Property Crimes and Theft

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary condition for a trespassing offense to be considered a misdemeanor?

The trespasser is a student who is suspended or expelled.

The trespasser is a transient person living in a residential property.

The trespasser is in possession of a firearm or weapon.

A notice against entering or remaining is communicated or posted and a person disregards it. (correct)

What is the primary difference between trespassing and burglary?

Time of day of the incident

Intent to commit a crime (correct)

Location of the property

Type of structure entered

Which of the following is a felony trespassing offense?

Refusing to leave a residential property after law enforcement directed the transient person to leave.

Trespassing on a designated, posted commercial horticulture property. (correct)

Entering a school campus without legitimate business.

Entering and remaining on a property with the intent to commit another offense.

Under what circumstances can a student be guilty of trespassing on a school campus?

If all of the above apply. Signup and view all the answers

What should you determine when responding to a trespassing incident?

If there is posting on the property that clearly designates no trespassing Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial aspect to consider when dealing with trespassing on private property?

The jurisdiction and boundaries of the property Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of trespassing on a designated, posted area?

Trespassing on a designated, posted agriculture site for testing and research. Signup and view all the answers

What is not a trespassing offense?

Littering on someone else's property. Signup and view all the answers

What is required to document a burglary incident?

At least two of the following: entry into a structure, intent to commit a crime, and lack of permission Signup and view all the answers

What is not a necessary element to determine if an incident is burglary?

Weather conditions at the time of the incident Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of felony trespassing related to an airport?

Trespassing on a legally posted operational area of an airport with the intent to injure a person, damage property, or impede operations. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of trespassing that involves wildlife?

Launching a projectile across someone else's land with the intent of taking or killing an animal. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between burglary of a dwelling and a structure?

Penalties are more severe for a dwelling Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of posting a notice against entering or remaining on a property?

To prevent trespassing. Signup and view all the answers

What is not a type of incident involving being somewhere you do not own without the owner's permission?

Shoplifting Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial step when responding to a trespassing incident?

Interview the complainant, property owner, and witnesses Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a type of theft, aside from property, funds, or assets?

Identity theft Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a type of theft that involves obtaining services with the intent to defraud?

Theft of obtaining food, lodging, or other accommodations Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the theft of property valued at $100 or more, but less than $750?

Petit theft Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of a person committing petit theft with two or more prior convictions for any theft?

It is a third-degree felony Signup and view all the answers

What is the value of property that is considered grand theft if stolen from a dwelling or the enclosed area of land surrounding a dwelling?

$100 or more Signup and view all the answers

What is a type of service that is considered a type of theft?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of theft of property valued at less than $100, or if the value of the property cannot be established?

It is a second-degree misdemeanor Signup and view all the answers

What is a factor that can reclassify theft to a higher degree?

If the victim is a person 65 or older Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step to take when responding to an incident of identity theft?

Notify the financial institutions and credit bureaus Signup and view all the answers

What is a sign of animal cruelty?

A collar that is too tight or heavy, causing strangulation or death Signup and view all the answers

What should you provide to the victim of identity theft?

Educational material on how to prevent further victimization Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of responding to an incident involving animal cruelty?

To remove the animal from the situation Signup and view all the answers

What is a resource that may be available to victims of identity theft?

A Florida Identity Theft Victim Kit Signup and view all the answers

What is an element of cruelty to animals as outlined in Chapter 828, F.S.?

Failure to provide adequate food and water Signup and view all the answers

What should you consider when responding to an incident of animal cruelty?

The severity of the abuse Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible consequence of animal cruelty?

The animal becomes weak and unable to walk properly Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of vice investigations?

To document and develop information through intelligence Signup and view all the answers

What type of game is bolita?

Numbers game Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial aspect to consider when encountering a prostitute who is under 18?

Taking them into custody and contacting DCF Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of surveilling an area when responding to prostitution?

To gather evidence and intelligence Signup and view all the answers

What is a necessary step when responding to a prostitution incident?

Separating and interviewing the parties involved Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary element of gambling offenses?

Playing a game of chance for money or other thing of value Signup and view all the answers

What is a common location for street prostitutes?

Truck stops Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of asking dispatch to run an FCIC/NCIC check?

To determine if the person has outstanding warrants Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor that determines the severity of penalties for criminal mischief in Florida?

Value of the property damaged Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a type of criminal mischief that is always a felony in Florida?

Damaging a place of worship Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between trespassing and burglary?

Burglary involves breaking and entering, while trespassing involves entering without permission Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of posting a trespassing notice on a property?

To inform people that they are not allowed to enter or remain on the property Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of a person committing criminal mischief with prior convictions?

The offense is upgraded to a felony, regardless of the amount of damage Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary element of trespassing, as outlined in Chapter 810, F.S.?

