Contemporary Policing Final Exam Review

Final Exam (#5) Review Sheet: Contemporary Policing, J Szucs

Chapter 13

  • FBI Index Crimes
      - Reference: Page 384, Table 13.1
      - Details: Review crimes listed by the FBI, categorizing them based on their frequency of occurrence, ranging from those that happen least to those that happen most.

  • 4th Amendment Elements
      - Reference: Page 387
      - Definition: The 4th Amendment protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures. Any search or seizure conducted without a warrant or probable cause is deemed unconstitutional.   

  • Landmark Cases
      - Weeks v. US
        - Details: Established the exclusionary rule, preventing evidence obtained through unlawful search and seizure from being used in federal prosecutions.
      - Mapp v. Ohio
        - Details: Extended the exclusionary rule to state courts, emphasizing protections under the 4th Amendment.
      - Terry v. Ohio
        - Details: Affirmed the constitutionality of stop-and-frisk procedures, coming into play when an officer has reasonable suspicion of criminal activity.
      - Miranda v. Arizona
        - Details: Required that individuals in custody be informed of their rights before being interrogated (Miranda rights).
      - Brown v. Mississippi
        - Details: Addressed the inadmissibility of coerced confessions, reinforcing due process rights.
      - Reference: Pages 390-391, 406, 417-419

  • Probable Cause
      - Definition: A legal standard of proof in criminal cases; sufficient reason based upon known facts to believe a crime has been committed or that certain property is connected with a crime.
      - Reference: Page 394

  • K-9 Utilization and 4th Amendment Considerations
      - Details: Explore the permissible use of trained dogs in searches, the standards applied to such searches under the 4th Amendment, and how the use of K-9s fits into the legal framework of search and seizure.
      - Reference: Page 401

Chapter 14

  • Computers in Policing
      - Origin and Utility for Law Enforcement
        - Details: Discuss how technology, including computers, has been integrated into modern policing.
      - CAD Systems
        - Definition: Computer-Aided Dispatch systems utilized for efficient handling of emergency calls and information dissemination among law enforcement.
      - Reference: Page 444

  • FBI NCIC Database and ViCap Program
      - FBI NCIC Database
        - Definition: National Crime Information Center database that allows law enforcement access to criminal justice information.
      - ViCap Program
        - Definition: Violent Criminal Apprehension Program; a nationwide database that assists in tracking violent crime.
      - Reference: Page 448

  • Fingerprint Technology
      - Key Concepts:
        - AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System): A biometric system for fingerprint recognition.
        - Live Scan: A method used to scan fingerprints digitally.
        - Fingerprints at Crime Scenes: How to properly collect and analyze fingerprints at crime scenes.
      - Reference: Pages 455-457

  • Less-than-Lethal Weapons
      - Chemical and Irritant Sprays
        - Examples: OC spray (pepper spray), tear gas.
      - Tasers
        - Details: Devices used to incapacitate subjects through electrical impulses.
      - Reference: Pages 460-461

  • Age Progression Technology
      - Definition: Methods used to create images of missing persons as they might appear as they age.
      - Reference: Page 469

  • Forensic Science/Criminalistics
      - Definition: The application of scientific principles and techniques to matters related to the justice system.
      - Branches of Forensic Science: Includes multiple disciplines such as biology, chemistry, and physical sciences, each specializing in aspect related to criminal evidence.
      - Reference: Pages 470-471

  • Science of DNA
      - Overview: Discusses the significance of DNA analysis in criminal investigations, including collection, preservation, and matching techniques.
      - Reference: Page 481

Chapter 15

  • Definition of Terrorism
      - Key Elements:
        - Domestic Terrorism: Terrorist activities occurring primarily within the United States.
        - International Terrorism: Terrorism conducted by foreign entities against American interests.
        - Special Interest Groups: Groups that engage in terroristic actions to pursue specific agendas, including environmental terrorism or religious motives.
      - References: Pages 505, 510, 513-515

  • Investigating Terrorism
      - Overview: Discuss methods used in investigating terrorist activities, including intelligence gathering and community engagement.
      - Proactive and Reactive Measures:
        - Proactive Measures: Actions taken to prevent terrorist acts before they occur.
        - Reactive Measures: Responses and strategies enacted after a terrorist incident takes place.
      - Reference: Page 516

  • Roles of Various Agencies
      - FBI:
        - Details: Investigative body responsible for combatting terrorism and enforcing federal laws.
      - Joint Terrorism Task Forces (JTTF):
        - Details: Collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to address terrorism.
      - Transportation Security Administration (TSA):
        - Details: Agency responsible for security in transportation systems, especially aviation.
      - USA Patriot Act:
        - Details: Legislative act that expands the tools and resources available to the federal government to combat terrorism.
      - Reference: Pages 519-522

  • National Security Letters and FISA
      - National Security Letters (NSLs):
        - Definition: Authorizations for the FBI to obtain information in national security investigations without a court order.
      - Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA):
        - Overview: Governs the surveillance of foreign agents and terrorists, including the requirements needed to obtain a warrant.
      - Reference: Page 537