Question 1

Arrests may result in civil suits or criminal prosecutions of officers.

Accepted Answer

It is true that arrests may result in civil suits or criminal prosecutions of officers. If an officer violates someone's civil rights during an arrest or uses excessive force, the individual may file a civil lawsuit against the officer and potentially the police department. Additionally, if an officer breaks any laws during the arrest process, they may face criminal charges.

Question 2

Illegal arrests may taint crucial evidence of guilt.

Accepted Answer

If an illegal arrest has been made, any evidence obtained as a result of that arrest may be deemed inadmissible in court. This can significantly impact the prosecution's case and potentially lead to the defendant being found not guilty. Therefore, illegal arrests could taint crucial evidence of guilt.

Question 3

The law of arrest is strict and technical.

Accepted Answer

The law of arrest is indeed strict and technical, with specific rules and guidelines that must be followed in order to make a lawful arrest. Failure to follow these rules can result in the arrest being deemed illegal and any evidence obtained being inadmissible in court.

Question 4

The Supreme Court has held that 15 to 20 seconds is a reasonable amount of time between an officer's knock and announcement of a search warrant and actual forced entry.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. In the case of United States v. Banks, the Supreme Court held that a 15-20 second waiting period between the police knocking and announcing their presence and the subsequent forced entry was reasonable.

Question 5

An exigent circumstance exception is frequently used and the most difficult to justify.

Accepted Answer

An exigent circumstance exception allows law enforcement to conduct a search without a warrant if there is an urgent need for action and no time to obtain a warrant. However, it is a difficult exception to justify because the circumstances must be objectively reasonable and the need for action must be immediate.

Question 6

A patdown of a subject's outer clothing for weapons is not considered a search.

Accepted Answer

A patdown of a subject's outer clothing for weapons is considered a search under the Fourth Amendment, specifically referred to as a "Terry stop" or "Terry frisk," based on the Supreme Court decision in Terry v. Ohio (1968). This type of search is permitted when an officer has reasonable suspicion that the person is armed and presently dangerous.

Question 7

It is entirely reasonable for an arresting officer to search for and seize any evidence on an arrestee's person to prevent its concealment or destruction.

Accepted Answer

This principle is known as the "search incident to arrest" doctrine and is widely recognized by courts in the United States. It allows officers to search an arrestee's person and any objects within their immediate control (such as a purse or backpack) to ensure officer safety and prevent the destruction of evidence. However, the scope of the search must be reasonable based on the circumstances of the arrest, and officers cannot conduct a search solely for the purpose of gathering evidence unrelated to the arrest.

Question 8

The use of forcible entry to arrest was established early on in common law,even though a fundamental liberty of people includes protecting their homes.

Accepted Answer

The use of forcible entry to arrest was indeed established early on in common law, despite the fact that protecting one's home is a fundamental liberty.

Question 9

The use of force is not a significant obstacle to the community policing philosophy.

Accepted Answer

The use of force can significantly undermine trust between the police and the community, making it a considerable obstacle to the community policing philosophy, which relies on building positive relationships and collaboration.

Question 10

Until 1985,it was legal in many states for officers to use deadly force to prevent a felon from escaping.

Accepted Answer

This is true. Before the Supreme Court ruling in Tennessee v. Garner in 1985, officers were allowed to use deadly force to prevent a felon from escaping. However, the court ruled that deadly force could only be used when necessary to prevent serious harm or death to officers or others, not solely to prevent escape.

Question 11

Arrests are rarely dangerous and seldom life threatening for police officers.

Accepted Answer

While arrests are often routine and peaceful, they can also be unpredictable and dangerous for police officers. Suspects may resist arrest, use weapons, or exhibit violent behavior, putting officers' safety at risk. However, the overall risk of injury or fatality during an arrest is low compared to other aspects of police work.

Question 12

The phrase "in the presence," when referring to an arrest,literally means in the immediate presence of the law enforcement officer.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The phrase "in the presence," when referring...

Question 13

Use of force when making an arrest is rarely an issue.

Accepted Answer

Use of force when making an arrest can be a controversial issue, as it involves balancing the need for law enforcement to apprehend a suspect with the potential harm that may come to the suspect or others. There have been instances of excessive force used during arrests, leading to public outcry and calls for reform. Therefore, the use of force when making an arrest is often debated and scrutinized.

Question 14

Arrest is often the final step in criminal proceedings.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Arrest is often the final step in...

Question 15

The curtilage,basically a person's yard,can be searched without a warrant.

Accepted Answer

The curtilage is considered to be an extension of a person's home and is entitled to the same Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. Therefore, a search of the curtilage without a warrant is generally considered unconstitutional unless an exception to the warrant requirement applies.

Question 16

Massachusetts v.Sheppard established that if police were relying on a search warrant that had been approved by a magistrate but later declared invalid,any evidence seized during that search is inadmissible at trial.

Accepted Answer

Massachusetts v. Sheppard established that evidence obtained with a search warrant that later is found to be defective can still be admissible if the police officers were acting in good faith, believing the warrant to be valid.

Question 17

Less-lethal weapons are those insufficient in force to ever cause death.

Accepted Answer

Less-lethal weapons are designed to reduce the risk of death or serious injury, but they can still be potentially lethal depending on how they are used or the target's physical condition. The term "less-lethal" is used to distinguish these weapons from deadly force options like firearms. Examples of less-lethal weapons include pepper spray, tasers, and rubber bullets. However, their use still carries a risk of serious harm or death, especially if used improperly or excessively.

Question 18

The Fourth Amendment does not prohibit arrests or searches without a warrant.

Accepted Answer

The Fourth Amendment allows for warrantless arrests and searches under certain circumstances, such as when there is probable cause or exigent circumstances.

Question 19

Police service dogs can enhance the safety of officers,bystanders,and suspects and help officers avoid resorting to deadly force.

Accepted Answer

Police service dogs are trained to protect and assist their handlers in various situations, including apprehending suspects, searching for evidence, and detecting explosives or drugs. Their presence and abilities can help de-escalate potentially dangerous situations and reduce the need for officers to use lethal force. Additionally, police dogs can help locate missing persons and assist in disaster relief efforts.

Question 20

Briefly detaining a suspicious person for questioning is considered an arrest.

Accepted Answer

Briefly detaining a suspicious person for questioning is known as a "Terry stop" and is not considered an arrest. However, if the individual is actually arrested and taken into custody, then that would be considered an arrest.

Quiz 3: Operational Skills: Performing Within The Law