BCJ Policing and Law Enforcement 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The President's Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice (1967) recommended which major development in U.S. policing?
- Abolishing civilian review boards
- Requiring college education for police officers (Correct answer)
- Eliminating community policing programs
- Expanding stop-and-frisk practices
Correct answer: Requiring college education for police officers
The 1967 President's Commission recommended that police officers have at minimum a college education to improve professionalism and effectiveness.
Question 2: In Terry v. Ohio (1968), the Supreme Court held that officers may briefly detain a person based on which standard?
- Probable cause
- Beyond a reasonable doubt
- Reasonable suspicion (Correct answer)
- Preponderance of evidence
Correct answer: Reasonable suspicion
Terry v. Ohio established that officers need only reasonable suspicion — articulable facts suggesting criminal activity — to conduct a brief investigatory stop (Terry stop).
Question 3: Which era of U.S. policing (roughly 1930–1980) is characterized by reliance on patrol cars, 911 systems, and a reactive, professional crime-fighting model?
- Political era
- Reform era (Correct answer)
- Community era
- Intelligence-led era
Correct answer: Reform era
The Reform (or Professional) era emphasized motorized patrol, rapid response, and scientific crime fighting as police distanced themselves from political influence.
Question 4: Which of the following best defines 'de-escalation' in modern law enforcement practice?
- Using maximum force to quickly resolve a threat
- Techniques to reduce the intensity of a conflict before force becomes necessary (Correct answer)
- Arresting suspects immediately to prevent flight risk
- Calling for backup before engaging any suspect
Correct answer: Techniques to reduce the intensity of a conflict before force becomes necessary
De-escalation involves communication and tactical techniques designed to reduce tension and resolve situations with minimal or no use of force.
Question 5: Which Supreme Court case established the 'objective reasonableness' standard for evaluating whether a police officer's use of force was constitutional?
- Tennessee v. Garner (1985)
- Graham v. Connor (1989) (Correct answer)
- Hudson v. Michigan (2006)
- Atwater v. City of Lago Vista (2001)
Correct answer: Graham v. Connor (1989)
Graham v. Connor (1989) held that claims of excessive force must be analyzed under the Fourth Amendment's objective reasonableness standard from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene.
Question 6: What is the primary function of a civilian review board in a police department?
- To train new police recruits in use-of-force tactics
- To provide independent oversight and review of police misconduct complaints (Correct answer)
- To allocate department budgets and hire officers
- To conduct criminal investigations alongside detectives
Correct answer: To provide independent oversight and review of police misconduct complaints
Civilian review boards provide external, independent oversight of police conduct by reviewing citizen complaints and recommending disciplinary action.
Question 7: The 'broken windows' theory, introduced by Wilson and Kelling in 1982, suggests that:
- Officers should use maximum force against violent offenders
- Disorder and minor infractions left unaddressed signal that more serious crime is tolerated (Correct answer)
- Police should focus solely on violent crime statistics
- Physical destruction of property is the leading cause of homicide
Correct answer: Disorder and minor infractions left unaddressed signal that more serious crime is tolerated
Broken windows theory posits that visible signs of disorder (like broken windows or graffiti) signal neglect and invite more serious criminal behavior if not addressed.
BCJ Policing and Law Enforcement 2
The President's Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice (1967) recommended which major development in U.S. policing?