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Professional Policing - BPOC 736 > BPOC 736, Professional Policing > Flashcards

BPOC 736, Professional Policing Flashcards

Texas Police Academy Flashcards

1
Q

What is the definition of “counties”?

A

Political subdivisions

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2
Q

What was the origin of “counties” in the United States? (include date)

A

The English colonists after 1707

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3
Q

Who first used counties as units of local government in the US?

A

The original 13 colonies

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4
Q

What does the term “shire-reeve” mean?

A

The leader of a group of hundreds of families

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5
Q

Where and when did the concept of “sheriff” originate?

A

9th Century England

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6
Q

What are the duties of a sheriff’s department?

A

Law enforcement, collecting taxes, serving court orders, overseeing jails

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7
Q

Where was the first Sheriff’s department in America?

A

Maryland

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8
Q

When did “common law” come to America?

A

With the first colonists

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9
Q

Where do you see “common law” used in America?

A

In the system of justice

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10
Q

What is the foundation of “common law”?

A

Applying precedent (past court decisions) to rulings in current cases

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11
Q

To whom does the term “Bobbie” refer? Why?

A

Members of the foot patrol in London in 1829. They were named after Sir Robert “Bobbie” Peel who developed the foot patrol.

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12
Q

Where and when was the modern police force developed?

A

London in 1828

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13
Q

What Act established the first organized police force in London in 1829?

A

The “Act for Improving the Police in the near Metropolis”

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14
Q

How many original officers were known as “bobbies”?

A

13

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15
Q

How could you recognize a Bobbie on the street?

A

Blue uniform, top hat, 20-inch baton

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16
Q

What were early American police called?

A

Bobbies

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17
Q

What was the purpose of the “watch and ward” system of policing?

A

To guard the city gate at night

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18
Q

What did “ward” refer to?

A

Daytime police

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19
Q

What did “watch” refer to?

A

Nighttime police

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20
Q

What were the original duties of the watch and ward system expanded to include?

A

Lighting streetlamps, calling time, watching for fires

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21
Q

What forced England to add “protecting citizens” to the duties of the watch and ward system?

A

corruption

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22
Q

What change that came with the addition of police patrol cars made the greatest impact on the community?

A

More rapid response times

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23
Q

Name three reasons for the change from walking beats to patrol cars.

A

(a) One officer could cover much more territory, (b) Radios in the cars offered much better communication with officers, (c) More rapid response times

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24
Q

ame three reasons the change from walking beats to patrol cars was not a good move for the community.

A

(a) Lost the personal knowledge beat officers were able to gather, (b) Lost the personal relationship community members had established with their beat officer, (c) Lost the trust relationship that had developed between the community and the beat officers

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25
Q

How did the change affect evaluations during this period?

A

There was a lack of quality evaluation during this period

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26
Q

Name the Police Chief from Berkeley, California, who made major contributions to the Reform Era.

A

August Vollmer

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27
Q

Name the three revolutionary ideas with which he is credited.

A

(a) call boxes, (b) vehicle patrols, (c) to bring professionalism to policing

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28
Q

What did these contributions lead to in the development of the law enforcement systems in America?

A

The federal law enforcement system

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29
Q

Who nominated the first U.S. Marshals?

A

President Washington

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30
Q

Who confirmed the nomination on September 26, 1789?

A

The Senate

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31
Q

What were the duties of the first U.S. Marshals?

A

(a) Protecting the federal judiciary, (b) Transporting federal prisoners, (c) Apprehending wanted fugitives, (d) Protecting endangered federal witnesses, (e) Managing assets seized from criminal enterprises

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32
Q

Who signed the bill establishing the Secret Service on April 4, 1865?

A

President Abraham Lincoln

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33
Q

What historical event took place on the same date?

A

President Lincoln was assassinated the same day he signed the bill into law.

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34
Q

What was the original purpose for the Secret Service?

A

Preventing counterfeiting.

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35
Q

What cabinet was the Secret Service assigned to?

A

Department of the Treasury.

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36
Q

When and why did the mission of the Secret Service change to protecting the President of the United States?

A

1901, following the assassination of President William McKinley.

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37
Q

What law enforcement agency was formed by Attorney General Joseph Bonaparte in 1908?

A

The Bureau of Investigation

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38
Q

What was it originally formed as?

A

A federal investigative body

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39
Q

What did the name change to in 1935?

A

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

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40
Q

Where are the headquarters to this day?

A

In the J. Edgar Hoover Building in Washington D.C.

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41
Q

Whose contributions expanded the FBI into a larger crime-fighting agency?

A

J. Edgar Hoover

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42
Q

What country originally ruled Texas?

A

Mexico

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43
Q

How long was Texas a Mexican province?

A

100 years

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44
Q

Who led the province of Texas? (title)

A

Mexican governors

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45
Q

What agency provided police services during Mexican rule?

A

The Spanish military

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46
Q

What year did Texas become a free and independent republic?

A

1836

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47
Q

What Battle led to Texas’ independence from Mexico?

A

The Battle of San Jacinto

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48
Q

What agency provided police services to the new Texas entity?

A

A militia group

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49
Q

What were the major responsibilities of the militia?

A

Protect the citizens from Indian and bandit raids

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50
Q

Who was the American leader of then new country of Texas?

A

Stephen F. Austin

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51
Q

What was the first police agency in Texas?

A

The Texas Rangers

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52
Q

In what year were the Rangers formed?

A

1835

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53
Q

How many Rangers eventually served in Texas?

A

300

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54
Q

Why did the “Watch and Ward” system of policing not work in Texas?

A

Its large territory and the absence of large cities and urban areas.

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55
Q

What Agency was among the earliest police agencies in the world?

A

The Texas Constable

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56
Q

What established their authority?

A

In 1823, the Texas Constitution, Article 5, Section 18

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57
Q

When were the first Sheriff’s elected in Texas?

