What should a sergeant do if they observe cheating or plagiarism?

• A. Address it immediately, document, and report to the appropriate authority per policy.
• B. Ignore it to avoid conflict.
• C. Report only after several incidents.
• D. Privately handle it without documentation.

Answer: (B)

Cheating and plagiarism undermine the integrity of the program, so a sergeant should respond right away. Addressing it immediately shows that standards are non-negotiable and helps prevent further instances. While doing so, gather factual details—what happened, who was involved, when and where, and any evidence you have—and then report to the appropriate authority per policy so the issue is handled through the proper channels and a formal record is created. Documenting the incident ensures accountability and protects everyone by providing a fair, consistent process. Ignoring it or handling it privately bypasses due process, lets the problem fester, and erodes trust in the program. Acting promptly and through the right channels maintains discipline and the value of the training.