JIBC Police Exam key terms

The objective and subjective belief, based on observable facts rather than suspicion alone, that an offence has been committed or that a person is connected to one. It justifies arrests, searches, and charges.

The lawful taking of a person into custody for an offence without a prior judicial order, permitted when an officer has reasonable grounds and the arrest is necessary to protect the public or secure evidence.

A restriction of a person's liberty, short of arrest, that triggers the right to be informed of reasons and to consult counsel. Courts look at whether a reasonable person would feel free to leave.

Constitutional protections triggered when a person is detained or arrested, including the right to be informed promptly of the reasons, the right to retain and instruct counsel, and the right to silence.

The constitutional entitlement of a detained or arrested person to consult a lawyer without delay and to be told of that right, which police must facilitate before eliciting incriminating information.

A graduated framework describing escalating levels of officer response, from presence and verbal direction through physical control and intermediate weapons to lethal force, matched to the subject's behaviour and the threat perceived.

A Canadian training model that pairs categories of subject conduct, such as cooperative, passive resistant, active resistant, assaultive, and causing grievous bodily harm, with proportionate officer response options.

Techniques such as communication, time, distance, and tactical repositioning used to reduce the intensity of an encounter and avoid unnecessary force when the situation allows.

A structured approach for responding to people in mental health or emotional crisis, emphasizing communication, recognition of symptoms, and referral to health services rather than relying on force or arrest.

The documented, unbroken record of who handled an exhibit, when, and where, from seizure through analysis to court, used to show the item is what it purports to be and has not been altered.

The chronological paper trail recording every transfer and storage of physical evidence, supporting admissibility and rebutting claims of tampering or contamination.

A warrantless search of an arrested person and the immediate surroundings, permitted to find weapons, prevent escape, and preserve evidence, and limited in scope to those lawful purposes.

The American requirement that police advise a person in custody before interrogation of the right to remain silent, that statements may be used against them, and the right to an attorney.

The requirement that a suspect's admission or confession be given freely, without threats, promises, oppression, or inducement, or it will be excluded from evidence.

The legal standard in United States law requiring facts and circumstances sufficient for a reasonable person to believe an offence has occurred or evidence will be found, supporting arrests and warrants.

The legal obligation to adjust policies, practices, or environments to the point of undue hardship so that people with protected characteristics, including disabilities, are not disadvantaged.

A correctional security level for inmates requiring close supervision and restricted movement because of escape risk, violence history, or behaviour that cannot be safely managed in lower-security settings.

The structured assessment of an inmate's risks and needs at intake and on review, used to assign security level, housing, programs, and supervision, supporting safety and rehabilitation planning.

A correctional approach in which staff build constructive, professional relationships with inmates through frequent interaction, allowing early detection of tension and contraband and reducing reliance on static barriers.

Any item an inmate is not authorized to possess, including weapons, drugs, unauthorized money, and cellphones, which staff must detect, seize, and document according to policy.

The lawful application of physical control, restraints, or weapons by correctional staff to prevent harm, enforce orders, or protect safety, governed by necessity, proportionality, reporting, and review requirements.

A formal internal process allowing inmates to raise complaints about conditions, treatment, or decisions, with defined timelines, responses, and appeal levels, helping maintain order and accountability.

The obligation of correctional and law enforcement personnel to disclose serious misconduct, excessive force, or policy violations they witness, subject to discipline for failing to act.

A search requiring the removal or rearrangement of clothing to inspect body cavities or undergarments, permitted only on reasonable grounds and conducted with privacy, dignity, and documented authorization.

A court proceeding shortly after arrest where a justice decides whether to release the accused, with or without conditions, or detain them pending trial, applying the presumption of release.

A hearing in which the Crown must justify why an accused should remain in custody rather than be released, presenting evidence of flight risk, danger, or public confidence concerns.

A court document setting the terms under which an accused is freed before trial, including conditions such as reporting, curfews, or no-contact provisions, which breach may constitute a new offence.

A report prepared by a probation officer for the court describing the offender's background, circumstances, risk factors, and sentencing options, used to inform a proportionate sentence.

A structured evaluation of an offender's likelihood of reoffending and the level of supervision or intervention needed, combining actuarial tools with professional judgment.

Court-imposed rules an offender must follow while on probation, such as reporting to a supervisor, attending treatment, or avoiding certain people, which can be varied or enforced on breach.

Failure to comply with a probation condition, which may lead to a charge, a revocation hearing, or a change to the order, depending on the gravity and pattern of non-compliance.

An individualized supervision plan identifying the offender's criminogenic needs, services, reporting frequency, and goals, reviewed and updated throughout the probation period.

An approach that brings affected parties together to address harm, accountability, and repair, used in appropriate cases alongside or instead of conventional court processes.

A facilitated meeting of family, the young person, victims where appropriate, and professionals to plan a response to harm, emphasizing the family's role in decisions affecting a child.

The principle that decisions affecting a child must prioritize the child's safety, well-being, and developmental needs, weighing all relevant circumstances over adult preferences.

A formal inquiry into allegations that a child is in need of protection, involving interviews, safety assessment, and coordination with police and child welfare authorities.

The legal obligation of specified professionals and citizens to promptly report suspected child abuse or neglect to the designated authority, in good faith and without requiring proof.

A written or oral statement describing how a crime affected a victim, considered by the court at sentencing and in some family justice processes to give the harmed person a voice.

The policies, codes of conduct, and accountability mechanisms governing officer behaviour, including complaint intake, internal investigation, and discipline for misconduct.