A

1837

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58
Q

Where was the first Sheriff’s department in Texas?

A

Harris County (Houston)

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59
Q

What established the authority of the Sheriff’s department?

A

The Texas Constitution, Article 5, Section 23

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60
Q

What law enforcement agency had the power to arrest a Sheriff?

A

The Constables

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61
Q

What was the structure of Municipal Law Enforcement in Texas?

A

(a) Type A General-Law Municipality: Local Government Code 341.001, (b) Type C General-Law Municipality: Local Government Code 341.002, (c) Police Force of Home-Rule Municipality: Local Government Code 341.003

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62
Q

Identify the responsibilities of the Texas Rangers.

A

Conducting criminal investigations, apprehending wanted felons, suppressing major disturbances, protection of life and liberty, assisting local law enforcement, border security, Joint Operations Intelligence Centers (border security), public corruption/ public integrity, investigators, major case investigations, Unsolved Crimes Investigation Program (UCIP) - cold case investigations, Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), Special Operations Group - Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Regional Special Response Teams (SRT), Crisis Negotiation Units (CNU), Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EODCC)

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63
Q

Identify the responsibilities and significance of Elected County Law Enforcement.

A

(a) Preserve the peace in his county, (b) Arrest offenders and present to court, (c) Enforce court orders, (d) Seize property and assets on court orders, (e) Serve warrants and legal papers, (f) manage and operate the county jail, (g) regulate bail bondsmen in counties with no bail bond board, (h) Serve as tax assessor-collector in counties with a population of less than 10,000, (i) summon grand jurors at the direction of a court

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64
Q

Identify the responsibilities and significance of Municipal Law Enforcement.

A

Establish and regulate a municipal police force, appoint police officers; police officers serve at the pleasure of the governing body, execute a bond conditioned that the officer will faithfully perform the officer’s duties, have the powers, rights, duties, and jurisdiction granted to a peace officer by the Code of Criminal Procedure and other powers and duties prescribed by the governing body, may serve in each county in which the municipality is located.

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65
Q

Discuss the similarities between Texas Rangers, Elected County Law Enforcement and Municipal Law Enforcement.

A

All: are sworn peace officers, have the duty to preserve the peace and suppress major disturbances in their jurisdiction, have the authority to arrest offenders and present them to court, have a duty to protect life and property in their jurisdiction

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66
Q

Discuss the differences between Texas Rangers, Elected County Law Enforcement and Municipal Law Enforcement.

A

Rangers: Rendering assistance to local law enforcement officials in suppressing crime and violence. Border Security - Ranger Reconnaissance Teams (Riverine operations), Joint Operations Intelligence Centers/Border Security Operations Center, Public Corruption/Public Integrity investigations, Major Case investigations, Unsolved Crimes Investigation Program (UCIP) - Cold Case investigations, Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), Special Operations Group - Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Regional Special Response Teams (SRT), Crisis Negotiation Units (CNU) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EODCC, Elected County Law Enforcement, Enforce court orders, Seize property and assets on court orders, Serve warrants and legal papers, Manage and operate the county jail, Regulate bail bondsmen in counties with no bail bond board, Serve as tax assessor-collector in counties with a population of less than 10,000, Municipal Law Enforcement. The governing body of a municipality may establish and regulate a municipal police force which serves at the pleasure of the governing body and whose officers shall execute a bond conditioned that the officer will faithfully perform the officer’s duties, may serve in each county in which the municipality is located, summon grand jurors at the direction of a court.

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67
Q

How many days do officers have to report life changes (name or address change, address, indictment, etc.) to TCOLE?

A

30 days

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68
Q

How old do you have to be to enter a Texas law enforcement academy?

A

21 (or 18 AND an associate’s degree, 60 credit hours from an accredited university, or 24 months service in the US Military with an Honorable Discharge)

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69
Q

What education do you need to enter a Texas law enforcement academy?

A

High School Diploma, GED, or Honorable Discharge following 24 months of military service in the U.S. armed services

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70
Q

What does the background investigation include to enter academy?

A

Fingerprints clear of criminal record (No court-ordered community supervision or probation, > Class B misdemeanor, No misdemeanor within 10 years, No felony convictions, No conviction for family violence)

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71
Q

Name the minimum standards for Initial Licensure

A

Legally drive a vehicle, Legally carry a weapon and ammunition, Completed TCOLE Personal History Statement, Physical Examination, Psychological Examination, Pass the Licensing Exam

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72
Q

What are the requirements to sign in and take the licensing examination?

A

Present PID, Present valid Photo ID, Report on Time, Do not disrupt the examination, Comply with all instructions of the proctor

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73
Q

What are the qualifications to take the state licensing exam?

A

Successful completion of a Texas BPOC, Three attempts within 180 days, After 180 days must retake the BPOC

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74
Q

Name the 2-year continuing education requirements for Texas Peace Officers

A

40 Hours of Continuing Education (20 per year), Must include: 16 hours of ALERRT training, TCOLE 8158 - Body Worn Cameras, Epinephrine auto-injector training

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75
Q

Name the 4-year continuing education requirements for Texas Peace Officers

A

80 Hours of Continuing Education (20 per year), Must include: 1849-De-Escalation Techniques, 3232-Special Investigative Topics, 3843-Crisis Intervention Training Update, 3939-Cultural Diversity

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76
Q

What is a passing score for the annual firearms exam?

A

90%

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77
Q

Which firearms do you have to qualify on each year?

