Police Powers

When questioning a person suspected of having committed an extremely serious offence it is acceptable for the police to threaten violence in order to obtain a confession only when:

• They are absolutely certain they have the right person; or

• They are absolutely certain they have the right person and they have no other evidence against them; or

• They are absolutely certain they have the right person and they have no other evidence against them and they obtain the permission of their superior officers before making the threat; or

• Police are never allowed to use or threaten to use violence in order to obtain a confession.

The Venn diagram below shows some services provided by state and local governments.

Which service completes the Venn diagram?

• regulating taxicabs

• creating a police force

• regulating savings banks

• issuing driver licenses

police can’t search you or your belongings without a good reason (warrant)

• 1st Amendment

• 2nd Amendment

• 3rd Amendment

• 4th Amendment

4th Amendment-

• police can’t search you or your belongings without a good reason (warrant)

• right to own a weapon

• right to a fair trial, don’t have to speak against yourself

• bail can be set and can’t be too high or punishment too severe

Which of the following is a power granted to police officers during an arrest?

• A) The power to detain individuals without any reason

• B) The power to use reasonable force if necessary

• C) The power to confiscate property without documentation

• D) The power to deny legal representation

Under which circumstances can police conduct a search without a warrant?

• A) When they have probable cause to believe a crime is being committed

• B) When they feel like it

• C) When they are off duty

• D) When they are in a public place

What is the primary purpose of police patrols in communities?

• A) To intimidate residents

• B) To maintain public order and safety

• C) To increase traffic violations

• D) To collect taxes

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

• A) 1st Amendment

• B) 2nd Amendment

• C) 3rd Amendment

• D) 4th Amendment

What is required for police to obtain a search warrant?

• A) A judge's approval based on probable cause

• B) A police officer's intuition

• C) A citizen's complaint

• D) A supervisor's permission

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the police?

• A) Enforcing laws

• B) Providing legal defense for criminals

• C) Preventing crime

• D) Protecting citizens