DC Security Officer flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Probable cause

Facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe an offense has been committed and that a specific person committed it; a lower standard than reasonable doubt.

Felony versus misdemeanor

D.C. grades crimes by maximum penalty: a felony is punishable by more than one year of imprisonment, while a misdemeanor is punishable by one year or less.

Simple assault (D.C.)

Under D.C. Code 22-404, intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing injury, or attempting or threatening injury with apparent present ability; maximum penalty is 180 days and a fine.

Presentment after arrest

An arrested person must be brought before a judicial officer without unnecessary delay, generally within 48 hours, for an initial appearance and a probable cause determination.

Terry stop

A brief investigative detention permitted when an officer has reasonable suspicion, based on specific and articulable facts, that a person is involved in criminal activity.

Search incident to arrest

After a lawful custodial arrest, an officer may search the arrestee's person and the area within immediate reach to find weapons and prevent destruction of evidence.

Citizen's arrest in D.C.

Under D.C. Code 23-582, a private person may arrest for a felony committed in their presence or on reasonable grounds, then must promptly deliver the arrestee to police.

Consent search scope

A warrantless search is valid when consent is voluntary, given by someone with authority over the area, and limited to the scope the person actually granted.

Graham v. Connor standard

Force is judged by objective reasonableness under the totality of circumstances from a reasonable officer's perspective, considering offense severity, imminent threat, and active resistance or flight.

Tennessee v. Garner rule

Deadly force may not be used to prevent the escape of a fleeing suspect unless the officer has probable cause to believe the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious injury.

De-escalation tactics

Techniques such as time, distance, cover, containment, and calm communication used to reduce the need for force when feasible and safe.

Duty to intervene

Officers must intercede when a colleague uses force that is clearly excessive or unlawful, and must report the incident to a supervisor.

SARA model

A problem-oriented policing cycle: Scanning to identify problems, Analysis of causes, Response with tailored strategies, and Assessment of whether the response worked.

Crime triangle

A problem-analysis tool showing that crime requires an offender, a victim or target, and a place, any of which can be altered to reduce risk.

Directed patrol

Assigning officers to specific places at specific times based on crime analysis, rather than random patrol, to address identified patterns.

Hot spot policing

Concentrating patrol resources on small geographic areas where crime is disproportionately concentrated, based on analysis of incident data.

Chain of custody

A chronological record of every person who handled an item of evidence, with dates, times, and purposes, showing the item was not altered or substituted.

Biological evidence packaging

Air-dry wet biological items, then package each separately in paper containers that allow airflow; seal, label, and refrigerate where policy requires.

Narrative report format

A chronological, first-person, past-tense account covering who, what, when, where, why, and how, recording observed facts rather than conclusions.

Digital evidence preservation

Document the device's condition, avoid altering contents, create a forensic image where required, and record hash values to show the data is unchanged.

Incident Command System

A standardized, modular management structure using common terminology, defined roles, and a manageable span of control to coordinate multi-agency emergencies.

Span of control

The number of subordinates one supervisor can effectively manage; in ICS the range is three to seven, with five considered optimal.

Unity of command

Each person in an incident organization reports to only one supervisor, preventing conflicting orders and confusion.

Initial incident commander

The first-arriving officer or unit assumes command, establishes a safe perimeter, and remains in command until formally transferred.

Suspicious activity reporting

Documenting observed behavior that may indicate pre-operational planning, such as surveillance or probing, and forwarding it to a fusion center for analysis.

CPTED

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design: using natural surveillance, access control, territorial reinforcement, and maintenance to reduce opportunities for crime.

Layered security

Concentric rings of protection - perimeter, building exterior, interior spaces, and critical assets - so that breaching one layer does not expose the target.

VBIED indicators

Warning signs include a vehicle sagging under heavy load, wires or containers visible inside, chemical odors, and unattended parking near entrances or crowds.

Procedural justice

Treating people with respect, giving them voice, making neutral decisions, and showing trustworthy motives, which builds public confidence and voluntary compliance.

Bias-free policing

Making enforcement decisions on observed behavior and credible information, never on race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation.

Duty to report misconduct

An officer must report known or suspected misconduct by colleagues, including excessive force or dishonesty, to a supervisor or internal affairs.

Conflict of interest

A situation where personal, financial, or family interests could influence official judgment; the officer must disclose it and withdraw from the matter.