AZ POST Cheat Sheet

Introduction to Law Enforcement

Not published of exam
AZPOST Rule Map CE Mechanics Minimum Qualifications CE Failure Path Certification Route Picker Annual Retention

Law and Legal Matters

Not published of exam
Culpable Mental States Warrantless Arrest Picker Use of Force Theft Class Ladder 13-409 vs 13-410

Patrol Procedures

Not published of exam
Domestic Violence Duties Orders of Protection Stops and Detention DV Firearm Decision

Traffic Control

Not published of exam
Arizona DUI Thresholds DUI Charge Picker Implied Consent, 28-1321 Crash Scene Duties DUI Jail Minimums

Crime Scene Management

Not published of exam
Evidence + Crime Scene Investigation Blocks Latent vs Rolled Prints Chain of Custody

Community and Police Relations

Not published of exam
Victim Rights Duties Community Policing Victims Bill of Rights Cultural Awareness

Records and Reports

Not published of exam
Report Writing Standard Demonstrated Proficiency Field Notes Proper vs Improper Conclusions

Police Proficiency Skills

Not published of exam
Firearms Qualification Physical Ability Test Target ID Course PAT vs POPAT

Quick Facts

Exam AZPOST Comprehensive Exam (CE)
Format Sections across three modules
Pass 70% per section
Scoring Each section scored separately
Retake One, within 7 days
Second fail Repeat the whole academy
Scenarios Pass/fail, one remedial
Content areas 8 areas, 60 topics
Weights Not published
Items and time Not published
Curriculum 672 hours, 200+ lessons
Blueprint rule R13-4-116, May 2025

CE Rule: 70-7-1 IN

Seventy percent, seven days, one retake
70% per section 7-day retake window 1 retake only

CE vs CFE IN

CE, current

Sections, scored separately
Retake within seven days
One retake only

CFE, retired

Three blocks
Second retake within 60 days
Replaced September 5, 2025
Current rule says CE

CE Failure Path IN

Fail a CE section → Retake once ( Within seven days )
Still appointed or enrolled → Retake allowed
No longer appointed → No retake
Fail the retake → Repeat academy ( Only route left )
Fail a scenario → Remedial scenario ( Immediately, same skill )
Fail the remedial scenario → Repeat academy

AZPOST Rule Map IN

A.R.S. 41-1822 Board sets standards
R13-4-103 Certified status mandatory
R13-4-105 Minimum qualifications
R13-4-110 Basic training, CE
R13-4-111 Annual retention
R13-4-116 Academy, eight areas
Elected sheriff Exempt from certification
Categories Full-authority, specialty only

Open Enrollee vs Appointed IN

Open enrollee

No agency sponsor
One year to appointment
Admitted under R13-4-116(K)

Appointed recruit

Agency appoints first
Agency sponsors the seat
Both sit the same CE

Certification Route Picker IN

Agency appoints you → Academy as recruit
No agency yet → Open enrollment academy ( One year to appoint )
Out-of-state officer → Waiver testing ( Agency must apply )
Federal academy graduate → Waiver testing ( One year experience )
Certification lapsed → Waiver testing ( Pass all CE sections )
Open enrollee, over three years → Repeat academy

CE Mechanics IN

Sections Each scored separately
Pass mark 70% on each
Delivery Intervals through the course
Last section Final two weeks
Retake Within seven days
Retake condition Still appointed or enrolled
Retake failure Repeat the academy
Specialty officer Only relevant CE sections

Minimum Qualifications IN

Citizenship United States citizen
Age 21, or before graduating
Education Diploma, GED, or equivalent
Felony conviction Automatic disqualifier
Discharge No dishonorable discharge
Marijuana None within two years
Marijuana as officer Never
Hard drugs None within seven years
Lifetime drug uses Five combined maximum
Drug use after 21 One time maximum
Prescription abuse No pattern
Polygraph Required unless prohibited
Medical exam Within one year
Traffic record No three-year disrespect pattern
Code of ethics Read and signed

