CO POST key terms

A specific, articulable set of facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable officer to believe criminal activity has occurred, is occurring, or is about to occur.

Facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe a crime has been committed and that a particular person committed it, or that evidence will be found in a location.

A brief investigative detention based on reasonable suspicion during which an officer may question a person and, if armed and dangerous, conduct a limited pat-down for weapons.

A limited pat-down of a person's outer clothing for weapons, permitted when an officer reasonably suspects the person is armed and dangerous; not a full search for evidence.

Urgent conditions such as imminent danger, hot pursuit, or likely destruction of evidence that justify a warrantless entry or search otherwise requiring a warrant.

A warrantless search permitted when a person with authority over the place or item gives voluntary consent, which may be limited or withdrawn at any time.

A warrantless search of an arrestee's person and the area within immediate reach, justified by officer safety and preventing destruction of evidence.

A court order issued on probable cause directing officers to take a named person into custody for a specified offense.

A court order authorizing officers to search a specified place or person for specified evidence, based on probable cause and limited in scope.

The advisement of rights to remain silent and to counsel that must precede custodial interrogation, warning that statements may be used against the person.

Questioning by officers that is reasonably likely to elicit an incriminating response, conducted while a person is in custody or deprived of freedom of movement.

A knowing, voluntary, and intelligent relinquishment of a constitutional right, such as the right to silence or counsel, after being advised of it.

The constitutional protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, requiring warrants supported by probable cause and prohibiting excessive force in seizures.

The constitutional protection against compelled self-incrimination and double jeopardy, and the guarantee of due process and grand jury indictment in federal cases.

The constitutional guarantee of a speedy and public trial, an impartial jury, notice of charges, confrontation of witnesses, and assistance of counsel.

The constitutional requirement that government action follow fair procedures and respect fundamental rights, applied to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.

The principle that evidence obtained through an unconstitutional search or seizure generally cannot be used against a defendant at trial, with limited exceptions.

Derivative evidence discovered because of an earlier unconstitutional act, which is generally inadmissible unless an exception such as independent source applies.

A framework describing escalating levels of subject resistance and corresponding officer responses, from presence and verbal direction to lethal force.

The standard for evaluating force under the Fourth Amendment, judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer facing the same circumstances, without hindsight.

Tactics such as time, distance, cover, communication, and tactical repositioning used to reduce the likelihood that a situation requires force.

The U.S. Supreme Court decision holding that excessive force claims are judged by objective reasonableness, considering the severity of the crime, immediate threat, and active resistance.

Force reasonably likely to cause death or serious bodily injury, justified only when an officer reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent imminent death or serious injury.

The obligation of an officer to stop or report another officer's clearly excessive force when in a position to do so, regardless of rank or agency.

Specialized communication and response techniques for interacting with people experiencing behavioral health crises, mental illness, or developmental disabilities.

A disputed descriptive label for a state of extreme agitation, disorientation, and hyperthermia often associated with drug use, requiring urgent medical response and restraint caution.

Impaired breathing caused by body position, such as prone restraint or weight on the back, which can cause death and requires prompt repositioning.

The practice of selecting or treating a person for law enforcement action based solely or primarily on race, ethnicity, or national origin, which is prohibited.

The practice of making enforcement and service decisions based on behavior and evidence rather than on protected characteristics such as race, religion, gender, or disability.

The principle that people accept law enforcement outcomes more readily when processes are fair, transparent, respectful, and allow their voice to be heard.

The public's belief that law enforcement authority is rightful and should be obeyed, built through fair treatment, transparency, and consistent, unbiased conduct.

A formal set of values and standards guiding officer conduct, including integrity, honesty, respect for constitutional rights, and service to the public.

A strategy of partnering with residents to identify and solve problems, emphasizing prevention, communication, and shared responsibility for public safety.

An approach that identifies recurring crime problems, analyzes their underlying causes, and implements tailored responses evaluated for effectiveness.

The documented, unbroken record of who handled evidence, when, and where, from collection through disposition, ensuring its integrity for court.

The systematic documentation, packaging, and preservation of physical items at a scene following legal and agency procedures to maintain admissibility.

The introduction or transfer of material that compromises evidence integrity, prevented through scene security, protective equipment, and controlled access.

Evidence such as blood, saliva, hair, or tissue that may yield DNA, requiring careful handling, drying, and packaging to prevent degradation.

The factual, chronological, and objective documentation of an incident, including observations, actions taken, evidence, and statements gathered.

Sworn oral statements given by a witness or officer in a legal proceeding, which should be accurate, consistent with reports, and limited to personal knowledge.

The Colorado Sex Offender Registration Act, which requires certain offenders to register with law enforcement and imposes reporting and residency requirements.

The state body that establishes training standards, certifies peace officers, and administers certification and decertification for Colorado law enforcement agencies.