A

All firearms you carry on duty

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78
Q

Fill in the blanks for Handgun Qualification: Minimum rounds: Minimum yards: At least ____ rounds at least 7 yards, # of Reloads:

A

Minimum rounds: 50, Minimum yards: 15, At least 20 rounds at least 7 yards, # of Reloads: 1

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79
Q

Fill in the blanks for Precision Rifle Qualification: Minimum rounds: Minimum yards: Optional Distance: _____ yards minimum at a ___% pass rate

A

Minimum rounds: 20, Minimum yards: 100, Optional Distance: 50+ yards minimum at 90% pass rate

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80
Q

Fill in the blanks for Patrol Rifle Qualification: Minimum rounds: Minimum yards: # of Reloads:

A

Minimum rounds: 30, Minimum yards: 50, # of Reloads: 1

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81
Q

Fill in the blanks for Fully Automated Weapons Qualification: Minimum rounds: Minimum yards: # of Reloads: Minimum ____ rounds in fully automatic mode (2 or 3 short bursts), Minimum _____ rounds in semiautomatic mode

A

Minimum rounds: 30, Minimum yards: 7-10 , # of Reloads: 1, Minimum rounds in fully automatic mode (2 or 3 short bursts): 25, Minimum rounds in semiautomatic mode: 5

82
Q

Are Proficiency Certificates required under Operations Code 1701.402?

A

No

83
Q

Name the six minimum requirements to be considered for a Proficiency Certificate.

A

An application, backup documentation, and fees, Must have an active license, May not have any suspensions in the previous 5 years, Must have completed all CE requirements for the previous cycle, Firearms Certificates - you must be able to legally possess firearms, Academic degrees must be from an accredited college or university

84
Q

On what grounds may a certificate be recalled or cancelled by the Commission?

A

Information on the application is determined to be false, The issuance date of the certificate may be changed upon submission of an application and backup documentation supporting the proposed date of eligibility and payment of any required fee

85
Q

On what grounds may an application for a proficiency certificate be refused?

A

Applicant does not meet all of the minimum standards, training, or testing requirements, Applicant failed to sign the application, Forms are incomplete, Documentation is incomplete, illegible, or not attached, Application contains any false statements

86
Q

What addresses may the Commission use to send notifications to Texas officers? If the Commission initiates an action to deny, suspend, or revoke one license an officer holds, will that action impact other licenses held by the same officer?

A

The address on file with the Commission, the address on file with DPS, any other address they can locate, Yes. All licenses will be similarly impacted

87
Q

On what grounds may the Commission suspend a license?

A

Any violation of the Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1701 or any Commission Rule

88
Q

How long will a license be suspended for a person charged with a felony and placed on community supervision?

A

30 years

89
Q

How long will a license be suspended for a person charged with an offense above a Class C Misdemeanor and placed on community supervision?

A

10 years

90
Q

How long will a license be suspended for a person charged with an offense above a Class A Misdemeanor and placed on community supervision?

A

120 days

91
Q

How long will a license be suspended for a person charged with an offense above a Class B Misdemeanor and placed on community supervision?

A

60 days

92
Q

How long may a license be suspended for a 1st noncompliance with CE requirements?

A

Up to 90 days

93
Q

How long may a license be suspended for a 2nd noncompliance with CE requirements?

A

Up to 180 days

94
Q

When may the Commission suspend a license?

A

Upon 2 written reprimands from the Commission

95
Q

What factors may the Commission consider before suspending a license?

A

(1) the seriousness of the conduct in the arrest, (2) The required mental state of the disposition offense, (3) Whether the offense contains an element of actual or threatened bodily injury or coercion, (4) Previous violations of TCOLE rules or statutes, (5) Actual or potential harm to the public safety, including personal injury and property damage, (6) Aggravating evidence existing in a particular case, (7) evidence used in rebuttal to mitigating factors

96
Q

How quickly may a suspension begin?

A

No sooner than the date of the statute or rule violation

97
Q

May suspensions or probations run concurrently or consecutively with other suspensions or probations?

A

Yes, either concurrently or consecutively

98
Q

Name the grounds for the immediate revocation of a license.

A

(1) A felony conviction, (2) a conviction for Family Violence, (3) Noncompliance with CE requirements for a 3rd time, (4) Receipt of a dishonorable discharge from the Military, (5) In possession of any TCOLE licensing exam or portion thereof or facsimile thereof

99
Q

What may the Commission take into consideration concerning the revocation of a license?

A

(1) The nature and seriousness of the crime, (2) The relationship of the crime to the purpose for requiring a license for such office, (3) The extent to which having a license may offer an opportunity to engage in further criminal activity of the same type, (4) the relationship of the crime to the ability, capacity, or fitness required to perform the duties and discharge the responsibilities of such office

100
Q

May someone with a revoked license reapply with the Commission for future licensing or certification as a police officer?

A

No

101
Q

On what grounds may a license be reinstated?

A

Upon supporting evidence that the facts supporting the revocation have been negated, such as: (1) A felony has been reversed or set aside on appeal, (2) A pardon based on subsequent proof of innocence has been issued, (3) A dishonorable discharge has been upgraded to above dishonorable or bad conduct conditions, (4) The report alleged to be false or untruthful was found to be truthful

102
Q

What steps must a licensee take to seek reinstatement of a license?

A

Make application for reinstatement and submit any required fees

103
Q

Describe the Reactive Response service model.

A

The workload of patrol officers and detectives consists of handling crimes that have already been committed: (a) Disturbances in progress, (b) Traffic violations, (c) Radio calls

104
Q

Describe the Incident Driven service model.

A

Relies on limited information, mostly from victims, witnesses, and suspects. Focus is on resolving one “incident” before moving to the next.

105
Q

What is the primary means of resolving incidents?

A

The Criminal Justice System (Courts)

106
Q

What is used to measure a department’s performance?

A

Statistical Comparisons

107
Q

What statistic shows the department is doing well?

A

Low crime rates

108
Q

What statistic show the department is doing poorly?

A

High crime rates

109
Q

What statistic determined the “best” officers?

A

Those with high arrest and/or service statistics

110
Q

What factors can affect statistics?

