Question 1

Explain the police role in society.

Accepted Answer

The police role in the United States is unique in that it is not limited to specifically defined tasks. First, police act as crime fighters. Many police officers emphasize their role as crime fighters. According to the UCR, nationwide the police make somewhere in the neighborhood of 12 million arrests annually for criminal infractions, excluding traffic violations. From the analyses of arrests made by police, one can see that the vast majority of the arrests are not serious Index crimes but, rather, crimes of disorder or actions that annoy citizens and negatively affect their quality of life. The vast majority of crime fighting by police is related to order maintenance rather than serious crime. Police serve not only as crime fighters but also as problem solvers. Police officers act as emergency responders, social workers, and city ambassadors. The police role is very ambiguous and extremely diverse.

Question 2

What are the goals of policing?

Accepted Answer

The two primary goals of policing are maintaining order and protecting life and property. In addition to these primary goals, the police also have secondary goals or objectives, which include preventing crime, arresting and prosecuting offenders, recovering stolen and/or missing property, assisting the sick and injured, enforcing noncriminal regulations, and delivering services not available elsewhere in the community. This diversity of duties raises the question: What exactly do the police do? For example, should the police help an elderly person to change a light bulb on his or her front porch?

Question 3

What are the various operational styles of the police?

Accepted Answer

Police operational styles are adopted by police officers as a way of thinking about the role of police and law in society and how the police should perform their jobs. No officer conforms solely to one particular style to the exclusion of others. Siegel and Senna identify four basic police operational styles: crime fighter, social agent, law enforcer, and watchman. Broderick also presents four distinct operational styles: enforcers, idealists, realists, and optimists. Wilson, who offers three categories of operational styles (watchman, legalistic, and service), found that the political culture of a city exerts a major influence on the style of policing exercised by the police.

Question 4

Police officers use discretion every day. How is it regulated?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Police officers use discretion every day. How...

Question 5

The media is quick to point out police use of excessive force. How do police officers know when to use force and how much to use?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The media is quick to point out...

Question 6

The "fleeing felon" rule was overturned in Tennessee v. Garner in 1985 by the
 U.S. Supreme Court. Was this a good decision? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The "fleeing felon" rule was overturned in...

Question 7

In American society today, the police officer's role is ambiguous. Officers are expected to survey a scene and exercise their discretion but also make decisions based on what's in the best interests of all parties, including society as a whole. Police officers face a great deal of public scrutiny, especially as it relates to the use of deadly force. Some police departments have responded to the call for better monitoring and accountability by employing the use of body cameras. Officials then must decide on what to do with evidence gathered from the device, particularly in cases involving the police use of deadly force. On one hand, they face pressure from the public to release that information. On the other, police have the primary responsibility of maintaining order and protecting life and property, and releasing footage could escalate already tense situations.
This scenario focuses on the police use of deadly force.
Recently, a traffic stop escalated in a shootout that ended with the officer wounded and the suspect dead. The media and several community organizations are questioning the use of deadly force in the situation. Citizens in the community are demanding to see a video from a cell phone that was taken during the incident. This scenario involves the impacts of media and the community on investigations into use of force.
-Which of the following is one of the four major factors said to influence officers' in exercising discretion?

Accepted Answer

a. Correct. According to Herbert Jacob, characteristics of the crime are an important factor influencing police officers in determining the use of discretion. Also important are the relationship between the suspect and the victim, relationship between the police and the suspect or the victim, and department policies. See "Police Discretion,"
b. Incorrect. According to Herbert Jacob, characteristics of the crime are an important factor influencing police officers in determining the use of discretion. Also important are the relationship between the suspect and the victim, relationship between the police and the suspect or the victim, and department policies. See "Police Discretion,"
c. Incorrect. According to Herbert Jacob, the relationship between the suspect and the victim is an important factor influencing police officers in determining the use of discretion. Also important are the characteristics of the crime, relationship between the police and the suspect or the victim, and department policies. See "Police Discretion,"
d. Incorrect. According to Herbert Jacob, the relationship between the suspect and the victim is an important factor influencing police officers in determining the use of discretion. Also important are the characteristics of the crime, relationship between the police and the suspect or the victim, and department policies. See "Police Discretion,"

