Law Enforcement Flashcards

An officer stops a driver for speeding and smells marijuana coming from the vehicle. Under the automobile exception, what may the officer legally do?

Answer: Search the vehicle without a warrant based on probable cause

The automobile exception allows a warrantless vehicle search when an officer has probable cause that contraband or evidence is present.

What is the primary purpose of Miranda warnings?

Answer: To inform suspects of their rights before custodial interrogation

Miranda warnings protect a suspect's Fifth Amendment rights during custodial interrogation.

A 'Terry stop' allows an officer to do which of the following?

Answer: Briefly detain and frisk a person based on reasonable suspicion

Terry v. Ohio permits a brief investigative detention and pat-down for weapons based on reasonable suspicion.

Which standard of proof is required to make a lawful arrest?

Answer: Probable cause

An arrest requires probable cause that a crime has been or is being committed.

During a domestic violence call, what is generally the officer's first priority on arrival?

Answer: Ensuring the safety of everyone, including separating the parties

Officer and victim safety, including separating the parties, is the immediate priority at a domestic call.

The use-of-force continuum primarily helps officers decide what?

Answer: The appropriate level of force proportional to a subject's resistance

The use-of-force continuum guides officers to apply force proportional to the level of threat or resistance.

What does 'chain of custody' refer to in a criminal investigation?

Answer: The documented handling of evidence from collection to court

Chain of custody is the chronological documentation showing who handled evidence to preserve its integrity.