New Jersey Police Sergeant Promotional Exam
2026 Complete Practice Examination
Final Study Tips for the New Jersey Police Sergeant Promotional Exam:
1. Know the Statutes: Focus on N.J.S.A. Title 2C (Criminal Code), the New Jersey
Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, and CREAMMA (cannabis legalization).
2. Master the Attorney General Guidelines: Understand the Use of Force Policy,
including the duty to intercede, prohibited techniques (chokeholds, carotid restraints,
warning shots), and reporting requirements.
3. Understand Case Law: Know Graham v. Connor (objective reasonableness), Terry v.
Ohio (stop and frisk), Miranda, Garner, and Payton.
4. Know Title 10A: Familiarize yourself with Police Training Commission requirements for
training, discipline, and officer wellness.
5. Leadership & Management: Study situational leadership, Herzberg's Two-Factor
Theory, Maslow's hierarchy, and community policing concepts.
6. Report Writing: Focus on objective, factual language; avoid subjective conclusions; use
first-person active voice.
7. Officer Wellness: Understand risk factors for officer suicide and PTSD, and available
resources.
8. Ethics: Study conflicts of interest, gift policies, and the Law Against Discrimination.
9. Administrative Code (Title 10A): Review sections on training requirements, disciplinary
grounds, and police officer standards.
10. Promotional Process: Understand the application process, fees ($70 for Sergeant),
seniority credits, and make-up exam policies.
Good luck on your New Jersey Police Sergeant Promotional Exam!
Section 1: Criminal Law & New Jersey Statutes (Title 2C)
(Questions 1–35)
,1. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3, a person is guilty of murder if he causes death or
serious bodily injury resulting in death under which of the following
circumstances?
A) Recklessly under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the
value of human life
B) Purposely, knowingly, or recklessly under circumstances manifesting
extreme indifference
C) Purposely, knowingly, or by recklessness under circumstances
manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life
D) Purposely or knowingly
Answer: C
*Rationale: N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3(a) defines murder as causing death or serious
bodily injury resulting in death purposely, knowingly, or recklessly under
circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life.
Mere recklessness alone does not constitute murder; the recklessness must
demonstrate extreme indifference .*
2. A store security guard detains a suspected shoplifter for 45 minutes while
waiting for police to arrive. The guard had probable cause to believe the
person had concealed merchandise. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11, which statement
is most accurate regarding the detention?
A) The guard is civilly liable for false imprisonment because the detention
exceeded 30 minutes
B) The guard is immune from civil liability for false imprisonment if the
detention was reasonable in duration and manner
C) The guard may be charged criminally for shoplifting because the goods
were not recovered
D) The guard must release the suspect immediately if the goods are valued
under $200
Answer: B
,*Rationale: N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11(e) provides immunity from civil liability for false
arrest or false imprisonment for a merchant who detains a suspected
shoplifter if the merchant has probable cause and the detention is conducted
in a reasonable manner and for a reasonable length of time. There is no fixed
time limit; reasonableness is determined by the circumstances .*
3. A supervisor learns that an officer under his command has been accepting
small gifts (coffee, meals) from a local business owner whose establishment
has frequent calls for service. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:27-2 (Official Misconduct),
which element is most critical to establish a violation?
A) The total value of the gifts exceeds $200
B) The officer acted with purpose to obtain a benefit for himself or another
C) The business owner requested preferential treatment
D) The officer failed to report the gifts to internal affairs
Answer: B
*Rationale: N.J.S.A. 2C:27-2(a) requires that the public servant acts with
purpose to obtain a benefit for himself or another, or to harm another, in the
course of his official duties. The benefit need not be monetary; any benefit or
advantage is sufficient. The officer's intent is the critical element .*
4. An off-duty officer in a marked patrol car observes a vehicle speeding 25
mph over the limit. The officer is not in uniform but displays his badge.
Under N.J.S.A. 2C:2-6 (Criminal Liability for Conduct of Another), can the
officer make a traffic stop?
A) Yes, but only if the speed exceeds 30 mph over the limit
B) Yes, an off-duty officer in a marked car displaying a badge may enforce
traffic laws
C) No, an officer must be on-duty and in uniform to effect a traffic stop
D) No, only the New Jersey State Police may enforce speeding violations on
state highways
Answer: B
, Rationale: New Jersey law permits off-duty officers to enforce traffic laws
under certain conditions, particularly when in a marked patrol vehicle.
Display of a badge provides identification of authority. However, department
policy may impose additional restrictions on off-duty enforcement activities .
5. During a lawful traffic stop, the driver rolls down his window and the
officer smells a strong odor of raw marijuana emanating from the vehicle.
The odor of marijuana alone, following the legalization of cannabis under
the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and
Marketplace Modernization Act (CREAMMA), provides:
A) No probable cause for any further search
B) Probable cause to search the vehicle for evidence of cannabis distribution
(over the legal limit)
C) Probable cause to search the vehicle only if the driver has a prior cannabis
conviction
D) Reasonable suspicion to conduct a warrantless search of the passenger
compartment only
Answer: B
Rationale: While CREAMMA legalized possession of up to six ounces of
cannabis, the odor of marijuana may still provide probable cause to believe a
violation of the law has occurred (e.g., possession over the legal limit, DUI,
distribution). However, the odor alone no longer automatically justifies a
warrantless vehicle search; the officer must articulate specific facts
suggesting criminal activity beyond simple possession .
6. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5, which of the following individuals is permitted to
carry a handgun without a permit?
