Investigation Techniques Flashcards
7 cards from real MTA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Investigation Techniques flashcards as text
While investigating a robbery, you observe a suspect matching the description flee into a building. Under what legal authority may you enter without a warrant?
Answer: Hot pursuit doctrine
The hot pursuit doctrine allows officers to enter a building without a warrant when actively pursuing a fleeing suspect.
An officer observes a crime in progress from a public sidewalk. This observation can be used to establish:
Answer: Probable cause for arrest
Witnessing a crime in progress directly establishes probable cause, which is sufficient grounds for a warrantless arrest.
A complainant reports that a neighbor has been playing loud music every night for two weeks. This is BEST documented as:
Answer: A pattern of behavior for an ongoing investigation
Repeated incidents should be documented as a pattern, which helps build a stronger case and identify habitual behavior.
During an investigation, an officer learns through an informant that drugs are stored in an apartment. What is required to search the apartment legally?
Answer: A warrant based on probable cause
A search of a private dwelling requires a warrant supported by probable cause, unless an established exception applies.
What does the term 'corpus delicti' mean in an investigation context?
Answer: Evidence proving that a crime has actually occurred
Corpus delicti refers to the body of evidence proving that a specific crime has been committed, not necessarily limited to a body.
A victim refuses to cooperate with an investigation and recants their initial statement. What should the officer do?
Answer: Document the recantation and preserve all original evidence and statements
The officer should document the recantation while preserving the original evidence, as prosecution may still be possible independent of the victim's cooperation.
Which interviewing technique involves the investigator summarizing what the witness said to confirm accuracy?
Answer: Reflective listening
Reflective listening involves paraphrasing or summarizing a witness's statement to confirm understanding and encourage further detail.