Policing Legally: Investigative Encounters

These flashcards cover key concepts from the chapter on investigative encounters in policing, including constitutional provisions, important legal cases, terminology, and procedural requirements for police officers.

Fourth Amendment

Constitutional amendment that prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures.

Exclusionary Rule

A legal principle that excludes evidence obtained in violation of a defendant's constitutional rights.

Terry v. Ohio

A landmark case that established the standard for stop and frisk based on reasonable suspicion.

People v. DeBour

A case that created a four-tiered analysis for police encounters based on the nature of suspicion.

Investigative Encounter

A police interaction with a civilian for law enforcement purposes.

Terry Stop

A brief detention by police, based on reasonable suspicion that a person is involved in criminal activity.

Probable Cause

A legal standard that requires sufficient facts to believe a crime has been committed.

Common Law Right of Inquiry

The ability of a police officer to ask questions based on founded suspicion of criminal activity.

Body-Worn Cameras

Devices that police must activate before engaging in police actions to record interactions.

Stop Report

A mandatory document for Level 3 stops detailing the circumstances of the stop.

Level 1 Encounter

Request for information with an objective credible reason and no suspicion of criminality.

Level 2 Encounter

Common law inquiry based on founded suspicion of criminal activity.

Level 3 Encounter

A Terry stop based on individualized reasonable suspicion.

Protective Measures

Actions taken by police officers to ensure safety in uncertain situations.

Reasonable Suspicion

A standard requiring specific facts that suggest criminal activity, allowing for a stop.

Racial Profiling

The controversial practice of targeting individuals for suspected criminal activity based on their race.

Miranda Warnings

Legal warnings that must be given to suspects before questioning while in custody.

Consent to Search

A voluntary agreement to allow police to search without a warrant.

Documentation Requirements

Mandates for officers to record demographic information during encounters.

Business Card Provision

Requirement to offer a business card to civilians after encounters, barring certain exceptions.