MN POST key terms

A rapid law enforcement approach to an armed person actively killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area, prioritizing immediate containment and neutralization of the threat over waiting for additional resources.

A two-officer tactic in which one officer manages communication and the primary interaction while the other watches for threats, controls the scene, and provides backup without distracting from the contact officer's focus.

Techniques such as calm communication, time, distance, and tactical repositioning used to reduce the intensity of an encounter and lower the need for force when safe and feasible.

A standardized framework for organizing personnel, resources, and communications at emergencies so multiple agencies can work under one clear chain of command and common terminology.

Steps taken to protect a scene by securing boundaries, limiting access, documenting conditions, and preventing contamination so that physical evidence remains intact and admissible.

A brief, consensual contact with a person to gather identifying information and circumstances, documented for investigative purposes; it must not become a detention without reasonable suspicion.

An attempt by an officer in a moving vehicle to stop another vehicle whose driver is knowingly fleeing; agencies restrict pursuits by policy because of serious risk to the public and officers.

Assigning officers to specific places or times based on crime data and caller demand rather than random patrol, with the goal of deterring crime and addressing recurring problems.

Facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable officer to believe a crime has been, is being, or will be committed, or that evidence will be found in a particular place.

Specific, articulable facts, based on the officer's training and experience, suggesting criminal activity is afoot and justifying a brief investigative detention or pat search.

A brief investigative detention based on reasonable suspicion during which an officer may ask questions and, if concerned about weapons, conduct a limited pat-down search for safety.

Taking a person into custody to answer for a crime, requiring probable cause; the person is no longer free to leave and Fourth Amendment protections apply.

A judicial order based on probable cause that authorizes officers to search a specified place or person and seize described evidence within stated limits.

Urgent situations such as imminent danger, hot pursuit, or likely destruction of evidence that allow officers to act without a warrant when delay would be unreasonable.

An exception allowing warrantless seizure of evidence when an officer is lawfully present, sees the item clearly, and its incriminating character is immediately apparent.

The advisement of the right to remain silent, that statements may be used against the person, and the right to counsel, required before custodial interrogation.

Questioning by law enforcement after a person has been taken into custody or otherwise deprived of freedom in a significant way, triggering the requirement for Miranda warnings.

A remedy that generally bars the prosecution from using evidence obtained through an unconstitutional search or seizure, with limited exceptions recognized by courts.

A Minnesota crime more serious than a misdemeanor but less than a felony, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine set by statute.

The documented record of who handled evidence, when, and how it was transferred or stored, used to show the item is authentic and has not been altered.

A legal defense claiming the use of reasonable force was necessary to prevent imminent harm; the response must be proportional and the person must not be the aggressor.

Driving while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination, including operating a motor vehicle with an alcohol concentration at or above the legal limit in Minnesota.

The legal principle that a person who drives in Minnesota has consented to a chemical test to determine alcohol or drug concentration when lawfully arrested for DWI, subject to refusal consequences.

A validated set of divided-attention and balance tasks-horizontal gaze nystagmus, walk-and-turn, and one-leg stand-administered to help an officer decide whether impairment exists.

A roadside screening device used to estimate breath alcohol concentration and support or refute probable cause; it is not the evidentiary test used at trial.

A Minnesota requirement that drivers move over one lane, or slow down if moving over is unsafe, when approaching emergency or maintenance vehicles stopped with warning lights on.

Minnesota's primary seat belt law allows an officer to stop a vehicle solely because an occupant appears unbelted, without needing another traffic violation.

A written record of a motor vehicle collision documenting parties, vehicles, injuries, road conditions, and contributing factors, used for investigation, insurance, and state data.

Leaving the scene of a collision without providing required information or aid; Minnesota requires drivers to stop, exchange information, and report certain crashes.

Speed-measuring tools using radio waves (radar) or laser light (LIDAR); officers must be trained, test the device, and document calibration for court.

A philosophy that partners officers with residents to identify and solve local problems, emphasizing communication, prevention, and trust rather than only reactive calls for service.

The idea that people judge police encounters by fairness of process-voice, neutrality, respect, and trustworthy motives-which affects cooperation and legitimacy.

Unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that can influence quick judgments and behavior, including decisions about suspicion, stops, and use of force.

The obligation of an officer to stop or report another officer's excessive force or misconduct when present and able, rather than remaining silent.

A written set of principles governing officer conduct, such as honesty, integrity, fairness, and public service, used to guide decisions and discipline violations.

Legal disclosure duties requiring prosecutors to provide the defense with exculpatory evidence and information that could impeach an officer's credibility.

An unauthorized gift or favor accepted because of one's position; accepting it can undermine impartiality and violate policy even if the item is small.

The lawful authority of an officer to choose among reasonable actions, such as whether to warn, cite, or arrest, based on the facts and department policy.

Laws and policies that shield employees from retaliation when they report misconduct or illegal activity in good faith to supervisors or oversight agencies.

A policy requiring decisions based on behavior and evidence rather than race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or other protected characteristics in stops, searches, and enforcement.