The police

Test yourself on this topic

10 questions on this topic, each with the answer explained.

1. 1. A driver offers a police officer money so they will not be charged. What is the position under Australian law?

   • Offering a bribe to a police officer is a crime
   • It is a crime only if the officer takes the money
   • It is a small matter settled with a warning
   • It is legal as long as the officer refuses it

   Explanation: Bribing police is a serious crime in Australia, and merely offering the bribe is already a crime.

2. 2. A police officer gives evidence at a trial. Who decides whether the accused person is guilty?

   • The head of the police force
   • The government minister
   • The court
   • The police officer

   Explanation: Police may present evidence, but the decision on guilt belongs to the court alone.

3. 3. In which part of Australia does the AFP also carry out general police work?

   • All of the six Australian states
   • Every Australian state capital city
   • The Northern Territory and Tasmania
   • The Australian Capital Territory

   Explanation: As well as federal crime, the AFP acts as the everyday police force in the ACT.

4. 4. The police believe a person has broken the law. What can they do?

   • Fine them and send them to prison directly
   • Decide the penalty for them at the station
   • Arrest them and bring them before a court
   • Order them to leave the state at once

   Explanation: Police can arrest a person, but only a court can deal with guilt and punishment.

5. 5. What is the name of Australia's national police force?

   • The Australian Police Authority
   • The National Police Service
   • The Australian Federal Police
   • The Commonwealth Crime Bureau

   Explanation: The national force is the Australian Federal Police, usually called the AFP.

6. 6. What kind of crimes do the police forces of the states and the Northern Territory deal with?

   • Crimes against national security only
   • Crimes under state and territory laws
   • Crimes committed by visitors only
   • Crimes decided by local councils

   Explanation: Each state and the Northern Territory runs its own police force for its own laws.

7. 7. Which TWO of these are the job of the police in Australia?

   • Deciding the penalty for a crime
   • Writing the laws of the state
   • Protecting life and property
   • Maintaining peace and order in the community

   Explanation: Police keep order and protect people and property. Making laws and setting penalties belong to parliament and the courts.

8. 8. Which TWO statements describe the police and the community in Australia?

   • Only Australian citizens may speak to the police
   • People must pay a fee before reporting a crime
   • The police and the community have a good relationship
   • You can report crimes and ask your local police for help

   Explanation: Australians are encouraged to approach their local police for help, and the relationship between the two is a good one.

9. 9. Which of these is an example of a crime investigated by the Australian Federal Police?

   • Parking in the wrong place
   • Failing to register a family pet
   • Drug trafficking
   • A dispute between two neighbours

   Explanation: The AFP handles crimes against federal laws, such as drug trafficking, national security and the environment.

10. 10. Which statement about the Australian police is correct?

    • They are independent of the government
    • They are directed by the Prime Minister
    • They take orders from the trial judge
    • They are controlled by the local council

    Explanation: The police do their work independently and are not run by politicians.