Annual Retention IN

Training 12 hours each year
Clock start January 1 after certification
Firearms Board-prescribed qualification course
Target ID Judgment course annually
Open enrollee Appointment within one year
One to three years Retake CE plus proficiencies
Over three years Repeat the academy
Course rejection Board may reject content

Mental States: IKRC LA

Intent, Knowledge, Recklessness, Criminal negligence
I = objective K = aware R = disregards risk CN = fails to perceive

Recklessly vs Criminal Negligence LA

Recklessly

Aware of the risk
Consciously disregards it

Criminal negligence

Fails to perceive risk
Same gross deviation test
Awareness is the divider

Warrantless Arrest Picker LA

Felony, probable cause → Arrest ( No presence needed )
Misdemeanor in your presence → Arrest ( 13-3883(A)(2) )
Misdemeanor, not in presence → Arrest, cite release ( 13-3883(A)(4) )
Criminal traffic after crash → Arrest ( 13-3883(A)(3) )
DV with injury or weapon → Mandatory arrest ( No cite release )
Juvenile felony-level act → Temporary custody ( 8-303(D) )
Mental disorder, danger → 36-525 custody ( Transport to screening )

Culpable Mental States LA

Intentionally Objective to cause result
Knowingly Aware of conduct or circumstance
Recklessly Aware, consciously disregards risk
Criminal negligence Fails to perceive risk
Both risk tests Gross deviation required
Voluntary intoxication Still counts as reckless

Force Test: N-P-L LA

Necessary, Purpose known, Lawful arrest
Necessary right now Purpose made known Lawful arrest believed

13-409 vs 13-410 LA

13-409 force

Three conditions together
Immediately necessary to arrest

13-410 deadly

Subsection C governs officers
Deadly weapon felony or escape
409 authorizes, 410 limits

Warrantless Arrest, 13-3883 LA

(A)(1) felony Probable cause, no presence
(A)(2) misdemeanor Committed in officer presence
(A)(3) traffic crash Criminal Title 28 violation
(A)(4) misdemeanor Any, release eligible
(A)(5) Removability clause, preempted 2012
13-3903 Notice to appear release
Listed offenses Fingerprint before release

Theft Ladder Anchors LA

One, four, twenty-five thousand
$1,000 = class 6 $4,000 = class 3 $25,000 = class 2

Use of Force LA

13-409 Force in arrest, detention
Condition one Force immediately necessary
Condition two Purpose known or unknowable
Condition three Arrest believed lawful
13-410(A) Threatened deadly force
13-410(C) Officer deadly force
13-410(D) Threaten to protect self
All three Must exist together

Theft Class Ladder LA

$25,000 and up Class 2 felony
$4,000 to $24,999 Class 3 felony
$3,000 to $3,999 Class 4 felony
$2,000 to $2,999 Class 5 felony
$1,000 to $1,999 Class 6 felony
Under $1,000 Class 1 misdemeanor
Taken from a person Class 6 felony
Firearm or fighting animal Class 6 felony
Engine or transmission Class 4 always

DV Shall-Arrest Trigger PA

Injury or weapon, age fifteen, arrest
Physical injury Deadly weapon exhibited At least fifteen Unless victim protected

DV May Arrest vs Shall PA

May arrest

Any DV probable cause
Felony or misdemeanor

Shall arrest

Physical injury inflicted
Or deadly weapon exhibited
Person at least fifteen
Injury or weapon compels arrest

DV Firearm Decision PA

Firearm in plain view → May seize ( Risk must exist )
Found by consent search → May seize
No serious injury risk → Leave the firearm
Firearm owned by victim → Leave it ( Unless both offended )
Firearm seized → Hold 72 hours ( Give itemized receipt )
Before releasing it → Notify the victim
Return may endanger → Prosecutor files notice ( Six months maximum )

