Basic Police Terminology Flashcards

What is the legal standard of 'probable cause' in police work?

Answer: Reasonable grounds based on facts and circumstances to believe a crime has been or is being committed

Probable cause requires articulable facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe a crime occurred.

What does 'Miranda rights' require an officer to inform a suspect?

Answer: Their right to remain silent and to have an attorney present during questioning

Miranda warnings, required before custodial interrogation, inform suspects of their Fifth and Sixth Amendment rights.

What is a 'misdemeanor' as opposed to a 'felony' in California law?

Answer: A less serious crime typically punishable by up to one year in county jail

A misdemeanor is a less serious offense with a maximum sentence of up to one year in county jail.

In police terminology, what is a 'CI'?

Answer: Confidential Informant

A Confidential Informant is a person who provides information to law enforcement, typically under an agreement of anonymity.

What is 'reasonable suspicion' and how does it differ from probable cause?

Answer: It is a lower standard based on specific articulable facts justifying a brief investigative stop

Reasonable suspicion is a lower threshold than probable cause, allowing officers to briefly detain someone for investigation.

What does 'use of force continuum' guide in police work?

Answer: A framework describing escalating levels of force appropriate to a suspect's resistance

The use of force continuum outlines the graduated levels of force an officer may apply in response to varying levels of suspect resistance.

What is a 'coroner's case' in LAPD terminology?

Answer: A death that must be investigated and reported to the Medical Examiner-Coroner

A coroner's case involves a death under circumstances requiring investigation by the Medical Examiner-Coroner, such as unattended, suspicious, or violent deaths.