ICE HSI Agent flashcards

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

Contrapositive

The logically equivalent form of 'If P then Q,' which is 'If not Q then not P.' The converse and inverse are not equivalent and cannot be substituted for it.

Necessary versus sufficient

A necessary condition must be present for the outcome but does not guarantee it. A sufficient condition guarantees the outcome. Confusing the two is a classic reasoning flaw.

Combined work rate

For two workers completing a job in times t1 and t2 alone, working together takes (t1 times t2) divided by (t1 plus t2). Rates add; times do not.

Successive percentage change

Percentage changes compound multiplicatively. A 20 percent increase followed by a 20 percent decrease yields a net 4 percent decrease, not zero change.

Weighted average

The sum of each value multiplied by its weight, divided by the total of the weights. Used for mixture, grade, and caseload-composition problems.

Correlation versus causation

An observed association does not prove one variable causes the other. Reverse causation, a common cause, and selection effects are alternative explanations to rule out.

Main idea versus supporting detail

The main idea covers the passage as a whole. A statement that is accurate but describes only one paragraph is a supporting detail and answers the wrong question.

Valid inference

A conclusion the text necessarily implies. Outside knowledge, however accurate, is out of scope on inference items and makes an answer incorrect.

Scope extremes

Words such as all, never, only, and must usually overreach the passage. Correct answers typically mirror the passage's own hedges such as some, may, or tends to.

Parallel structure

Items joined in a list or comparison must share grammatical form: all nouns, all gerunds, or all infinitives. Mixed forms break the sentence.

Dangling modifier

An introductory descriptive phrase must modify the subject that immediately follows it. Otherwise the sentence attributes the action to the wrong actor.

Active voice

The actor appears before the verb and the sentence is shorter and clearer. Passive voice is reserved for when the actor is unknown or irrelevant.

Priority ranking in scenarios

Rank by imminent risk to life first, then scene and evidence integrity, then documentation, then administrative follow-up. Options reversing this order are wrong.

Least intrusive means

Choose the option that resolves the problem with the smallest necessary intrusion consistent with the mission and lawful authority.

Authority escalation rule

Act within your own authority. When a decision exceeds it, refer upward and document the referral rather than acting outside scope.

Observable fact reporting

Record what was seen and heard, not conclusions about motive or character. 'Spoke rapidly and avoided eye contact' is reportable; 'was obviously lying' is not.

Chain of custody

The documented, unbroken record of who handled evidence, when, and for what purpose. Gaps in the record can render evidence inadmissible.

Probable cause standard

A totality-of-circumstances judgment that a fair probability exists that evidence or contraband will be found. It requires more than a hunch but less than certainty.

Exigent circumstances

Conditions permitting warrantless entry, generally limited to imminent danger to life, hot pursuit of a fleeing subject, and imminent destruction of evidence.

Consent search limits

Consent must be voluntary and may be limited in scope or withdrawn at any time. The subject's stated limits bind the search unless independent authority exists.

Miranda custody test

Miranda applies when a person is in custody and subject to interrogation. Spontaneous statements not prompted by interrogation are not suppressed on that ground alone.

Witness interview sequence

Separate witnesses before they compare accounts. Begin with open-ended prompts, move to specific closed questions, and reserve leading questions for last.

De-escalation sequence

Lower voice and pace, acknowledge the person's concern, state limits clearly, and offer a legitimate choice where one genuinely exists.

Proactive error correction

When an error appears on official paperwork, disclose and correct it in writing immediately. A self-corrected error is survivable; a concealed one usually is not.

Need-to-know confidentiality

Case information is shared only with those who require it for official duties. Discussing details with uninvolved colleagues is a reportable breach.

Articulable facts standard

Decisions must rest on specific, describable observations that can be stated in a report. A hunch that cannot be explained behaviorally is not a lawful basis.

Report synopsis

A short opening summary of who, what, when, where, and disposition, placed before the chronological narrative so a reader can grasp the incident immediately.

Statement attribution

Clearly distinguish in the narrative what the writer personally observed, what a witness stated, and what a record or database shows.

Report chronology

The narrative follows actual time order with consistent date and time formats. Out-of-sequence events are the most common structural error graders penalize.

STAR response structure

Situation, Task, Action, Result. Devote most of the answer to Action and close with a concrete, measurable Result.

Behavioral interview premise

Past behavior predicts future behavior, so answers must cite a specific past incident rather than a hypothetical approach or a general philosophy.

Suitability whole-record review

Suitability weighs conduct, recency, frequency, severity, and evidence of rehabilitation together. A single old isolated incident rarely decides the case alone.

Candor in background screening

Disclosed adverse facts are usually survivable. A concealed fact discovered independently later is treated as dishonesty and is typically disqualifying.