A

(1) lack of community and employee involvement in the decision-making process, (2) Most decisions are made at the management and mid-management level, (3) Little or no citizen involvement, (4) Citizen and employee expectations that peace officers will have a high impact on crime is often unmet, (5) The use of specialized models has been used with a high degree of effectiveness, (6) Directed patrol, traffic, investigative, and other related approaches have had a large degree of success in many police agencies.

111
Q

Describe the Community Policing service model.

A

A new philosophy of policing where police officers and private citizens work together, joint effort to address community problems, success depends on connections between law-abiding people and beat officers, citizens have a greater voice in setting local police priorities, citizens help decide how to improve life in their neighborhoods, shifts the focus of police work from handling calls to solving community problems

112
Q

Describe the new organizational structure of the Community Policing service model.

A

The philosophy implements a new organizational strategy. Some officers are moved from patrol cars to walking beats where officers can maintain direct, face-to-face contact with people in the same defined geographic area (beat) every day. “Community policing officers” (CPO) serve as a generalists whose mission includes developing imaginative, new ways to address the community concerns.

113
Q

What are Community Policing Officers allowed to do in their beats?

A

Develop rapport and trust with neighbors, encourage people to become involved in addressing neighborhood concerns, serve as the police department’s outreach to the community, serve as the people’s link to other agencies that can help, enforce the law, support and supervise community-based efforts aimed at local concerns, provide direct input for people in setting day-to-day police priorities in their neighborhood

114
Q

What does community policing require to be successful?

A

Community policing requires a philosophical shift in the way police departments think about their mission and a commitment to the structural changes this new form of policing demands

115
Q

What does community policing provide to the community?

A

Community policing provides a new way to provide decentralized and personalized police services and a way for every law-abiding citizen to become active in the police process

116
Q

What is the community policing service model philosophy and organizational strategy?

A

A philosophy and organizational strategy that allows police and residents to work closely. The community deserves input into the police process. The neighborhood participates in the community.

117
Q

What does the community policing organizational strategy demand?

A

Civilian and sworn personnel investigate ways to translate the philosophy into practice. Everyone understands to focus on creative new techniques: (a) educating and enlisting people in policing themselves, (b) a shift within the department that grants greater autonomy to line officers, enhanced respect for the judgment of line officers as police professionals.

118
Q

Describe the responsibilities of the new breed of line officer, the “Community Policing Officer.”

A

Direct link between the police and community. Reassigned from the patrol car to a walking beat. Maintains daily, direct, face-to-face contact with the people in a clearly defined beat area. Works with the community to explore creative new solutions to local concerns. Encourages private citizens to serve as unpaid volunteers. CPOs respond to calls for service and make arrests. CPOs develop broad-based long-term initiatives for the community. Involve community residents in efforts to improve the quality of life in the area. Serves to link individuals and groups in the community to the public and private agencies that offer help.

119
Q

Describe the vital proactive element that the community policing service model adds to the traditional police model.

A

As the only agency of social control open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the police must maintain the ability to respond to immediate crises and crime incidents. However, community policing broadens the police role so that they can make a greater impact on making changes today that hold the promise of making communities safer and more attractive places to live tomorrow.

120
Q

CPOs are expected to explore new ways to protect and enhance the lives of those who are most vulnerable. Name the groups they protect.

A

Juveniles, LGBTQIA+, elderly people, people of color, people with a disability, undocumented people, economically disadvantaged, people experiencing homelessness, involves the entire department in efforts for police and law-abiding people to work together with mutual respect and accountability.

121
Q

Describe the new approach used in community policing.

A

Promotes the judicious use of technology. Believes nothing surpasses what dedicated human beings, talking and working together, can achieve. Invests trust in CPOs on the front lines. Relies on the combined judgment, wisdom, and expertise of CPOS and citizens to fashion creative approaches to community concerns. Fully integrated approach that involves everyone in the department. CPOs specialize in bridging the gap between police and the people they serve. Provides information and assistance about the community and its problems. Enlists broad-based community support for the department’s overall objectives.

122
Q

Describe why it is important to network with other professionals in the community.

A

It is critically important to network cooperatively with other professionals in the criminal justice system and with professionals employed by other community-based agencies and service providers. The peace officer is just one cog in the gear of our modern society. To maximize his/her potential as an agent of change in the community, the officer must recognize the need to call on the expertise of other professionals. Private Attorneys/ Bail Bondsmen. No officer should ever make a referral to a private attorney or bail bondsman. This could result in a suit against an officer. Additionally, there could be a conflict of interest that could create an ethical dilemma.

123
Q

What Social Services are available to refer community members to?

A

State Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, alcoholic problems/mental illness/counseling services

124
Q

What does the Texas Department of Health and Human Services provide to the community?

A

Child Protection, Elderly Protection, Emergency Financial Assistance

125
Q

Who would you refer to local crisis centers?

A

Battered and abused women and children, local ministers or other religious figures, civil shelters, etc.

126
Q

Describe the meaning of a “SART.”

A

Sexual Assault Response Team. County-level SARTS were mandated in Texas in the 87th Legislative Session. SARTs are community-based, multi-disciplinary teams. Survivor representatives should be considered and included.

127
Q

What is the statutory responsibility of a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)?

A

The MDT is a statutorily authorized local multidisciplinary team that focuses on the investigation and prosecution of child abuse offenders and the treatment of child abuse victims.

128
Q

What is a Domestic Violence High Risk Teams (DVHRTs)?

A

Local multidisciplinary teams focused on reducing risk of near-lethal or lethal violence for family violence victims through: Risk assessment, Information sharing, ongoing monitoring.

129
Q

What are Care Coordination Team - Commercially Sexually Exploited Youth (CSEY)

A

Local multidisciplinary teams focused on providing comprehensive, coordinated holistic services to CSEY, including specialized advocacy services.

130
Q

What are Child Fatality Review Teams?

A

Multidisciplinary teams charged with investigating unexpected and/or preventable deaths of persons under the age of 18.

131
Q

What is the importance of involving the community in all policing activities that directly affect the quality of community life?