Question 8

In American society today, the police officer's role is ambiguous. Officers are expected to survey a scene and exercise their discretion but also make decisions based on what's in the best interests of all parties, including society as a whole. Police officers face a great deal of public scrutiny, especially as it relates to the use of deadly force. Some police departments have responded to the call for better monitoring and accountability by employing the use of body cameras. Officials then must decide on what to do with evidence gathered from the device, particularly in cases involving the police use of deadly force. On one hand, they face pressure from the public to release that information. On the other, police have the primary responsibility of maintaining order and protecting life and property, and releasing footage could escalate already tense situations.
This scenario focuses on the police use of deadly force.
Recently, a traffic stop escalated in a shootout that ended with the officer wounded and the suspect dead. The media and several community organizations are questioning the use of deadly force in the situation. Citizens in the community are demanding to see a video from a cell phone that was taken during the incident. This scenario involves the impacts of media and the community on investigations into use of force.
-What type of technology is being used increasingly to monitor the use of force by police officers?

Accepted Answer

a. Correct. Both public and private sectors have called for the use of body cameras by police agencies to monitor the use of force by police officers. Body cameras can be used not only to monitor such use of force but also to protect police officers from unwarranted accusations of misuse of force. See "Policy Shootings and the Use of Deadly Force," LO6 Bloom's: Understand
b. Incorrect. Department policies guide officers' discretion in the use of force. Body cameras are being used with increasing frequency by police agencies to monitor the use of force by police officers. Body cameras can be used not only to monitor such use of force but also to protect police officers from unwarranted accusations of misuse of force. See "Policy Shootings and the Use of Deadly Force," LO6 Bloom's: Understand
c. Incorrect. Less-than-lethal weapons provide officers with alternatives to deadly force. Body cameras are being used with increasing frequency by police agencies to monitor the use of force by police officers. Body cameras can be used not only to monitor such use of force but also to protect police officers from unwarranted accusations of misuse of force. See "Policy Shootings and the Use of Deadly Force," LO6 Bloom's: Understand
d. Incorrect. Audio recording technology may be used by police agencies to record statements given by individuals in criminal cases. Body cameras are being used with increasing frequency by police agencies to monitor the use of force by police officers. Body cameras can be used not only to monitor such use of force but also to protect police officers from unwarranted accusations of misuse of force. See "Policy Shootings and the Use of Deadly Force," LO6 Bloom's: Understand

Question 9

Although it is important to keep the community apprised of the situation this is not the highest priority here. Releasing the video would compromise the investigation and affect any court hearings that may be necessary in the future.
A representative from one of the local media outlets contacts you and tells you they have another video from a source who came to them rather than the police. They want you to release a copy of the video that the police department has to them and they will give you a copy of the video they have. You can get the video on your own but it will take time to go through the courts and request a warrant to do so.
-What are the two primary goals and objectives of police departments?

Accepted Answer

a. Correct. The two primary objectives of police departments are to maintain order and protect life and property. It can be difficult to determine the best action to take in high-profile situations that will accomplish both of these goals. See "Goals and Objectives of Policing," LO3, Bloom's: Remember
b. Incorrect. The two primary objectives of police departments are to maintain order and protect life and property. It can be difficult to determine the best action to take in high-profile situations that will accomplish both of these goals. See "Goals and Objectives of Policing," LO3, Bloom's: Remember
c. Incorrect. The two primary objectives of police departments are to maintain order and protect life and property. It can be difficult to determine the best action to take in high-profile situations that will accomplish both of these goals. See "Goals and Objectives of Policing," LO3, Bloom's: Remember
d. Incorrect. The two primary objectives of police departments are to maintain order and protect life and property. It can be difficult to determine the best action to take in high-profile situations that will accomplish both of these goals. See "Goals and Objectives of Policing," LO3, Bloom's: Remember

Question 10

Although it is important to keep the community apprised of the situation this is not the highest priority here. Releasing the video would compromise the investigation and affect any court hearings that may be necessary in the future.
A representative from one of the local media outlets contacts you and tells you they have another video from a source who came to them rather than the police. They want you to release a copy of the video that the police department has to them and they will give you a copy of the video they have. You can get the video on your own but it will take time to go through the courts and request a warrant to do so.
-The ability to make a choice in a given situation is called __________.

