Which section of the POST exam may include questions about criminal law?

The legal section of the POST exam is specifically designed to assess a candidate's understanding of laws that pertain to policing, including criminal law. This section typically covers topics such as the criminal justice system, legal terminology, statutes, and case law relevant to law enforcement activities. Given that the role of a police officer involves enforcing laws and understanding legal procedures, questions in this section are critical for evaluating a candidate's knowledge of their legal responsibilities and the rights of individuals under the law. This foundational knowledge is essential for making sound decisions in the law enforcement environment.

The other sections focus on different skill sets: the judgment section emphasizes decision-making skills in various scenarios, the interpersonal communication section assesses a candidate's ability to interact effectively with the public and colleagues, and the problem-solving section tests analytical skills in resolving situations. While these skills are important for a police officer, they do not primarily focus on legal knowledge.