Authority of the Police Quiz

What is the primary role of the police in a democratic society?

• To enforce all laws without exception

• To maintain public order, enforce laws, and protect citizens' rights

• To create new laws and implement policies

• To oversee the judicial system

The authority of police to stop and frisk a person on reasonable suspicion was established in which U.S. Supreme Court case?

• Miranda v. Arizona

• Terry v. Ohio

• Mapp v. Ohio

• Gideon v. Wainwright

Which of the following best defines “probable cause”?

• A hunch that a crime might occur

• Evidence that leads an officer to believe a crime is being or has been committed

• A court order allowing police to search property

• Information provided by an anonymous source

What does the term "jurisdiction" refer to in law enforcement?

• The area or subject matter in which a police officer has legal authority

• The laws officers are required to enforce

• The process of arresting a suspect

• The responsibility to file charges

The use of police authority to detain someone must be based on:

• The seriousness of the crime

• The physical appearance of the individual

• Probable cause or reasonable suspicion

• A citizen’s complaint

Which of the following limits police authority the most?

• Department policies

• State legislatures

• Constitutional rights such as the Fourth and Fifth Amendments

• Media coverage

Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures?

• First Amendment

• Fourth Amendment

• Sixth Amendment

• Fourteenth Amendment

What is required for a police officer to obtain a search warrant?

• A reasonable belief

• A direct order from a superior

• Probable cause supported by an affidavit and approval by a judge

• Consent from the suspect

Police authority to enforce laws at the state level primarily comes from which source?

• The Federal Bureau of Investigation

• The U.S. Constitution

• State constitutions and statutes

• The President

What is the term for when police exceed their legal authority, such as conducting a search without proper justification?

• Reasonable policing

• Probable cause policing

• Police misconduct

• Community policing