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Basic Police Terminology Flashcards

7 cards from real LAPD practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Basic Police Terminology flashcards as text

  1. What is 'arraignment' in the criminal justice process?

    Answer: The initial court appearance where a defendant is formally charged and enters a plea

    Arraignment is the court proceeding where a defendant is formally read their charges and asked to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

  2. What does 'NCIC' stand for and what is its purpose?

    Answer: National Crime Information Center — a nationwide database for wanted persons, stolen property, and criminal records

    NCIC is the FBI's National Crime Information Center, a nationwide database officers use to check for warrants, stolen vehicles, and criminal histories.

  3. What is a 'search incident to lawful arrest'?

    Answer: A warrantless search of an arrestee and the area within their immediate control at the time of arrest

    Search incident to lawful arrest allows officers to search an arrested person and the area within their immediate reach without a warrant.

  4. What does 'detain' mean as opposed to 'arrest' in police contacts?

    Answer: Detain is a brief investigative hold without full custody; arrest is taking someone into formal custody

    A detention is a temporary, investigative hold based on reasonable suspicion, while an arrest is a formal custodial action requiring probable cause.

  5. What is 'vicarious liability' in the context of law enforcement agencies?

    Answer: Legal responsibility an agency may bear for the actions of its officers acting within the scope of employment

    Vicarious liability holds an employer, such as LAPD, potentially responsible for unlawful acts committed by employees during their official duties.

  6. What does 'PC' stand for in LAPD police reports and daily communications?

    Answer: Penal Code

    PC stands for Penal Code, the California statute under which a crime or violation is charged.

  7. In police operations, what is a 'tactical pause'?

    Answer: A deliberate delay in action to assess the situation and de-escalate before using force

    A tactical pause is an intentional moment where officers hold their position to gather information, de-escalate, and plan the safest course of action.