Accepted Answer

a. Correct. Discretion is the ability to make a choice from a range of options in a given situation. Police officers use discretion on a daily basis, often in deciding whether to use force or not, and how much force is required to achieve the desired outcome. See "Police Discretion,"
b. Incorrect. Ambiguous refers to the concept that the role of the police officer is active and varied. Discretion is the ability to make a choice from a range of options in a given situation. Police officers use discretion on a daily basis, often in deciding whether to use force or not, and how much force is required to achieve the desired outcome. See "Police Discretion,"
c. Incorrect. Omnipresence is the idea that of always being present. Police prevent crime through the idea that they are omnipresent. Discretion is the ability to make a choice from a range of options in a given situation. Police officers use discretion on a daily basis, often in deciding whether to use force or not, and how much force is required to achieve the desired outcome. See "Police Discretion,"
d. Incorrect. Operational style is how police officers think about their role and the role of law in society. Their style affects how they do their job. Discretion is the ability to make a choice from a range of options in a given situation. Police officers use discretion on a daily basis, often in deciding whether to use force or not, and how much force is required to achieve the desired outcome. See "Police Discretion,"

Question 11

What Would You Do?
You tell the media representative that you need a little time to discuss this with the mayor and other members of the police department. You contact the mayor, the public relations representative and legal firm for the police department and schedule a meeting that afternoon. At the meeting it is decided there are two possible options for dealing with the situation. First, you can agree to the request and give the media outlet a copy of the video you have in exchange for theirs. Second, you can refuse and make a request to a judge warrant for the video and a gag order preventing them from publicizing the video.
-What would you do?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What Would You Do?
You tell the media...

Question 12

What Would You Do?
You tell the media representative that you need a little time to discuss this with the mayor and other members of the police department. You contact the mayor, the public relations representative and legal firm for the police department and schedule a meeting that afternoon. At the meeting it is decided there are two possible options for dealing with the situation. First, you can agree to the request and give the media outlet a copy of the video you have in exchange for theirs. Second, you can refuse and make a request to a judge warrant for the video and a gag order preventing them from publicizing the video.
-The ability to make a choice in a given situation is called __________.

Accepted Answer

a. Correct. Discretion is the ability to make a choice from a range of options in a given situation. Police officers use discretion on a daily basis, often in deciding whether to use force or not, and how much force is required to achieve the desired outcome. See "Police Discretion,"
b. Incorrect. Ambiguous refers to the concept that the role of the police officer is active and varied. Discretion is the ability to make a choice from a range of options in a given situation. Police officers use discretion on a daily basis, often in deciding whether to use force or not, and how much force is required to achieve the desired outcome. See "Police Discretion,"
c. Incorrect. Omnipresence is the idea that of always being present. Police prevent crime through the idea that they are omnipresent. Discretion is the ability to make a choice from a range of options in a given situation. Police officers use discretion on a daily basis, often in deciding whether to use force or not, and how much force is required to achieve the desired outcome. See "Police Discretion,"
d. Incorrect. Operational style is how police officers think about their role and the role of law in society. Their style affects how they do their job. Discretion is the ability to make a choice from a range of options in a given situation. Police officers use discretion on a daily basis, often in deciding whether to use force or not, and how much force is required to achieve the desired outcome. See "Police Discretion,"

Question 13

What Would You Do?
The mayor contacts you and urges you to complete the investigation. The media is placing enormous pressure on both the mayor's office and the police department to release the results of the investigation as soon as possible. The public relations representative for the police department has also notified you that the number of complaints coming in from the community has increased significantly since the shooting and releasing the results may calm the citizens. The legal firm representing the police department has warned you that release of any results prior to the conclusion of the full investigation may put the department at risk. With all of this information, and the knowledge that it will take more time to complete a thorough investigation you must make a decision regarding the release of information in the investigation.
-What would you do?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What Would You Do?
The mayor contacts you...

Question 14

Of the various roles played by police officers, which one is primarily about law enforcement?

Accepted Answer

a. Correct. The police role concerned primarily with law enforcement is crime fighting.
b. Incorrect. Social agents perform a wide range of activities without regard for their connection to law enforcement. Social agents are one of the styles of policing.
c. Incorrect. Peacekeeper is not one of the styles of policing identified by Wilson and Muir or by Siegel and Senna.
d. Incorrect. Watchmen maintain public order. It is one of the styles of policing, not a role of police.

Question 15

Officer Brown has been assigned to walk up and down Main Street during a parade this afternoon. By simply being present, Officer Brown knows he will discourage troublemakers who might disrupt the event. This police role is ____________.

Accepted Answer

a. Incorrect. Law enforcement is not one of the roles of police. The police roles are crime fighting and order maintenance.LO1; Bloom's: Understand [The Police Role]
b. Correct. One police role is to maintain order, which is concerned with keeping the peace and providing social services to the community.
c. Incorrect. In this scenario the police officer is concerned with order maintenance not crime fighting.LO1; Bloom's: Understand [The Police Role]
d. Incorrect. Advocacy is not one of the police roles. The two police roles are crime fighting and order maintenance.