Domestic Violence Duties PA

May arrest Any DV probable cause
Shall arrest Injury or deadly weapon
Age floor At least fifteen
Only exception Victim otherwise protected
Dual arrest Both independently offended
Self-defense Not domestic violence
Cite release Unavailable for DV arrests
Firearm seizure Plain view or consent
Firearm hold At least 72 hours
Receipt Serial or identifying number
Before release Notify the victim
Prosecutor notice Retain up to six months
Return hearing Within ten days
Minor present Child welfare check
Written notice Procedures and resources

Civil Dispute vs Domestic PA

Civil dispute

Court remedy applies
Keep the peace

Domestic violence

Arrest authority applies
Mandatory when injured
Civil has no arrest hook

Orders of Protection PA

Unserved Expires after one year
Effective On service of order
Duration Two years after service
Modified order Runs from initial service
Service return Filed within 72 hours
Repository Arizona Supreme Court

Stops and Detention PA

13-2412 True full name only
Advisement first Refusal is unlawful
Refusal Class 2 misdemeanor
Other questions Cannot be compelled
Miranda Custody plus interrogation
Volunteered statement Not interrogation
8-303(C) Juvenile custody discretionary
8-303(D) Juvenile custody mandatory
Juvenile after custody Notify parent, juvenile Miranda
36-525 Mental health custody

DUI Number Line TR

Oh four, oh eight, fifteen, twenty
0.04 commercial 0.08 standard 0.15 extreme 0.20 super extreme

DUI vs Extreme DUI TR

28-1381

Impairment or 0.08
Class 1 misdemeanor

28-1382

0.15 or higher
30 or 45 days
The number drives it

DUI Charge Picker TR

Impaired to slightest degree → 28-1381(A)(1) ( No number needed )
0.08 within two hours → 28-1381(A)(2) ( Per se )
Drug or metabolite present → 28-1381(A)(3) ( Prescription defense )
CDL vehicle at 0.04 → 28-1381(A)(4)
Vehicle for hire, 0.04 → 28-1381(A)(5)
0.15 up to 0.20 → 28-1382(A)(1) ( Extreme, 30 days )
0.20 or more → 28-1382(A)(2) ( Super extreme, 45 days )

Arizona DUI Thresholds TR

28-1381(A)(1) Impaired to slightest degree
28-1381(A)(2) 0.08 within two hours
28-1381(A)(3) Any drug or metabolite
28-1381(A)(4) CDL vehicle, 0.04
28-1381(A)(5) Vehicle for hire, 0.04
Extreme DUI 0.15 up to 0.20
Super extreme 0.20 or more
DUI class Class 1 misdemeanor
Valid prescription Defense to (A)(3)

DUI Jail Minimums TR

Extreme, first 30 consecutive days
Super extreme, first 45 consecutive days
Probation Only if fully served
Extreme fine At least $250
Super extreme fine At least $500
Prior lookback Priors within 36 months

Implied Consent, 28-1321 TR

Refusal 12-month suspension
Second refusal Two years within 84 months
Not expressly agreeing Counts as refusal
Not completing test Counts as refusal
Over the limit 90-day suspension minimum
Under 21 Any spirituous liquor
Reinstatement Requires drug, alcohol screening

Crash Scene Duties TR

28-661 Stop and remain
28-663 Name, address, registration
License Exhibit on request
Assistance Render reasonable assistance
Death or serious injury Class 3 felony
Driver caused it Class 2 felony
Other injury Class 5 felony
Sentences Run consecutively

Latent vs Rolled Prints CR

Latent

Left unintentionally
Must be developed

Rolled

Taken deliberately
From a known person
Latent found, rolled taken

Evidence + Crime Scene CR

Chain of custody Continuity to courtroom
Marking Identify each item
Packaging Preserve for identification
Gap in continuity Admissibility problem
Preliminary tasks Protect, identify, search, sketch
Notes Recorded and preserved
First minutes Lost evidence rarely recovered

Investigation Blocks CR

Fingerprinting Develop and preserve
Latent print Left unintentionally
Rolled impression Taken from known person
Death investigation Includes SIDS cases
Manner of death Medical examiner decides
Narcotics 13-3401 defined drugs
Gang member Two of seven criteria
Interviewing Rights and legal limits

