Law Enforcement Short Answer Test

What is custodial interrogation in United States criminal law?

Custodial interrogation is when a suspect is in custody and questioned by law enforcement about a crime.

What are Miranda rights and when must they be given?

Miranda rights inform a suspect of their right to remain silent and to an attorney before custodial interrogation begins.

What happens if a person's Miranda rights are not read to them during a custodial interrogation?

If Miranda rights are not read during custodial interrogation, any statements made may be inadmissible in court.

What are the consequences if a person is coerced or bullied into making self-incriminating statements during a custodial interrogation?

If a person is coerced or bullied into making self-incriminating statements, those statements are likely inadmissible due to violation of their rights.

What are the rights a person has during a custodial interrogation?

During custodial interrogation, a person has the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right to stop questioning at any time.

As a general rule you never transport a juvenile with an adult. Explain why.

You never transport a juvenile with an adult to protect the juvenile from harm or influence and to follow legal requirements.

You always search the prisoner area of your vehicle when your shift starts and after EVERY prisoner transport. Explain why.

You search the prisoner area before and after transport to make sure it’s clear of contraband or anything left behind.

Same sex officers should typically be used in prisoner transports. Especially if the length of the trip is particularly long. Explain why.

Same-sex officers are used for transports to prevent complaints or inappropriate situations, especially on long trips.

Prisoners should ALWAYS be searched before transport even if they are coming out of a jail or prison. Explain why.

Prisoners are always searched before transport because you can’t assume someone else did it properly.

If a strip search is required it should be kept as short as possible. Explain why.

 Strip searches should be as short as possible to respect the person’s dignity and reduce discomfort.

What is the purpose of restraints (handcuffs, leg restraints, flex-cuffs, etc.)?

The purpose of restraints like handcuffs, leg restraints, and flex-cuffs is to prevent a suspect or inmate from escaping, harming themselves or others, or destroying evidence. They help maintain control and safety during arrests and transport.

List one valid reason a suspect might be handcuffed in the front as opposed to the standard behind their back.

A valid reason a suspect might be handcuffed in the front is if they have a medical condition or injury that prevents their hands from being placed behind their back.

The process of gathering a suspect's personal information, picture, finger prints, etc. is called what?

The process of gathering a suspect's personal information, photo, and fingerprints is called booking.

Why do they take a new picture EVERY time someone is arrested?

A new picture is taken every time someone is arrested to provide an up-to-date record of their appearance, which may have changed since a previous arrest.

How many fingers are printed when a suspect is processed into the jail?

All ten fingers are printed when a suspect is processed into jail.

What is the difference in an interview & interrogation?

An interview is typically a non-accusatory conversation where the goal is to gather information from someone who may be a witness, victim, or even a potential suspect. It's more open-ended and designed to get facts or background. In contrast, an interrogation is used when investigators believe the person is directly involved in the crime. It's accusatory and often aimed at getting a confession or uncovering the suspect's role in what happened.

Explain the difference in a custodial interview/interrogation v non-custodial interview/interrogation.

When it comes to custodial versus non-custodial interviews or interrogations, the key difference is whether the person is in custody. In a custodial situation, the person is not free to leave, and they must be informed of their Miranda rights before any questioning begins. In a non-custodial setting, the person is free to leave at any time, so Miranda rights aren’t legally required.

List two examples of how an investigator might build rapport with a suspect during an interview.

Investigators often try to build rapport with a suspect during interviews to make them feel more comfortable and open up. This might involve showing understanding or empathy—like acknowledging that people make mistakes—or casually talking about things the suspect enjoys or relates to, like sports, family, or shared experiences. These tactics can lower a suspect’s guard.

Can suspects choose to have their attorney answer all questions asked by investigators?

While a suspect can choose to remain silent and request an attorney, their attorney cannot answer questions on their behalf during the interview. The lawyer can advise the suspect and even stop the questioning, but ultimately, it's up to the suspect to answer or stay silent.

Why do investigators pay close attention to a suspect's during an interview? For example, do they fidget a lot, avoid eye contact at times, appear nervous.

Investigators pay close attention to a suspect’s behavior and body language during an interview. Things like fidgeting, avoiding eye contact, sudden changes in tone or posture—these can all indicate nervousness or possible deception. These non-verbal signals can be just as telling as the words a person says and help guide the direction of the interview.