Willfully entering or remaining in a structure, conveyance, or property Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of investigating phishing incidents?

To consult with the appropriate division within the agency Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of providing victim brochures to victims of criminal mischief?

To provide them with resources for support Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when examining internet-based communications related to phishing?

The IP address used by the suspect Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary step in conducting a follow-up investigation for criminal mischief?

Conduct a thorough investigation of the scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of asking the victim about their identity compromise in an identity theft incident?

To understand how the victim's identity was compromised Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if the identity theft incident occurred outside of your jurisdiction?

File an incident report and refer the victim to the appropriate agency Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between phishing and identity theft?

Phishing involves fake digital communication, while identity theft involves using stolen information Signup and view all the answers

What should you document in the incident report when responding to an identity theft incident?

The victim's willingness to prosecute the suspect Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial aspect to consider when investigating identity theft incidents?

The jurisdiction of the incident Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of consulting with the appropriate division within the agency when investigating phishing incidents?

To ensure that the investigation is conducted in accordance with agency protocols Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason multiple officers are sent to an incident involving an open house party?

Because teenagers may scatter and drive under the influence. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you determine that the parents or caregivers were aware of the party and the presence of alcohol or drugs?

Charge the parents or caregivers with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of questioning the partygoers at an open house party?

To determine if they are underage and drinking or using drugs. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you determine that the parents or caregivers are not aware of the party and the presence of alcohol or drugs?

Document the evidence and ask the parents or caregivers to pick up the underage partygoers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of checking with dispatch to determine if the residence has had prior similar calls?

To assess the risk of the situation and determine the necessary response. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you determine that the partygoers are underage and have been drinking or using drugs?

Document the evidence and ask the parents or caregivers to pick up the underage partygoers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of identifying specific indicators of intoxication or drug use?

To document evidence for a potential criminal case. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you determine that the parents or caregivers are aware of the party and the presence of alcohol or drugs, and they are also present at the party?

Charge the parents or caregivers with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of documenting drug paraphernalia during an incident?

To establish the suspect's intent to use the drug Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between drug paraphernalia and regular items?

The intent to use the item with a controlled substance Signup and view all the answers

What should you do first when responding to an incident involving possession of a controlled substance and the suspect is incapacitated?

Seek medical attention for the suspect Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of possessing drug paraphernalia?

Misdemeanor charge Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of drug paraphernalia?

A needle used for injecting a controlled substance Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of identifying drug paraphernalia during an incident?

To establish possession of a controlled substance Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial step when responding to an incident involving drug trafficking?

Documenting the drug paraphernalia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for seeking medical attention when responding to an incident involving possession of a controlled substance and the suspect is incapacitated?

To ensure the suspect's safety Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary condition for establishing constructive possession of a controlled substance?

The suspect has control over the place where the controlled substance is located. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum weight of cannabis that increases a possession charge to a drug trafficking charge in Florida?

25 pounds Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between sole possession and joint possession of a controlled substance?

Sole possession is when one person has control over the substance, while joint possession is when multiple people have control over the substance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of a drug trafficking charge in Florida?

A minimum mandatory prison sentence Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary element to consider when determining if a person has committed a crime related to a controlled substance?

The person's knowledge of the presence of the controlled substance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between possession of a controlled substance and trafficking of a controlled substance?

The quantity of the controlled substance involved. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of establishing probable cause for illegal possession of a controlled substance?

To determine if the person has committed a crime related to the controlled substance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor to consider when determining if a person has sole possession of a controlled substance?

The person's control over the place where the controlled substance is located. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Property Crimes

Repairs or improvements to property, professional services, and public services are included in property crimes
Lodging accommodations and admissions to places of exhibition or entertainment are also considered property crimes

Theft

Theft can be committed even if the victim is not present at the time of the incident
Victim information can be helpful in the investigation, including description of stolen property, unique characteristics, serial numbers, value, and last seen location
Theft can be classified as petit theft (first-degree misdemeanor) or grand theft (felony) based on the value of the stolen property
Identity theft and fraud are also forms of theft
Theft can be reclassified to a higher degree if the victim is 65 or older

Trespassing

Trespassing can occur in various ways, including:
- Entering or remaining on a property with a posted notice against entering or remaining
- Intending to commit another offense on the property
- Refusing to leave after being warned by law enforcement
- Entering or remaining on a property without authorization, license, or invitation
Trespassing can be a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances
Specific examples of trespassing include:
- Trespassing on commercial horticulture property
- Trespassing on agricultural sites for testing and research
- Trespassing on school property with a firearm or weapon
- Launching a projectile onto someone else's land
- Entering a designated construction site