A

Reducing fear by addressing the problem of crime in the community. Establishing trust and harmony between the community residents and the peace officer. Exchanging information to strengthen rapport and enhance community safety. Assisting in identifying and resolving community problems. Clarifying responsibilities on behalf of citizens and peace officers. Helping define service needs.

132
Q

What are the philosophical differences between the Traditional Approach and the Community Service Model?

A

The traditional model is incident driven and reactive. Officer activity is based on calls for service (CFS). CPOs are pro-active and co-active. New role is more complex: Law Enforcer - CFS, incident driven and reactive; Planner - information gatherer and analyst; Problem Solver - strategist, critical thinker; Community organizer - co-active role in resolving community problems through joint efforts.

133
Q

What is the purpose of a police organization?

A

To fight crime, to serve and protect, to promote the public safety, to protect and serve their community even to the point of placing their life at risk

134
Q

For whom do the police work?

A

The citizens of the community in which they are employed

135
Q

To whom are police officers responsible?

A

The citizens of the community through the chain of command in the agency they work for

136
Q

Whose standards do police officers try to meet?

A

All levels of government, the agency they work for, their families, the community they work for

137
Q

Who are the customers of a police agency?

A

The citizens of the community, the citizens of other communities who happen to need police services while in their jurisdiction

138
Q

What is quality police customer service?

A

To provide a level of service in which the citizen not only receives the basic protection expected of a police agency but receives it in a highly effective and efficient manner from police personnel who display a highly positive, friendly, and helpful manner. The needs of the citizens are placed before the personal desires of the police officer or the agency in general

139
Q

What is then definition of “procedural justice”?

A

The legitimacy of the police is linked to public opinions about the fairness of decisions police make and how they exercise their authority. If the public believes the police exercise their authority fairly, then the public will view the police as legitimate and cooperate with policing efforts.

140
Q

What is the definition of “police legitimacy”?

A

Legitimacy = whether something is lawful, legal, or recognized by law. “Police Legitimacy” = the community’s view of whether police have acted legally and lawfully. This is sometimes strongly influenced by many factors and should be considered when making policies and developing relationships within the community.

141
Q

What are the four principles of procedural justice?

A

Give people a voice (listen); Neutrality (be fair); Respectful treatment (be respectful); Trustworthiness comes from a Fair and Transparent Process (explain the reasons for your decision or action)

142
Q

Describe community or individual involvement.

A

The police allow the person to state their point of view or offer an explanation. Active listening should be practiced in all contact with citizens. The officer should allow others to talk. People want to be heard and understood. The subject’s perception is what is important.

143
Q

What are the core goals in policing?

A

Maintaining social order, preventing crime, ensuring constitutional rights, protecting and serving the public, the concepts of procedural justice and legitimacy will help to achieve these goals.

144
Q

How is legitimacy increased through the Police Legitimacy Policing Model?

A

Legitimacy is the community’s view and perception of the police. It may be more challenging in communities that experience longstanding poverty, economic adversity, community violence, and other forms of trauma. Procedural justice is a way to increase legitimacy. The gain/benefits of procedural justice and legitimacy include: greater officer safety, a lower level of resistance, acceptance of police decision, and less use of “threats of force” for control.

145
Q

What is the difference between “lawfulness” and “legitimacy”?

A

Lawfulness: in conformity with the principles of the law; permitted by law; a lawful act; recognized by or established by law; obeying the law; law-abiding. Legitimacy: The quality or state of being legitimate or valid; validity. Lawfulness of birth or origin; directness of descent as affecting the royal succession.

146
Q

Compare the traditional policing model, community policing, and procedural justice.

A

TRADITIONAL POLICING: The workload of patrol officers and detectives consists of handling crimes that are being committed: (a) Disturbances in progress, (b) Traffic violations, (c) Radio calls. Relies on limited information, mostly from victims, witnesses, and suspects. Focus is on resolving one “incident” before moving to the next. COMMUNITY POLICING: A new philosophy of policing. Police officers and private citizens work together, joint effort to address community problems, success depends on connections between law-abiding people and beat officers, citizens have a greater voice in setting local police priorities, citizens help decide how to improve life in their neighborhoods, shifts the focus of police work from handling calls to solving community problems. PROCEDURAL JUSTICE: Give people a voice (listen); Neutrality (be fair); Respectful treatment (be respectful); Trustworthiness comes from a Fair and Transparent Process (explain the reasons for your decision or action).

147
Q

What are the values of providing quality police customer service?

A

Police agencies see themselves as a business venture in which a high degree of value is placed on quality customer service. (a) The community is well served, (b) The agency becomes a highly professional, respected service-oriented organization.

148
Q

What are the rewards of providing quality policy customer service?

A

(a) The building of pride within the agency and the community. (b) Provides the citizens with a high quality of service. (c) The officer has much to be proud of and should enjoy the strong, loyal support of the community on a day-to-day basis.

149
Q

What is the traditional “paramilitary” police organizational structure.

A

Paramilitary police units operate like a regular military force. Paramilitaries are similar in structure, tactics, training, and subculture. They use military-style equipment, skills, and tactics, but rarely artillery or armed military aircraft.

150
Q

Describe the “authoritarian” police organizational structure.

A

Characterized by power maintained by political repression and the exclusion of potential or supposed challengers by armed forces. It uses political parties and mass organizations to mobilize people around the goals of the regime. Designed to serve the interests of the leader, not to protect the citizens from crime.

151
Q

Describe the “chain of command” police organizational structure.

A

The hierarchy of authority that distributes responsibilities between different people within an agency. It’s the line of authority and responsibility that orders are passed down through the ranks, from a higher-ranked official to a lower-ranked one. The chain of command ensures that instructions and information progress properly through command levels.

152
Q

Describe the “micromanagement” police organizational structure.

