Police Basics
The routine duty of officers walking or driving through assigned areas
What is patrol?
This constitutional amendment protects U.S. citizens' freedom of speech and of the press
What is the 1st Amendment
This handheld or mounted device is commonly used by traffic officers to measure a vehicle's speed.
What is a radar (or LIDAR)?
The official term for a person currently believed by police to have committed a crime.
What is a suspect?
The principal federal investigative arm operating under the Department of Justice
What is the FBI?
This top local law enforcement officer is usually elected by the people rather than appointed
What is a sheriff
The famous Supreme Court case that established the reading of rights upon arrest "You have the right to remain silent")
What is Miranda v. Arizona?
Protective gear worn under the uniform shirt to guard against ballistic threats
What is a vest (or body armor)?
Crimes like vandalism and grand theft that target possessions rather than causing physical harm to people
What are property crimes?
This agency handles federal court security, prisoner transport, and the tracking of major fugitives.
What are the U.S. Marshals?
The number you dial in the United States for an immediate police, fire, or medical emergency
What is 9-1-1?
This amendment protects citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures by law enforcement.
What is the 4th Amendment
The physical metal or hinged restraining items used to secure a detainee's wrists.
What are handcuffs?
The three-sided geometric model used in training that represents ability, motive, and opportunity.
What is the crime triangle
Operating under the Department of Homeland Security, this agency focuses on border control and immigration enforcement.
What is ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)?
Police officers commonly touch this part of a vehicle during a traffic stop to leave physical evidence of their contact
What is the rear trunk or taillight area?
A law enforcement practice where an officer briefly pats down outer clothing on a suspect for weapons.
What is a stop and frisk (or Terry stop)
The primary non-lethal conductive energy weapon often carried on a duty belt.
What is a Taser
The specialized physical location or site where a crime took place and physical evidence is collected
What is a crime scene?
This federal agency is tasked with protecting the President and investigating financial crimes like counterfeiting.
What is the U.S. Secret Service?
The informal code of silence among some police officers regarding misbehavior by their peers
What is the blue wall of silence?
The legal standard required for a police officer to make an arrest or conduct a search, meaning more than just a casual suspicion
What is probable cause?
The central communication radio system tool officers use to check vehicle registration and warrant statuses from the field.
What is an MDT (Mobile Data Terminal) or police radio?
The narrow, highly vulnerable entry corridor when clearing a doorway during a building search.
What is the fatal funnel?
The worldwide organization that facilitates international police cooperation across member nations
What is INTERPOL?