Police Vocabulary and Spelling Flashcards

Which of the following is spelled correctly?

Answer: Negligence

'Negligence' is spelled N-E-G-L-I-G-E-N-C-E and refers to the failure to take proper care in doing something.

What does 'chain of custody' mean in police work?

Answer: The documented process tracking evidence from collection to court presentation

Chain of custody is the chronological documentation of who collected, handled, transferred, and analyzed evidence to ensure its integrity.

Select the correctly spelled word for the legal process of formally accusing someone of a crime:

Answer: Prosecution

'Prosecution' is spelled P-R-O-S-E-C-U-T-I-O-N and refers to the legal process of charging and trying someone for a crime.

What does the term 'recidivism' mean?

Answer: The tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend

Recidivism refers to the relapse of a person into criminal behavior after previously being convicted and/or punished.

Which word correctly describes a statement made under oath that is later found to be false?

Answer: Perjury

Perjury is the criminal act of willfully making a false statement under oath in a judicial proceeding.

Choose the correctly spelled term for the location where a crime occurred:

Answer: Scene

'Scene' is spelled S-C-E-N-E, as in 'crime scene,' the location where an offense took place.

What does 'subpoena' mean in a police and legal context?

Answer: A court order requiring someone to appear or produce documents

A subpoena is a legal writ compelling a person to appear in court or to produce evidence under penalty for failure to comply.