A

To provide supervisory oversight with excessive control and attention to details that are best left to the operational personnel. Constant close, detailed, and often demotivating scrutiny of employees’ work. There is a fine line between micromanagement and bullying, and many of the tactics that micromanagers use to control their employees could be seen as harassment. It may be the case that the micromanager does not believe their behavior to be problematic, but the employees themselves might feel differently.

153
Q

Describe the Participative Model of Policing.

A

Maximize decision-making effectiveness and foster employee commitment to the organization.

154
Q

What are “Community Police Partnerships”?

A

A proactive, collaborative approach to help prevent crime. Focuses on increasing community involvement and bonds between community and law enforcement. PRIORITIZED - public plays a role in prioritizing public safety problems. EMPOWERED - police are better informed and empowered to solve public safety problems.

155
Q

Why should we consider police subculture?

A

To better understand the behavior of others and to allow for informed choices about one’s own behavior, to understand public perceptions of police, to discover ways to change the organization’s culture, police bureaucracy and organizational structure shapes and molds young officers, applicants are not attracted by authoritarian roles or deep-seated power needs, authoritarianism is cultivated by police culture.

156
Q

Name the characteristics of the police subculture.

A

Curiosity and suspiciousness; solidarity - taking care of one another; secrecy - protection from hostile environment; political and social conservatism; cynicism - Hobbesian view of social work; social isolation; authoritarian approach to control, conformity; support during difficult/stressful time.

157
Q

Name three subculture problems.

A

Stress (cyclic - continuous reinforcement); commitment to community values and needs becomes secondary; cynicism and alienation (Niederhoffer).

158
Q

What are the benefits of the police subculture?

A

Officers must choose between the subculture and professionalism.

159
Q

When and where was the Crime Stoppers program established?

A

July 1976, Albuquerque, NM

160
Q

Who formed the Crime Stoppers program?

A

Detective Greg MacAleese of the Albuquerque Police Department’s Violent Crimes Squad

161
Q

What were the circumstances that led to the formation of the Crime Stoppers program?

A

Gas station attendant killed in a robbery; Limited leads and no suspects; Fear and apathy were primary reasons for lack of public involvement.

162
Q

Describe the solution offered by Detective MacAleese to his superiors.

A

Create an anonymous system for the public to provide details of a crime: (a) Use a non-police phone number, (b) Use non-tax dollars to pay nominal rewards if top information leads to the arrest and grand jury indictment of a felon, (c) Create a civilian board of directors to oversee the program and manage the reward fund.

163
Q

What was the focus of the Crime Stoppers program?

A

Stimulating community and media participation with the law enforcement investigation

164
Q

Albuquerque established the first Crime Stoppers location. Where and when was the second?

A

El Paso, Texas, in 1978

165
Q

When and how did the Crime Stoppers program become established in law?

A

In 1981, House Bill (HB) 1681 created the Texas Crime Stoppers Council. It was part of the Criminal Justice Division of the Governor’s Office. It promoted the establishment of local Crime Stoppers organizations throughout the state.

166
Q

How did the legislation passed by HB-1681 more firmly entrench Crime Stoppers in state law?

A

(1) Texas Crime Stoppers Council is legally established, (2) Members appointed by the Texas governor, (3) Governor appoints the director of Texas Crime Stoppers, (4) The staff remains organized within the office of the Governor, (5) State law contains legal protections for the anonymity of tipsters, (6) State law allows probation fees and other funds to be used to fund local organizations and pay rewards.

167
Q

Detail how the Statewide Hotline operated and managed by the Department of Public Safety works.

A

(1) Provides assistance to organizations in achieving and maintaining certification, (2) Manages Crime Stoppers Assistance Fund grants, (3) Provides technical assistance to local programs, (4) Coordinates annual conferences and training events.

168
Q

How are tips funded?

A

Numerous local and national nonprofit organizations and associations support Crime Stoppers.

169
Q

Approximately how many certified Crime Stoppers organizations exist across the State of Texas?

A

150

170
Q

What were the details of the first Crime Stoppers “Crime of the Week”?

A

DATE: July 24, 1976. VICTIM: 19-year-old Michael Carmen, gas station attendant in the Northeast Heights area of Albuquerque, NM. DETAILS: Just after midnight, two men robbed the gas station of $36 in cash and four cartons of cigarettes, then senselessly shot Michael Carmen with a 20-gauge shotgun at point blank range. PROMISE: Because of the senseless nature of the murder, Det. MacAleese promised Michael’s parents he would find the people who killed their son.

171
Q

What were the details of that first Crime Stoppers case?

A

SOLUTION: Creation of a fund and anonymous tip line to stimulate leads. $1,000 reward was offered for information leading to the arrest of the criminal(s). After the reenactment was shown on the local news channels, the tip line received immediate calls. The case was solved within 24 hours of airing. The tragic murder of Michael Carmen started the most effective anti-crime program, Crime Stoppers, which is now an international program run by community volunteers with the support of law enforcement and the media.

172
Q

What is the organizational structure of a Crime Stoppers program?

A

Most local Crime Stoppers are non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, governed by a civilian board of directors. Each organization works closely with local law enforcement agencies and the media. A designated law enforcement officer is assigned as coordinator for Crime Stoppers. The Coordinator works closely with the board and is responsible for managing the program’s tipline, communicates with informants, acts as the liaison between the organization and the law enforcement agency. The board of directors and coordinator work closely with the media by publicizing organization activities, including crimes of the week.

173
Q

What is the role of the Law Enforcement Coordinator for the Crime Stoppers program?

A

Local agencies designate an officer to work as the coordinator for the Crime Stoppers organization. This coordinator: oversees the day-to-day tip management operations, works closely with the board providing updates on tipline cases, works closely with the media representing the organization. LEGAL ENTITY: Crime Stoppers and agencies create a memorandum of agreement. The law enforcement agency has an obligation to promote the program both internally and externally.

174
Q

What are the responsibilities of the Crime Stoppers Board of Directors?

