MTA Investigation Techniques 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: 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?
- Mere suspicion
- Hot pursuit doctrine (Correct answer)
- Community caretaking exception
- Exigent circumstances based on officer safety only
Correct answer: Hot pursuit doctrine
The hot pursuit doctrine allows officers to enter a building without a warrant when actively pursuing a fleeing suspect.
Question 2: An officer observes a crime in progress from a public sidewalk. This observation can be used to establish:
- Reasonable suspicion only
- Mere suspicion
- Probable cause for arrest (Correct answer)
- The need for a search warrant
Correct answer: Probable cause for arrest
Witnessing a crime in progress directly establishes probable cause, which is sufficient grounds for a warrantless arrest.
Question 3: A complainant reports that a neighbor has been playing loud music every night for two weeks. This is BEST documented as:
- A felony complaint
- A pattern of behavior for an ongoing investigation (Correct answer)
- A single isolated incident
- An unfounded complaint
Correct 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.
Question 4: During an investigation, an officer learns through an informant that drugs are stored in an apartment. What is required to search the apartment legally?
- Consent from the building superintendent
- A warrant based on probable cause (Correct answer)
- Reasonable suspicion
- Permission from the precinct commander
Correct 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.
Question 5: What does the term 'corpus delicti' mean in an investigation context?
- The body of the victim
- Evidence proving that a crime has actually occurred (Correct answer)
- The suspect's criminal history
- A Latin term for chain of custody
Correct 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.
Question 6: A victim refuses to cooperate with an investigation and recants their initial statement. What should the officer do?
- Close the case immediately
- Document the recantation and preserve all original evidence and statements (Correct answer)
- Arrest the victim for filing a false report
- Ignore the recantation and proceed as if the original statement stands
Correct 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.
Question 7: Which interviewing technique involves the investigator summarizing what the witness said to confirm accuracy?
- Active confrontation
- Reflective listening (Correct answer)
- Leading questioning
- Cognitive dissonance
Correct answer: Reflective listening
Reflective listening involves paraphrasing or summarizing a witness's statement to confirm understanding and encourage further detail.
MTA Investigation Techniques 4
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?