New York State Court Officers Practice Exam

What is the Universal Police Challenge?

1. "Police! Don't move!"

2. "Stop where you are!"

3. "Freeze! Hands up!"

4. "Identify yourself!"

The correct answer is: "Police! Don't move!"

The Universal Police Challenge is a phrase commonly used by law enforcement when attempting to control a situation involving potential threats. The phrase "Police! Don't move!" effectively communicates the urgency and authority of the officer, instructing individuals to halt their actions immediately. This command is aimed at gaining compliance and ensuring safety for both the officer and the individuals involved. Each alternative phrase presents a different level of authority or clarity but may not capture the universal aspect as directly. For example, while "Stop where you are!" is a clear command, it may lack the explicit identification of the authority figure. Similarly, "Freeze! Hands up!" conveys strong instruction but typically implies a higher level of perceived threat or immediate danger. Lastly, "Identify yourself!" focuses on the accountability of the individuals rather than providing direction to halt movement. The chosen phrase stands out because it effectively conveys the officer's role and the necessary action to be taken by individuals in a policing situation.