Law and Public Safety Introductory Level Competency Study Guide

A collection of key terms and definitions related to Law and Public Safety for exam preparation.

Self Control

The ability to regulate one's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in the face of temptations and impulses.

Job Outlook

A projection of the future demand and employment opportunities for a particular career.

Incident Command System

A standardized approach to incident management that is applicable to all phases of incident management.

First Responder

An individual who is among the first to arrive and provide assistance at the scene of an emergency.

Ethics

Moral principles that govern the behavior of individuals or groups, particularly in a professional context.

Civic Duties

The responsibilities of a citizen to engage in society, such as voting and jury duty.

Plea-Bargain

A legal agreement in which a defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge to avoid a trial.

Misdemeanor

A minor wrongdoing, often punishable by fines or less than a year of imprisonment.

Felony

A serious crime that typically results in a more severe punishment than a misdemeanor.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for regulating and facilitating international trade, collecting import duties, and enforcing U.S. regulations.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

A trained healthcare provider who responds to emergency calls and provides medical care.

Cybersecurity

The protection of computer systems and networks from theft or damage to their hardware, software, or data.

Emergency Response Guidebook

A guide that offers emergency response actions to take in case of hazardous materials incidents.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

An agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security responsible for coordinating the federal government's response to natural and man-made disasters.

Communication Skills

The abilities used to convey or share ideas and feelings effectively.

Risk Mitigation

The process of identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks followed by coordinated efforts to minimize, monitor, and control the probability or impact of unfortunate events.

Dispatch

The act of sending emergency services to the location of an incident.

Terrorism

The unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in pursuit of political aims.