid shaving, such as in the case of pseudofolliculitis barbae, 1/8” to 1/4” stubble may be allowed, as long as it is not shaped.
Question 17
What is the most common cause of death for a police officer?
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AWrecks during a chase
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BAccidental shootings
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CHeart disease
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DSuicide
Suicide
Although the other causes do happen, they are, sadly, less common than suicides. The reason is not entirely clear, but it is thought to be brought on by depression and the high level of stress that officers face almost every day. They are frequently dealing with dangerous or sad situations like death, trying to solve domestic disputes, helping with accidents, and intercepting law-breakers of every nature.
Question 18
Do police officers receive special training in how to deliver a baby?
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AIt is a good idea and recommended that they take a class at a local hospital.
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BNo training is needed.
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CPolicemen are not allowed to deliver babies. They call in the EMTs.
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DIt is required in every state.
It is required in every state.
Most new recruits, and let’s face it – seasoned pros - hope there will never be an occasion to need the knowledge, but they do receive some basic training in how to deliver a baby. From the proper positioning of the mother to what to do if she really needs to push before the paramedics arrive, they can do the job if needed.
Question 19
What kind of educational requirements are there to become a state or local police officer?
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ANo requirements as long as you can pass an equivalency test.
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BMust have a Master’s degree in political science.
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CMust have 45 - 60 college credits in any field of study.
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DNo education is required.
Must have 45 - 60 college credits in any field of study.
Most local or state departments will require a candidate to have 45 to 60 college credits in any subject. An associate’s degree may be required by some agencies, but a person may be required to have a four-year degree. Some federal law enforcement agencies may accept three years of responsible work experience.
Question 20
Who was the first female police officer and what year was she hired?
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AAlice Wells in 1910
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BFreda Johanssen in 1893
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CMary Kartchner in 1937
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DSusanna Johnstun in 1951
Alice Wells in 1910
Believe it or not, the first female law enforcement officer was former Kansas minister Alice Stebbins Wells, who was hired in a Los Angeles police department in the year 1910. Wells was also a member of the Christian Temperance Union. She sewed her own uniform by hand – a floor-length dress and jacket. She was not allowed to carry a gun but was equipped with a police rulebook and first-aid book, as well as a key to the phone call box. She went on to become a sergeant in 1934.
Question 21
Which state has lost the fewest police officers in the line of duty?
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AMaine
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BVermont
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CIdaho
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DWyoming
Vermont
The New York City police department has lost 833 officers, 72 of which died in the 9-11 terrorist attack – a whopping number for a single city when compared to 1,731 officers downed in the entire state of Texas. The East coast state of Vermont has lost only 23, which is likely due to its tiny size.
Question 22
What does the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) allow for?
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ALaw enforcement officers are protected by law if they inflict a wound in self-defense.
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BIt allows officers to flee the scene if deemed too dangerous.
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CPolice officers are allowed to shoot at the first sign of personal threat.
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DPolice officers may now carry concealed weapons in all states and the District of Columbia.
Police officers may now carry concealed weapons in all states and the District of Columbia.
The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act was passed in order to allow any and all active duty police officers to conceal-carry a weapon in any state of the union, as well as the District of Columbia. This is a change from former rules that limited an officer to carry a concealed weapon only in his or her state of residence. No person other than law enforcement is allowed to carry a weapon in the District of Columbia.
Question 23
How many law enforcement officers are there in the United States?
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A743,000
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B1,400,270
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C500,350
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D900,000
900,000
Current statistics regarding the number of sworn law enforcement officers on the payrolls in the United States indicate there are 900,000 men and women working to keep us safe. This is an all-time high, and figures are likely to continue climbing as urban sprawl and crime rates continue to grow.
Question 24
What percentage of police officers in the United States are female?
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A18%
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B25%
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C13%
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D3%
13%
While women continue to fill a number of clerical jobs, out of a workforce of 900,000 sworn officers, approximately 13% are female. Women have been stereotyped as the weaker sex but have been increasingly working at proving themselves able to work alongside men in what can be a very physically demanding job, and long hours that do not mix can make it difficult to mesh with family obligations.
Question 25
Generally speaking, what are the age limits of someone seeking to become a federal investigator with the police department?
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ANo younger than 18, no older than 35
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BNo younger than 24, no older than 40
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CNo younger than 20, no older than 37
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DNo upper or lower age limit
No younger than 20, no older than 37
Minimum age to become a police officer coincides with the legal minimum age to carry a handgun. When applying for a federal law enforcement job, a person must be at least 20 years of age but not older than 37, with the exception of those who are applying to become a federal criminal investigator, who can be older than that if they have had prior federal experience. All investigators must retire at the age of 57.
Question 26
How many police officer deaths that happen on the job each year occur in police vehicles?
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ATwo-thirds
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BLess than 25%
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CAround 50%
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DAbout 75%
Around 50%
Out of the sworn law enforcement officers that die in the line of duty, approximately half of those are vehicular deaths. Chases, accidents and rollovers contribute to that number. Of that percentage, about half of them involve only a single patrol car.
Question 27
Which division of the police force is the largest?
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AThose keeping an eye on drug smuggling.
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BTown and neighborhood patrols.
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CThose patrolling our borders.
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DTraffic cops.
Those patrolling our borders.
In the United States, there are approximately 45,600 officers who are sworn specifically to watch and protect our borders against illegal entry. This division also enforces United States Customs rules and regulations. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency comprises the largest agency of law enforcement officers.
Question 28
Prior to 1980, when support services became more prevalent, how many police officers died within the first year of retirement from the force?
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A67%
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B10%
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C43%
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D50%
50%
Due to the heavy toll taken by stress and anxiety, around half of all retired law officers who worked 20 years or more on the force survived beyond one year after retirement. The long-term stress, coupled with strained family relationships, causes an overall weakened immune system and lowered endurance. In the 1980s, awareness of the situation prompted better psychological and physical aftercare, and the numbers have improved somewhat.
Question 29
How did the nightstick get its name?
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AThe stick was named for its inventor, Robert J. Night.
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BGetting hit in the head with it could cause a person to see stars.
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CBefore being adopted by law enforcement agencies, they were used at night by bayou fishermen who would beat it on the side of the boat to warn alligators to stay away.
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DBecause there were separate sticks for night and day.
Because there were separate sticks for night and day.
Police officers in New York City at one time used two different types of truncheons, or batons, depending on the time of day. The ones used during daylight were a mere 11 inches long and called day-sticks. In contrast, the one used after dark, or the night-stick, was more than double that at 26 inches as they thought it could better help them keep their distance from their perpetrators.
Question 30
Why do police officers eat so many donuts?
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AThey are fast and inexpensive.
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BIt started as a rumor but caught on, and cops like to perpetuate the joke.
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CThey crave fat and carbohydrates for quick energy.
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DThey often grab a donut when stopping into a shop to arrest a robber.
They often grab a donut when stopping into a shop to arrest a robber.
The whole idea of policemen eating so many donuts started with a string of robberies at little mom and pop donut shops. The places were not well-guarded and had a supply of ready cash, making them easy targets. Officers would grab a donut when things were taken care of, and the tradition of donuts was born. These days, they are just as likely to grab a burger at a fast food drive-thru as stop and go into a donut shop, but they get a kick out of the tradition. (And most do enjoy a good donut now and again.)
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