A) A retired police officer with 20 years of service
B) A judge of the Superior Court
C) A federal law enforcement officer permanently assigned to New Jersey
D) A licensed private investigator
2026 Complete Practice Examination
Final Study Tips for the New Jersey Police Sergeant Promotional Exam:
1. Know the Statutes: Focus on N.J.S.A. Title 2C (Criminal Code), the New Jersey
Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, and CREAMMA (cannabis legalization).
2. Master the Attorney General Guidelines: Understand the Use of Force Policy,
including the duty to intercede, prohibited techniques (chokeholds, carotid restraints,
warning shots), and reporting requirements.
3. Understand Case Law: Know Graham v. Connor (objective reasonableness), Terry v.
Ohio (stop and frisk), Miranda, Garner, and Payton.
4. Know Title 10A: Familiarize yourself with Police Training Commission requirements for
training, discipline, and officer wellness.
5. Leadership & Management: Study situational leadership, Herzberg's Two-Factor
Theory, Maslow's hierarchy, and community policing concepts.
6. Report Writing: Focus on objective, factual language; avoid subjective conclusions; use
first-person active voice.
7. Officer Wellness: Understand risk factors for officer suicide and PTSD, and available
resources.
8. Ethics: Study conflicts of interest, gift policies, and the Law Against Discrimination.
9. Administrative Code (Title 10A): Review sections on training requirements, disciplinary
grounds, and police officer standards.
10. Promotional Process: Understand the application process, fees ($70 for Sergeant),
seniority credits, and make-up exam policies.
Good luck on your New Jersey Police Sergeant Promotional Exam!
Section 1: Criminal Law & New Jersey Statutes (Title 2C)
(Questions 1–35)
,1. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3, a person is guilty of murder if he causes death or
serious bodily injury resulting in death under which of the following
circumstances?
A) Recklessly under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the
value of human life
B) Purposely, knowingly, or recklessly under circumstances manifesting
extreme indifference
C) Purposely, knowingly, or by recklessness under circumstances
manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life
D) Purposely or knowingly
Answer: C
*Rationale: N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3(a) defines murder as causing death or serious
bodily injury resulting in death purposely, knowingly, or recklessly under
circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life.
Mere recklessness alone does not constitute murder; the recklessness must
demonstrate extreme indifference .*
2. A store security guard detains a suspected shoplifter for 45 minutes while
waiting for police to arrive. The guard had probable cause to believe the
person had concealed merchandise. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11, which statement
is most accurate regarding the detention?
A) The guard is civilly liable for false imprisonment because the detention
exceeded 30 minutes
B) The guard is immune from civil liability for false imprisonment if the
detention was reasonable in duration and manner
C) The guard may be charged criminally for shoplifting because the goods
were not recovered
D) The guard must release the suspect immediately if the goods are valued
under $200
Answer: B
,*Rationale: N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11(e) provides immunity from civil liability for false
arrest or false imprisonment for a merchant who detains a suspected
shoplifter if the merchant has probable cause and the detention is conducted
in a reasonable manner and for a reasonable length of time. There is no fixed
time limit; reasonableness is determined by the circumstances .*
3. A supervisor learns that an officer under his command has been accepting
small gifts (coffee, meals) from a local business owner whose establishment
has frequent calls for service. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:27-2 (Official Misconduct),
which element is most critical to establish a violation?
A) The total value of the gifts exceeds $200
B) The officer acted with purpose to obtain a benefit for himself or another
C) The business owner requested preferential treatment
D) The officer failed to report the gifts to internal affairs
Answer: B
*Rationale: N.J.S.A. 2C:27-2(a) requires that the public servant acts with
purpose to obtain a benefit for himself or another, or to harm another, in the
course of his official duties. The benefit need not be monetary; any benefit or
advantage is sufficient. The officer's intent is the critical element .*
4. An off-duty officer in a marked patrol car observes a vehicle speeding 25
mph over the limit. The officer is not in uniform but displays his badge.
Under N.J.S.A. 2C:2-6 (Criminal Liability for Conduct of Another), can the
officer make a traffic stop?
A) Yes, but only if the speed exceeds 30 mph over the limit
B) Yes, an off-duty officer in a marked car displaying a badge may enforce
traffic laws
C) No, an officer must be on-duty and in uniform to effect a traffic stop
D) No, only the New Jersey State Police may enforce speeding violations on
state highways
Answer: B
, Rationale: New Jersey law permits off-duty officers to enforce traffic laws
under certain conditions, particularly when in a marked patrol vehicle.
Display of a badge provides identification of authority. However, department
policy may impose additional restrictions on off-duty enforcement activities .
5. During a lawful traffic stop, the driver rolls down his window and the
officer smells a strong odor of raw marijuana emanating from the vehicle.
The odor of marijuana alone, following the legalization of cannabis under
the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and
Marketplace Modernization Act (CREAMMA), provides:
A) No probable cause for any further search
B) Probable cause to search the vehicle for evidence of cannabis distribution
(over the legal limit)
C) Probable cause to search the vehicle only if the driver has a prior cannabis
conviction
D) Reasonable suspicion to conduct a warrantless search of the passenger
compartment only
Answer: B
Rationale: While CREAMMA legalized possession of up to six ounces of
cannabis, the odor of marijuana may still provide probable cause to believe a
violation of the law has occurred (e.g., possession over the legal limit, DUI,
distribution). However, the odor alone no longer automatically justifies a
warrantless vehicle search; the officer must articulate specific facts
suggesting criminal activity beyond simple possession .
6. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5, which of the following individuals is permitted to
carry a handgun without a permit?
A) A retired police officer with 20 years of service
B) A judge of the Superior Court
C) A federal law enforcement officer permanently assigned to New Jersey
D) A licensed private investigator