A

Set policy to create and control the program, raise funds to pay rewards and cover administrative costs, determine the amount and method of reward payments, function as trustee of all funds including grants and funds contributed by citizens, businesses, and service groups, conduct program awareness presentations to community groups and organizations, work closely with the designated law enforcement coordinator, pay travel expenses for law enforcement coordinator to attend required Crimes Stoppers training.

175
Q

Explain the media’s role in the Crime Stoppers program.

A

The media’s role is to promote public awareness and education about Crime Stoppers. The media may work closely with the coordinator and designated board members, including but not limited to: (a) Cover local crimes and publicize the available Crime Stoppers reward; (b) Publicize the local Crime Stoppers tip line, the availability of rewards, and that tips can be anonymous; (c) Cover the “Crime of the Week” - a specific crime highlighted throughout the week; (d) Share volunteer opportunities to help run local organizations; and (e) Showcase Public Service Announcements publicizing Crime Stoppers.

176
Q

What is the Campus Crime Stoppers program?

A

Campus Crime Stoppers provides student tipsters a way to anonymously share information with school administrators and local law enforcement regarding administrative school violations, matters of public or individual safety, and potential or past crimes. Student tipsters can receive monetary rewards if the tip proves instrumental in solving crimes or addressing issues where a reward is offered. Campus Crime Stoppers programs promote school spirit, pride, and responsibility while allowing students to act against victimization and crime in the schools

177
Q

Name the first way a campus Crime Stoppers program can be established.

A

Three ways to establish a campus program in Texas operate as a distinct, but subsidiary part of a local Crime Stoppers Corporation (“parent corporation”) that is certified by the Texas Crime Stoppers Council. Campus programs are comprised of and operated by a volunteer student board. Written charter agreements are entered into with the school district. All parties agree to protect tipster identity and maintain all Crime Stoppers records separate from school records. A program administrator works with the student board to arrive at decisions (such as reward payment amounts. This person may be a school resource officer (SRO) or a member of the campus faculty or staff. The operation of the Charter Campus Crime Stoppers program is the sole responsibility of the student board with the discretion and assistance of the parent corporation.

178
Q

Describe how the campus Crime Stoppers programs are managed as part of an existing Crime Stoppers program certified by the Crime Stoppers Council.

A

The Corporation’s board of directors determines the number of rewards, method of payment of rewards, provides their communication system to receive calls and text messages, provides their website for students to submit tips online. The school district agrees to participate in this comprehensive Crime Stoppers School Safety Program to solve and prevent criminal activity, to promote the school program via the public address system and Parent-Teacher Association meetings, to distribute promotional materials such as brochures and posters. These organizations can have student “boards” that advise and participate in the program, but the true board of directors of the organization is the larger local certified Crime Stoppers corporation.

179
Q

Name the second way a Campus Crime Stoppers program can be set up.

A

Campus programs can also form an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. In Texas, these programs run independently from any existing local Crime Stoppers organizations. They are essentially stand-alone, regular Crime Stoppers organizations that happen to operate on campuses. This type of program is consistent with Chapter 414, Texas Government Code, also known as the “Crime Stoppers Law,” which defines Crime Stoppers corporations, establishes the Texas Crime Stoppers Council, and affords certain records protection.

180
Q

What are the roles of students and adults in a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Campus Crime Stoppers Corporation.

A

Campus Crime Stoppers programs operate according to the needs and capabilities of the campuses they serve and vary as to the degree of participation they receive from students, school officials , law enforcement coordinators (typically a school resource officer) and adult volunteers from a sponsoring local Crime Stoppers organization. At some programs students constitute a board and vote on key items under the supervision of the coordinator. At others the coordinator takes a more active role. Student participation to run the campus program is critical to success: It creates a sense of belonging, autonomy, and power, helps students develop social and decision-making skills, builds their sense of competence, and motivates them to persist in supporting the program. It is common for student leaders on school campuses to be involved by serving on the campus board of directors. By becoming leaders in a Crime Stoppers program, students gain skills they will need in order to become successful adults, creating new relationships with adults and peers, gaining a better understanding of the community and its diversity, and beginning to view the world, and their ability to affect it, in a positive way. Student leadership can also provide benefits for adult volunteers in the program. Adults benefit by feeling a stronger connection with youth in their community, a renewed energy for their work, improvement in morale stemming from students’ spirit of flexibility and playfulness, and an expanded resource base so that they no longer feel “responsible for everything.”

181
Q

Describe the anonymous tip-taking process.

A

A Crime Stoppers organization only needs the information the tipster can provide. Protecting tipster anonymity is paramount. Encourage citizens to submit information in a safe environment without fear of retribution. By offering cash rewards, Crime Stoppers incentivizes otherwise reluctant citizens to provide information. There are three ways a tipster can anonymously report information about a particular crime: (a) Call or text information to the local Crime Stoppers hotline, (b) Send a web tip via the local Crime Stoppers website, (c) Submit the tip through a Crime Stoppers mobile tip app.

182
Q

Compare an informant to a tipster.

A

The coordinator should avoid accepting in-person or face-to-face tips to ensure the tipster’s anonymity. Face-to-face interactions occur with informants, not tipsters. Crime Stoppers programs are built upon anonymous tipsters, not informants.

183
Q

How does the anonymous receiving of tips occur?

A

As a coordinator receives information, a code number is issued to the tipster to: ensure anonymity, track information through the investigation, used in collecting rewards. The coordinator should obtain all the facts of the tip information: who, what, when, where, and how.

184
Q

Who owns and manages the tip records?

A

Crime Stoppers

185
Q

How is Crime Stoppers information stored?

A

Once tip information is gathered, it should be kept secure by the coordinator until it is disseminated to investigators or the proper agency. No identifying details should be included in the tip information that will reveal the identity or gender of the tipster.

186
Q

How do Crime Stoppers apps work?

