NC POST flashcards

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

Terry stop

A brief investigative detention permitted when an officer has reasonable suspicion, based on specific articulable facts, that a person is involved in criminal activity; it must be limited in scope and duration.

Miranda trigger

Miranda warnings are required before custodial interrogation, when a reasonable person would not feel free to leave and officers ask questions likely to elicit an incriminating response.

Exclusionary rule

Evidence obtained through an unreasonable search or seizure is generally inadmissible in the prosecution's case-in-chief, subject to exceptions such as good faith, consent, inevitable discovery, and attenuation.

Search incident to arrest

After a lawful custodial arrest, officers may search the arrestee's person and the area within immediate control to find weapons or prevent evidence destruction; vehicle scope is limited.

High-risk vehicle stop

A felony or armed-suspect stop conducted with backup, cover, and PA commands; occupants are removed one at a time and controlled before officers approach the vehicle.

Traffic stop approach

Position the patrol vehicle offset and use emergency lights; notify dispatch of location and plate; approach on the passenger side when practical to reduce exposure to passing traffic.

Felony stop commands

Give clear one-officer commands for occupants to show hands, exit one at a time, walk backward to officers, and be restrained while other officers provide cover.

Chain of custody

A documented record of every person who handled evidence, when, and why; it preserves integrity and supports admissibility by showing no unexplained access or tampering.

Crime scene documentation

Record the scene before moving items: photographs with scale, sketches with measurements from fixed references, and notes describing conditions, evidence locations, and personnel present.

Blind lineup administration

The administrator does not know which lineup member is the suspect; witnesses receive unbiased instructions that the culprit may or may not be present and should not feel pressured.

Basic speed law

A driver must operate at a speed reasonable and prudent for current conditions; posted prima facie limits do not authorize unsafe speed in rain, fog, traffic, or poor visibility.

DWI per se

In North Carolina, driving with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more is unlawful per se; commercial drivers are held to 0.04 and drivers under 21 face zero-tolerance rules.

Skid speed formula

Minimum speed in mph can be estimated as the square root of 30 times skid distance in feet times drag factor: S = sqrt(30 x d x f).

Following too closely

A driver may not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, considering speed, traffic, road conditions, and the vehicle's stopping ability.

Graham reasonableness

Use of force is judged by objective reasonableness under the totality of circumstances from the officer's perspective at the moment, not by hindsight or subjective intent.

Duty to intervene

An officer who witnesses another officer using excessive force must intervene when reasonable and report the conduct; failure to intervene can create legal and administrative liability.

Positional asphyxia risk

Restraint positions that impair chest expansion or breathing can cause death; after restraint, place the person in a recovery position, monitor breathing, and summon medical aid.

Procedural justice

Fair process built on voice, neutrality, respect, and trustworthy motives; people are more likely to comply with law when they perceive procedures as fair.

SARA model

A problem-solving cycle: Scanning identifies problems, Analysis examines causes, Response implements tailored actions, and Assessment evaluates results.

Crisis intervention

For a person in mental health crisis, reduce stimuli, use calm communication, allow time, avoid unnecessary force, and connect the person to appropriate treatment when safe.

Radio broadcast elements

Identify the unit, give location, state the nature of the incident, request needed resources, and keep the transmission concise; update when conditions change.

Objective report language

Report observable facts and direct statements rather than conclusions; describe actions, words, and conditions so a reader can independently evaluate what happened.

Report correction method

Correct a paper report with a single line through the error, initial and date it, and write the correction; do not obliterate, use correction fluid, or rewrite the original.

Three-second rule

Maintain at least a three-second following distance in ideal conditions; increase it at night, in rain, or when carrying a heavy load or towing.

ABS braking technique

With antilock brakes, apply firm continuous pressure and steer; do not pump the brake pedal, because ABS modulates pressure to prevent wheel lockup.

Pursuit termination

A pursuit should end when the risk to the public and officers outweighs the need for immediate apprehension; supervisors should control and document the decision.

Adult CPR ratio

For one- or two-rescuer adult CPR, give 30 chest compressions at 100 to 120 per minute, 2 to 2.4 inches deep, followed by 2 rescue breaths.

Tourniquet placement

For life-threatening limb bleeding, place a tourniquet 2 to 3 inches above the wound, not over a joint, tighten until bleeding stops, and record the time.

Stroke recognition

Use BE-FAST: balance, eyes, face droop, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and time last known well; note the time and activate emergency medical services immediately.

Juvenile Miranda

Custodial interrogation of a juvenile requires Miranda warnings plus NC-specific protections, including an opportunity for a parent or guardian to be present before questioning.

Raise the Age

North Carolina law generally treats 16- and 17-year-olds as juveniles for lower-level offenses, while serious felonies remain in adult court under transfer rules.

ADA communication

Officers must provide effective communication for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, using qualified interpreters or auxiliary aids, especially for interrogations, warnings, and medical consent.