Law Enforcement Decision Making

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary motivation for a police officer to stop an individual?

Seeing the person drop or conceal themselves

Suspicion that something is 'not right' about that person (correct)

Believing the person is hiding something

Witnessing the person staggering or weaving while walking

What does a good peace officer always do?

Take notes on every individual encountered

Always be on the alert for anything out of the ordinary (correct)

Assume everything is ordinary

Wait for crime to occur before taking action

What are areas that foster crime or have a crime problem deserving of?

Increased surveillance

Special attention (correct)

Less police presence

Ignoring them

What is a field interview?

A brief, informal conversation with an individual on the street Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a temporary detention for a field interview?

A rational suspicion of unusual activity, connection to the activity, and suggestion of a crime Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of 'suspicious' behavior?

Changing direction of approach upon seeing a police officer Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a Field Interview Report (FIR)?

To document basic facts learned during a brief interview Signup and view all the answers

What information is typically required to complete a FIR?

Date of stop, time of stop, address of stop, and full description of subject Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'remark' section in a FIR?

To cross-reference FIR numbers with accompanying subjects Signup and view all the answers

Why may a recruit need to provide additional information during a FIR demonstration?

To cooperate with the officer and provide straight answers Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the instructor's role in the FIR demonstration?

To select a recruit and conduct a FIR in front of the class Signup and view all the answers

What is the scenario used for the recruit FIR demonstration?

A loud party where a car has blocked a driveway Signup and view all the answers

What is a reason for reasonable suspicion during a field interview?

A verbal comment from a citizen or officer Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the RSMo 575.190 statute?

To facilitate police investigations and encourage those with information about a crime to surrender it Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if a person refuses to identify as a witness?

They can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended distance for an officer's 'safety zone' during a field interview?

6-10 feet Signup and view all the answers

What should an officer do when approaching a vehicle during a field interview?

Try to approach the vehicle without being seen, coming up low behind the right rear fender Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a Field Interview Report (FIR) form?

To document a field interview Signup and view all the answers

What should an officer do when conducting a field interview?

Stand at an oblique angle to the subject Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement for a person to be charged with refusal to identify as a witness?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Why should an officer quiz people who arouse suspicion?

To gather information and determine if they are involved in a crime Signup and view all the answers

What is an important aspect of an officer's expertise during a field interview?

Their ability to observe and recall details Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Field Interviews

A field interview is a brief, informal interview with a person, usually away from the police station, to gather information or clarify suspicious behavior.
The decision to stop an individual is based on the officer's suspicion that something is "not right" about the person.

Justifying the Stop

Suspicious behavior may include:
- Hiding
- Changing direction of approach upon seeing the officer
- Dropping or concealing oneself upon the officer's approach
- Carrying unusual objects
- Staggering or weaving while walking
A good peace officer is always on the alert for anything that appears out of the ordinary, considering factors such as:
- The location
- The time of day
- The habits of local people
Crime can occur anywhere, anytime.

General Grounds for a Temporary Detention

A rational suspicion by the police officer that some activity out of the ordinary is occurring or has taken place
An indication that connects the person under suspicion with the unusual activity
A suggestion that the activity is related to a crime
The person fitting the description of a wanted person
A verbal comment or statement from an officer or citizen causing reasonable suspicion

Questioning Witnesses

Verbal communications from other officers or citizens can be grounds for reasonable suspicion
When obtaining information from a non-suspect or witness, there is no Miranda requirement
A person who refuses to identify themselves as a witness can be charged with Refusal to Identify as a Witness (RSMo 575.190), a Class C misdemeanor

Proper Tactics for Conducting a Field Interview

Observe the person for a few moments before approaching
Implement proper tactics while conducting the interview, such as:
- Standing at an oblique angle to the subject
- Positioning oneself with cover nearby
- Maintaining a "safety zone" of at least six to ten feet
- Keeping the subject in sight
- Controlling the subject's hands before beginning the field interrogation
- Approaching a vehicle with caution, using the right rear fender as cover

FIR Form (Field Interview Report)

A one-page, fill-in-the-blank report form used to record pedigree information and basic facts learned in the interview
Information required to complete the FIR includes:
- Date and time of stop
- Address of stop
- Full name, nickname, and home address
- Home telephone number
- Full description of the subject
- Social security number
- Operator license number
- Complete list of clothing worn
- Full vehicle description
- Circumstances surrounding the stop

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Description

This quiz assesses knowledge on the decision-making process of law enforcement officers, particularly in stopping individuals based on suspicious behavior. It covers the primary motivations and behaviors that justify a stop.