Responding to Trespassing

Interview the complainant, property owner, witnesses, and suspect
Determine if posting on the property clearly designates no trespassing
Photograph the posting if necessary
Determine if there are valid trespassing agreements in place
Ensure jurisdiction, as property boundaries can extend into other private or public property

Burglary

Burglary is the unlawful entry into a structure with the intent to commit a crime inside
Chapter 810, F.S., outlines the elements of burglary
Penalties are more severe for dwellings than structures or conveyances
Document that the suspect did at least two of the following:
- Entered a structure or conveyance owned by or in the possession of the complainant
- Had the intent to commit a crime in that structure or conveyance
- Was not licensed or invited to enter the structure or conveyance, and the premises were not open to the public at the time of entering

Animal Cruelty

Signs of animal abuse include:
- Starvation
- Parasites, mange
- Inadequate shelter
- Living conditions including excess feces, garbage, broken glass
- Inability to stand up or turn around in a cage
- Weakness, limping, or inability to walk properly
Chapter 828, F.S., outlines the elements of cruelty to animals

Responding to Identity Theft

Encourage the victim to contact financial institutions and credit bureaus
Provide educational materials on preventing further victimization
Agency may have a Florida Identity Theft Victim Kit to provide to the victim

Prostitution

Prostitution is often associated with adult entertainment venues, massage parlors, escort services, and internet dating services
Street prostitutes tend to be located in specific geographical areas and truck stops
Prostitutes may be victims of human trafficking, especially if under 18
If under 18, take into custody and contact DCF
Consider surveilling the area, approaching the person, and conducting a field interview
Treat the person with respect and dignity, and separate and interview any sex buyer separately

Conducting a Follow-up Investigation

A follow-up investigation is necessary based on agency policies and the presence of a suspect.
Provide the victim with appropriate victim brochures and document this in the report.

Criminal Mischief

Criminal mischief is a second-degree misdemeanor if the property damage is less than $200.
It is a first-degree misdemeanor if the damage is greater than 200butlessthan200 but less than 200butlessthan1,000.
The crime is a third-degree felony if the value of property damaged totals $1,000 or more.
If the suspect has one or more prior convictions for criminal mischief, a subsequent offense is a felony, regardless of the amount of damage.
Willfully and maliciously damaging any place of worship or religious article is guilty of a third-degree felony if the damage is over $200.

Trespassing

Trespassing occurs when a person:
- Willfully enters or remains in a structure, conveyance, or property without being authorized, licensed, or invited.
- Willfully enters or remains in a property after the owner tells them to leave or when a trespassing notice is posted.
- Having been authorized, licensed, or invited, a person is warned by the owner or lessee of the premises, or by a person authorized by the owner, to depart and the person refuses to do so.

Phishing

Phishing uses fake digital communication to obtain personal and financial information from unsuspecting victims.
Suspects use this information to steal identities, bank accounts, or credit availability.
When examining any internet-based communication, consider that a suspect can hide their true identity by using an internet connection publicly offered by a coffee shop or a victim's unsecured network.

Identity Theft

Identity theft is the unlawful possession or use of a person's identifying information to commit acts of fraud.
Determine if you have jurisdiction based on whether the victim is a resident of your jurisdiction or if the fraudulent activity occurred in your jurisdiction.
Ask the victim if they have any idea how their identity may have been compromised.

Open House Party

Most agencies will send multiple officers to an incident involving an open house party, as teenagers may scatter and drive under the influence.
Call for additional backup if needed.
Check with dispatch to determine if the residence has had prior similar calls.
Question the partygoers to determine if they are underage and drinking or using drugs.
Document evidence of intoxication or drug use by identifying specific indicators.

Possession of a Controlled Substance

Constructive possession means the controlled substance is in a place over which the suspect has control, or in which the suspect has concealed it.
Joint possession means two or more suspects may jointly possess an article, exercising control over it.
If a suspect has sole possession of a controlled substance, infer or assume the suspect had knowledge of its presence.
If a suspect does not have exclusive possession of a controlled substance, do not infer or assume the suspect had knowledge of its presence.

Drug Trafficking

Chapter 893, F.S., outlines the quantities or weight of specific illicit, controlled substances that increase a possession charge to a drug trafficking charge.
Trafficking in illicit drugs is a felony.
Florida law requires a minimum mandatory prison sentence for drug trafficking.

Drug Paraphernalia

Drug paraphernalia is all equipment, products, and materials of any kind that are used or intended to be used to deliver an illicit drug.
Possession of drug paraphernalia is a misdemeanor.
Document that the suspect possesses any item that is used, intended to be used, or designed to be used as drug paraphernalia.

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Description

This quiz covers the definitions and characteristics of property crimes, including repairs, professional services, and public services, as well as the basics of theft, including victim information and investigation.