Basic Police Terminology Flashcards

In LAPD radio communications, what does the term 'Code 4' signify?

Answer: No further assistance needed, situation under control

Code 4 means the situation is under control and no further assistance is required.

What is a 'Field Interview' (FI) in police terminology?

Answer: A brief investigative stop where an officer questions a suspicious person

A Field Interview is a brief, non-custodial contact where an officer questions someone under suspicious circumstances.

What does 'exigent circumstances' mean in law enforcement?

Answer: Emergency conditions that justify warrantless entry or search

Exigent circumstances are urgent situations, such as imminent danger or evidence destruction, that allow officers to act without a warrant.

What is an 'APB' in law enforcement?

Answer: All Points Bulletin — a broadcast alert to all officers about a suspect or vehicle

An All Points Bulletin is a broadcast to all law enforcement units describing a wanted suspect or vehicle.

The term 'chain of custody' refers to which of the following?

Answer: The documented record tracking evidence from collection to court

Chain of custody is the chronological documentation showing how evidence was collected, handled, and preserved.

What does 'booking' refer to in the arrest process?

Answer: The administrative process of recording an arrest and entering the suspect into the system

Booking is the administrative procedure that officially records a suspect's arrest, including fingerprinting and photographing.

In LAPD terminology, what is a 'beat'?

Answer: A designated geographic area assigned to an officer for patrol

A beat is a specific patrol area assigned to an officer or unit, ensuring consistent coverage of that zone.