DCJS Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield DCJS facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. After executing a search warrant in Virginia and seizing property, what must the officer do with the warrant and the inventory of seized items? → File them in the circuit court clerk's office within three days of the execution.
2. During a hostage or barricade situation involving a subject with apparent mental illness, the FIRST priority of responding officers is: → Containment and de-escalation while awaiting specialized resources
3. Which of the following items generally requires a search warrant to be searched and seized from a private residence, according to Virginia Code § 19.2-53? → Weapons used in the commission of a crime, stored inside a locked safe.
4. Which of the following is a core principle of the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics that Virginia officers are expected to uphold? → To safeguard lives and property and respect the constitutional rights of all.
5. Under Virginia law, which agency is primarily responsible for operating community services boards (CSBs) that provide mental health services? → Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS)
6. How can law enforcement ethics impact community relations? → It strengthens relationships by promoting fairness and accountability.
7. What does 'use of force' mean in law enforcement? → Using force as a last resort in appropriate situations.
8. What is one of the challenges of community policing? → Ensuring officers are trained in community engagement.
9. Which of the following is a defense to criminal liability? → Self-defense.
10. When an officer is uncertain whether an item found at a crime scene is evidence, the officer should: → Treat it as potential evidence and document it thoroughly
11. How does community policing help with public relations? → By establishing open communication and understanding between the police and the public.
12. What is the primary purpose of criminal law? → To protect individuals and property from harm.
13. Which condition is NOT required for an officer to legally disregard a stop sign under Virginia emergency vehicle statutes? → A supervisor must be physically present
14. How can community policing help reduce crime? → By developing community trust, which leads to better cooperation in preventing crime.
15. When is the use of deadly force permitted? → When there is imminent danger to life and other means of defense are unavailable.
16. Which term describes a law enforcement model where officers receive specialized 40-hour training to better handle mental health crises? → Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training
17. What is the key to successful community policing? → To build relationships and foster collaboration with the community.
18. Biological evidence such as blood or saliva should be stored in: → Paper bags or envelopes to allow moisture to escape
19. Which of the following is an example of a misdemeanor? → Petty theft under $500.
20. What is the role of law enforcement agencies in upholding professional conduct? → To ensure that all officers perform at the highest level of professional behavior.
21. A vehicle pursuit should generally be TERMINATED when: → The risk to public safety clearly outweighs the benefit of immediate apprehension
22. How should officers react to non-compliant individuals during a high-stress situation? → By using verbal de-escalation and other non-lethal techniques first.
23. How should law enforcement officers handle conflicts of interest? → By disclosing conflicts of interest and recusing themselves when necessary.
24. What is the 'use of force continuum'? → A set of rules for the lawful use of force.
25. What is 'double jeopardy'? → Being tried for the same crime after conviction.
26. Vehicle pursuits for minor misdemeanor traffic violations are generally: → Discouraged or prohibited when public risk is high
27. When an officer activates emergency lights and siren, civilian drivers are generally required to: → Pull to the right and stop
28. What is the importance of the 'non-deadly force' in law enforcement? → Non-deadly force is often the first line of action before escalating to deadly force.
29. A law enforcement officer who uses unnecessary force against a person in a mental health crisis may be in violation of which Constitutional amendment? → Fourth Amendment
30. When transferring evidence to another officer or agency, the transferring officer must: → Document the transfer in writing and obtain the recipient's signature