A

Many programs use an app or other system that allows some back-and-forth between the coordinator and the tipster. When taking down information from a tipster, the tipster should be instructed how to follow-up, either by calling back or communicating through the mobile tip app. The coordinator will be communicating with the tipster and has discretion on instructing how and when the tipster should follow-up on the reward. The tipster should be informed to hold on to the tip number because whoever has the tip number is the person who will be paid the reward.

187
Q

Describe the purpose of reward payments.

A

Rewards are offered to obtain information while protecting the tipster. Choose a method that ensures the tipster’s anonymity. In a properly conducted Crime Stoppers program, a tipster is only paid for information. Tip information should lead law enforcement o?cials to an arrest and securing a formal charge against a suspect in a felony (or major) case. A tipster is not paid to: (a) physically seize a suspect and bring the suspect into law enforcement custody, (b) give testimony under oath in court to the satisfaction of the reward o?eror, (c) secure or guarantee a conviction, (d) function as a law enforcement agent or become involved in criminal activities to secure additional information.

188
Q

Describe the most common method used to pay tipsters anonymously.

A

There are several methods that Crime Stoppers organizations choose to make reward payments to tipsters. The most common is to utilize a local bank with whom an agreement is made that the bank will be given the code number and the reward money. The tipster can go to the bank’s drive-thru window, provide the tip number, after receiving the correct tip number, the bank teller delivers the reward money to the tipster - no questions are asked, and no identification is exchanged. Local organizations use a variety of payment methods. It is the board of directors’ responsibility to decide how the payment is made to tipsters. Note: Many tipsters do not want a reward and are just thankful they can relay information without having to reveal their identity.

189
Q

Describe the use of Texas Crome Stoppers Council Members.

A

Texas Crime Stoppers Council members are appointed by the governor and are required to represent a variety of relevant viewpoints, including a law enforcement coordinator. The Council certifies local Crime Stoppers organizations every two years after finding that they satisfy a variety of requirements and further crime prevention purposes.

190
Q

What are the three primary benefits of certification?

A

Certified organizations are eligible to receive funds from probation fees, which are used to pay rewards and cover operational expenses. Certified organizations’ records are covered by legal confidentiality protections for their records from Public Information Act requests, legal discovery, or other disclosures (see below). Officers, employees, and volunteers of certified organizations are covered by limited legal immunity.

191
Q

Compare “anonymity” and “confidentiality.”

A

People who call tip lines can do so anonymously in that they are not required to leave a name or otherwise verify their identity (see later units on Tip Line Operations). Even if they do leave a name or otherwise disclose information that could enable someone else to identify them, state law offers legal protections to keep their identity from being disclosed. Should a tipster identify themselves, coordinators should not record a tipster’s name or gender to ensure anonymity of the tipster. Crime Stoppers tipsters are different from confidential informants or other protected sources in that their identity is generally not known to law enforcement sources. The identity of Crime Stoppers tipsters is protected under law, like confidential informants, but only Crime Stoppers tipsters are truly anonymous.

192
Q

How does state law explicitly protect tips or information in tips from being disclosed?

A

Tips are considered “privileged information” under law and may not be released, under penalty of law: Crime Stoppers organizations that receive tips may only pass those tips or information in them to a law enforcement agency or - in the case of tips related to schools - school districts (or open-enrollment charter schools).

193
Q

How can tip information be released?

A

A Crime Stoppers officer or volunteer, a law enforcement officer, or a school district employee may only release tip information to a non-authorized recipient if they have received permission from the tipster; or the chief executive of the Crime Stoppers organization which originally received the tip grants authorization to disclose after reasonably determining that failure to disclose the identity of the tipster will create a probability of imminent physical injury to another. Without such authorization, disclosure of the tip or the identity of the tipster is a crime - a Class A misdemeanor or, if done for monetary benefit, a third-degree felony. Whoever releases the information is ineligible for state employment for five years.

194
Q

Are tips subject to Public Information Act requests?

A

Tips are not subject to Public Information Act requests. Tips are not subject to legal discovery. The only exception to this protection is if a defense lawyer petitions a judge, saying the tip could exonerate their client. State law then provides that the judge may review the tip and, if it does exonerate the client , the judge then redacts the identifying information of the tipster and releases the rest.

195
Q

Can a police officer refer a reluctant witness to Crime Stoppers as a way to get the information they have to offer?

A

Yes. The only exception is paid informants may not be referred to Crime Stoppers.

196
Q

If someone makes an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers, how can that information be used in an arrest or search warrant?

A

Generally, Crime Stoppers tips are used as leads for investigations or to alert law enforcement or school authorities to a dangerous condition or crisis. Further investigation is required to uncover evidence usable at trial.

197
Q

Does state law protect tipsters and law enforcement from civil penalties from the submission of a tip?

A

Yes, as long as the information is used in the performance of the person’s duties or functions. Civil protection is not available for intentional or willful negligence, conscious indifference or reckless disregard for the safety of others, or to further the commission of a felony.

198
Q

Are school district authorities able to receive tips from Crime Stoppers?

A

Yes, if they are about conduct or threatened conduct that would disrupt the efficient and effective operations of a school.

199
Q

Can school officials use Crime Stoppers tips as evidence in expulsion or disciplinary hearings?

A

No. The information could be used to launch an investigation to bring forth evidence that could be used at the hearing, but the tip could not be used.

200
Q

What is “funneling”?

A

Funneling is when a police officer sends an informant to Crime Stoppers. This action is subject to disciplinary action.

201
Q

What are the disciplinary actions an officer could face for a “funneling” offense?

A

Violation of department policy; administrative discipline; fraud against a non-profit charitable corporation in order to cause it to part with reward money; perjury if it is discovered the informant’s identity was already know to the police and the officer testified falsely in court; grounds for attacking all of the officer’s and the informant’s cases for credibility.

Professional Policing - BPOC 736 (1 decks)

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