Law Enforcement Midterm

What creates a strong sense of solidarity among police officers?

Shared risks, high-stress situations, and dependence on each other for safety.

What is the 'blue wall of silence'?

A phenomenon where police officers are reluctant to report misconduct to protect fellow officers.

How can police solidarity negatively impact the department?

It can foster an 'us versus them' mindset and resistance to external oversight and reform.

What challenges do female officers face regarding informal networks?

Female officers may encounter exclusion from male-dominated informal networks, leading to feelings of isolation and limited access to mentorship and support.

What issue do female officers encounter related to work-life balance?

They often struggle to manage family responsibilities alongside the demands of their policing duties, which can lead to stress and burnout.

How does research compare the behavior of female officers to male officers?

Female officers are less likely to engage in excessive force and demonstrate better communication skills.

What trend is seen regarding police agencies' recruitment preferences?

Agencies increasingly prefer recruits with a college education.

What are the benefits of college-educated police officers?

They exhibit better communication and problem-solving skills and are less likely to engage in forceful behavior.

What contributions did Robert Peel make to policing?

Established the Metropolitan Police and emphasized crime prevention and public cooperation.

Who is August Vollmer and what is he known for?

Credited with professionalizing American policing and advocating for police education.

What can misuse of discretion in policing lead to?

Racial profiling, corruption, or excessive force.

What is the main advantage of foot patrol?

It builds strong community ties.

What is a primary disadvantage of motor patrol?

It reduces face-to-face interaction with citizens.

How does non-verbal communication impact policing?

Officers' body language and posture can influence public perception and compliance.

What did the Wickersham Commission investigate?

The effectiveness and practices of law enforcement in the United States, particularly focusing on issues such as police brutality, corruption, and the enforcement of Prohibition.

What was a significant finding of the Kansas City Experiment?

The study found that increased patrols did not significantly reduce crime or enhance public safety.

What is the CompStat method?

A data analysis system used to identify crime trends and strategically deploy officers.

What role do police unions play?

They represent officers in wage negotiations and working conditions.

What is a drawback of police cliques?

They can foster favoritism and resistance to leadership changes.

What is the common standard for the police-population ratio?

Typically, it is 2 to 3 officers per 1,000 residents, varying by community needs and crime rates.

What is a key difference between coroners and medical examiners?

Coroners are often elected and lack medical training, while medical examiners are appointed forensic pathologists.

What are the primary responsibilities of local police?

Local police are primarily responsible for maintaining public order, enforcing laws, preventing crime, and investigating offenses within their jurisdiction.

What distinguishes vertical transfers from horizontal transfers in police departments?

Vertical transfers involve promotions or demotions within the department hierarchy, while horizontal transfers refer to lateral moves between different units or divisions without a change in rank.

What is the 'Code of Silence' in policing?

The 'Code of Silence' refers to an unwritten rule among police officers to avoid reporting or speaking out about the misconduct of fellow officers, often to protect one another from scrutiny or disciplinary action.

What factors guide the 'Reasonableness' standard for police use of force?

Severity of the crime, immediate threat levels, and whether the suspect is resisting arrest.

What are common recruit requirements for police officers?

Age (often 21+), U.S. citizenship, and a clean criminal record.

What is Andrew Stockhecker known for in policing?

Advancing proactive patrol strategies and improving officer safety protocols.

Who is Max Dorley and what is his legacy?

Known for his dedication to community policing and youth engagement programs.

What are some physical challenges faced by female officers despite equal standards?

Female officers may face challenges such as differences in physical strength and endurance, which can impact performance in certain physical tasks required by the job.

What is often the result of the 'us versus them' mindset among police officers?

Resistance to external oversight and reform.

How does community relations benefit from minority officers?

They often excel in building trust with diverse communities.

What does the term 'directed patrol' refer to?

Focusing officers in high-crime areas to reduce criminal activity.

What are the key aspects of verbal communication in policing?

Critical for de-escalating tense situations and gaining cooperation.

What is a benefit of bicycle patrol?

Offers mobility while maintaining closer community ties than motor patrol.

What is the significance of officer education in police departments?

It leads to better performance and reduces forceful behavior.

What reform did the Wickersham Commission spark?

Nationwide reforms to address police abuse and corruption.

What limitation does foot patrol have compared to motor patrol?

It limits the coverage area.

What role do written communications play in policing?

Written communications are essential for documentation, accountability, and effective information sharing within law enforcement agencies.

How can excessive force be reduced in police practices?

By training officers in de-escalation techniques.

Why is the credibility of medical examiners generally higher than coroners?

Medical examiners have scientific backgrounds and training.

What impact does college education have on police officers' behavior?

College-educated officers are more likely to de-escalate tense situations.

What is discretion?

Discretion refers to the ability of police officers to make choices in enforcing the law, including decisions on whether to arrest individuals or issue citations based on their judgment and the circumstances of each situation.

What are examples of the execution of discretion from Police?

Deciding whether to issue a warning or a ticket, choosing to arrest or not based on circumstances, and determining the level of force to use in a situation.

What are the origins of the Miranda decision and its procedural utilization?

The Miranda decision originated from the 1966 Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona, which established that detained criminal suspects must be informed of their rights to an attorney and against self-incrimination before being interrogated.

What are all of the federal law enforcement agencies?

Federal law enforcement agencies include the FBI, DEA, ATF, and Secret Service, each with specific responsibilities for enforcing federal laws and regulations.

Briefly state the function the FBI?

The principal federal investigative agency and domestic intelligence service of the United States, focusing on enforcing federal laws, preventing terrorism, and combating major criminal threats.

Briefly state the function the DEA?

A federal agency tasked with enforcing the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States, combating drug trafficking and abuse.

Briefly state the function the ATF?

Responsible for enforcing federal laws related to the regulation of alcohol, tobacco, firearms, explosives, and arson, as well as investigating related crimes.

Briefly state the function the Secret Service?

Responsible for protecting the President, Vice President, and other high-level officials, as well as investigating financial and electronic crimes, including counterfeiting.