Police Sergeant Practice Exam

When should a supervisor intervene in the personal problems of an officer?

1. When the officer requests help

2. When the problem affects their performance

3. When other officers complain

4. When it escalates to a public incident

The correct answer is: When the problem affects their performance

Intervention by a supervisor is critical when an officer's personal problems begin to affect their performance. The primary responsibility of a supervisor is to ensure that all officers are performing their duties effectively and safely. If personal issues impair an officer's ability to carry out their responsibilities—such as impacting their judgment, decision-making, or adherence to protocols—a supervisor must step in. Addressing such concerns proactively helps maintain workplace integrity, ensures public safety, and supports the officer in addressing their challenges. While an officer requesting help is a valid scenario for intervention, it is not the only trigger. The same applies to complaints from fellow officers and escalation to public incidents—these situations can certainly warrant attention, but they do not necessarily encompass the wide range of circumstances where performance might be compromised. The priority remains the well-being of the officer and the effectiveness of the unit as a whole, making intervention aligned with performance issues essential.