Victim Rights Duties CO

Source Arizona Constitution, Article 2.1
Timing As soon as contactable
Without interfering Investigation or arrest
Forms Request or waive rights
Representative Victim may designate
Thirty-day line Call for case status
Forensic exam cost Paid by the county
DV cases 13-3601 procedures given

Community Policing CO

Community policing Partnerships and problem solving
Traditional policing Call-by-call response
Cultural awareness Perception shapes interpretation
Communication Language and non-language factors
Role playing Elderly, visually impaired, non-English
Victimology Curriculum topic
Crime prevention Curriculum topic

Report Writing Standard RE

Standard Demonstrated proficiency, not score
Narrative Complete, descriptive, accurate
Field notes Raw material for report
Conclusions Separate proper from improper
Coverage Form, style, and procedure

Firearms: 40-200-170 PR

Forty shots, two hundred max, one seventy
40 rounds fired 200 maximum score 170 to pass

PAT vs POPAT PR

PAT, current

Pass or fail
2:06 or less
Nine continuous tasks

POPAT, legacy

384-point minimum
Separately scored events
Some agencies still use
Graduation now uses PAT

Firearms Qualification PR

Course 40-shot daytime or nighttime
Targets TQ-19 or TQ-21
Maximum score 200
Minimum to pass 170
Hit in scoring area Five points
Silhouette, outside area Zero points
Qualification year January 1 to December 31
Weapon change Requalify on new weapon
Negligent discharge Disqualifies the shooter
Empty gun Not an alibi
Nighttime reloads Done in total darkness
Stage order May not be rearranged

Physical Ability Test PR

Standard 2:06 or less
Scoring Pass or fail
Course length 870 feet
Tasks Nine continuous job tasks
Drag weight 150 pounds
Fence Four-foot chain link
Assistance None permitted
Requirement Needed to graduate

Target ID Course PR

Scoring Pass or fail only
Block minimum Three scenarios
Must include One shoot, one no-shoot
Wrong target Disqualifies the student
Failing to fire Disqualifies the student
Frequency Required every year

Common Traps

CE is not the CFE

CE, sections, seven-day retake ≠ CFE, blocks, 60-day retake

70% is per section

70% on each section ≠ Not a 70% average

Officer deadly force is 13-410(C)

13-410(C) governs officer use ≠ 13-410(A) covers threatened use

Theft felony line is $1,000

$1,000 starts class 6 ≠ Under $1,000 stays misdemeanor

DV arrest is not always mandatory

Injury or weapon = shall ≠ Otherwise may arrest only

An unserved order expires

Unserved dies at one year ≠ Served runs two years

AZPOST publishes no weights

Eight areas, no percentages ≠ Any weight chart is invented

Curriculum is 672 hours

672 hours is current ≠ 585 hours is legacy

Name only, not answers

Must give true full name ≠ Cannot compel other answers

PAT is not POPAT

PAT is pass/fail 2:06 ≠ POPAT scores toward 384

Refusal is more than saying no

Not expressly agreeing is refusal ≠ Not completing is refusal

Bias is not a separate crime

Aggravator at sentencing ≠ Charge the underlying offense

Felony arrest needs no presence

Felony needs probable cause ≠ Presence limits (A)(2) only

Last Minute

1. 70% each CE section, scored separately
2. One retake, within seven days
3. Fail the retake = repeat academy
4. Eight content areas, 60 topics
5. Weights not published; never guess
6. Felony arrest needs no presence
7. Force test: necessary, purpose, lawful
8. Officer deadly force = 13-410(C)
9. Theft felony starts at $1,000
10. DV injury or weapon = shall arrest
11. Hold seized DV firearm 72 hours
12. Order unserved one year = expired
13. Name only under A.R.S. 13-2412
14. Miranda = custody plus interrogation
15. DUI per se = 0.08
16. Extreme 0.15, super extreme 0.20
17. Refusal = 12 months suspended
18. Firearms: 170 of 200 minimum
19. PAT = 2:06, pass/fail
20. Annual: 12 hours plus firearms

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