Promotion boards are not only testing memory. They are trying to identify future supervisors who can apply current policy to complex situations. That makes policy updates more important than many candidates realize.
If you ignore bulletins and updates, you may give answers that were correct years ago but do not match the current standard. Boards notice that. Strong candidates show that they read and understand changes, especially in areas like use of force, pursuits, and supervision.
A practical habit is to keep a simple update log. When your agency issues a change, add a short note about what changed and why it matters. Before an interview or exam, review your log. It is a simple way to stand out as someone who is current, engaged, and ready to lead.