Question 16

After what event were the order maintenance and social service roles of the police more emphasized because police are "first responders"?

Accepted Answer

a. Incorrect. Since 9/11, the order maintenance and social service roles of the police have been reemphasized because the police are the first responders to all emergencies and unusual occurrences in the nation.
b. Incorrect. Since 9/11, the order maintenance and social service roles of the police have been reemphasized because the police are the first responders to all emergencies and unusual occurrences in the nation.
c. Incorrect. Since 9/11, the order maintenance and social service roles of the police have been reemphasized because the police are the first responders to all emergencies and unusual occurrences in the nation.
d. Correct. Since 9/11, the order maintenance and social service roles of the police have been reemphasized because the police are the first responders to all emergencies and unusual occurrences in the nation.

Question 17

According to George Pugh, the most common roles police have to fulfill are those of law enforcer, maintainer of social order, and ________.

Accepted Answer

a. Incorrect. A good police officer, Pugh says, must be able to adopt the appropriate role of policing to the situation he or she encounters. Common roles include law enforcer, maintainer of social order, and public servant.
b. Incorrect. A good police officer, Pugh says, must be able to adopt the appropriate role of policing to the situation he or she encounters. Common roles include law enforcer, maintainer of social order, and public servant.
c. Correct. A good police officer, Pugh says, must be able to adopt the appropriate role of policing to the situation he or she encounters. Common roles include law enforcer, maintainer of social order, and public servant.
d. Incorrect. A good police officer, Pugh says, must be able to adopt the appropriate role of policing to the situation he or she encounters. Common roles include law enforcer, maintainer of social order, and public servant.

Question 18

According to Sheehan and Cordner, the two primary goals and objectives of police departments are maintaining order and _________.

Accepted Answer

a. Incorrect. Writing reports is not one of the two primary goals and objectives of police departments, according to Sheehan and Cordner. The two primary goals are maintaining order and protecting life and property.
b. Correct. The two primary goals and objectives of police departments, according to Sheehan and Cordner, are maintaining order and protecting life and property.
c. Incorrect. Following suspects is not one of the two primary goals and objectives of police departments, according to Sheehan and Cordner. The two primary goals are maintaining order and protecting life and property.
d. Incorrect. Marking drug-related arrests is not one of the two primary goals and objectives of police departments, according to Sheehan and Cordner. The two primary goals are maintaining order and protecting life and property.

Question 19

Sergeant Claire of the local police force is responding to a call for help of an elderly man who has fallen down in the public park. Which of the six secondary police goals and objectives does this activity reflect?

Accepted Answer

a. Correct. Sergeant Claire is assisting the sick and injured. 
b. Incorrect. Sergeant Claire is not preventing crime; he is assisting the sick and injured. LO3; Blooms: Understand [Goals and Objectives of Policing]
c. Incorrect. Sergeant Claire is not enforcing noncriminal regulations; he assisting the sick and injured. LO3; Blooms: Understand [Goals and Objectives of Policing]
d. Incorrect. Sergeant Claire is not delivering services not available elsewhere in the community; he is assisting the sick and injured. LO3; Blooms: Understand [Goals and Objectives of Policing]

Question 20

Routine police patrols help to reduce crime by establishing the feeling of police ________.

Accepted Answer

a. Incorrect. The police do not attempt to prevent crime by trying to create a sense of oppression. They attempt to prevent crime through routine patrol, responding to calls by citizens to deal with problems that may cause crime, and establishing and participating in police-citizen partnerships designed to prevent crime.
b. Incorrect. The police do not attempt to prevent crime by trying to create a sense of friendliness. They attempt to prevent crime through routine patrol, responding to calls by citizens to deal with problems that may cause crime, and establishing and participating in police-citizen partnerships designed to prevent crime.
c. Correct. The police attempt to prevent crime by trying to create a sense of omnipresence through routine patrol, responding to calls by citizens to deal with problems that may cause crime, and establishing and participating in police-citizen partnerships designed to prevent crime.
d. Incorrect. The police attempt to prevent crime by trying to create a sense of omnipresence through routine patrol, responding to calls by citizens to deal with problems that may cause crime, and establishing and participating in police-citizen partnerships designed to prevent crime.

Quiz 5: The Police Role and Police Discretion