NC POST key terms

A belief based on specific, articulable facts that a person has been, is, or is about to be involved in criminal activity. It is less than probable cause and allows a brief investigative detention.

Facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable officer to believe a crime has been or is being committed and that a particular person committed it. It is the standard for arrests and search warrants.

A brief, limited seizure of a person based on reasonable suspicion, during which an officer may ask questions and conduct a limited pat-down for weapons. It must be temporary and narrowly focused.

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

The advisement of rights to remain silent and to have an attorney, including appointed counsel, that officers must give before custodial interrogation. Statements obtained without a valid waiver may be inadmissible.

Urgent conditions that allow officers to act without a warrant, such as preventing imminent danger, destruction of evidence, or escape of a suspect. The emergency must justify the immediate action.

A stop justified by an observed traffic violation even when the officer's actual reason is to investigate other suspected crime. Courts evaluate the stop by whether a reasonable officer could have made it.

A stop of a vehicle believed to involve armed or dangerous occupants, using multiple officers, cover, and clear commands. Also called a felony stop, it prioritizes officer safety and controlled removal of occupants.

A planned, systematic roadblock where officers stop vehicles under a neutral formula to detect impaired drivers. It must be conducted under a written policy with proper supervision and public notice.

A doctrine allowing officers to act in a non-criminal, protective role, such as helping a stranded motorist or checking on someone's welfare. The action must be limited and reasonable.

A documented, unbroken record of who handled evidence, when, and why, from collection to court. It helps show the evidence is authentic and has not been altered.

Be On the Lookout: an alert broadcast to officers describing a wanted person, vehicle, or other item of interest. It typically includes identifying details and the reason for the alert.

A systematic search of an area for witnesses, evidence, and suspects. Officers go door to door or check nearby locations to gather information that may not be found at the scene itself.

The location where a collision first occurs or where the vehicles first make contact. Investigators identify it using debris, skid marks, damage patterns, and statements.

A tire mark left when a wheel is locked and sliding on the road surface. Its length and direction help investigators estimate speed and vehicle movement before a crash.

The legal principle that drivers on North Carolina roads agree in advance to submit to chemical testing when lawfully arrested for impaired driving. Refusal can lead to license revocation and may be used at trial.

An involuntary jerking of the eyes that becomes more pronounced with alcohol impairment. Officers test it during standardized field sobriety tests to help establish probable cause for DWI.

The legal standard for evaluating use of force from the perspective of a reasonable officer facing the same circumstances, considering the totality of the facts known at the time.

Force that an officer knows or should know creates a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury. It may be used only when objectively reasonable to prevent imminent death or serious injury to the officer or others.

Techniques such as communication, time, and tactical repositioning used to reduce the intensity of a situation so force may be avoided or minimized. Officers should use de-escalation when feasible.

The obligation of an officer to stop or prevent another officer's clearly excessive force when in a position to do so, and to report the conduct to a supervisor.

Death or serious injury caused by a body position that restricts breathing, such as pressure on the back or neck while restrained. Officers should move a restrained person off their stomach and monitor breathing.

The idea that people judge police by how they are treated, including voice, neutrality, respect, and trustworthiness, as much as by outcomes. These practices increase cooperation and public confidence.

A problem-solving framework with four steps: Scanning, Analysis, Response, and Assessment. Officers use it to address recurring crime and disorder problems rather than just individual incidents.

A program pairing specially trained officers with mental health resources to respond to people in crisis. Its goals are safety, diversion from jail, and connection to treatment.

The specific facts the state must prove for each crime, such as act, intent, and result. Reports should describe facts that match each element so a prosecutor can establish the charge.

A written account of an incident in chronological order, using clear, objective language and including all facts needed to support a charge. It should answer who, what, when, where, why, and how.

The National Crime Information Center, a computerized database of wanted persons, stolen property, and other records. Officers check it to verify warrants, vehicle status, and missing persons information.

The legal duty of an emergency vehicle operator to drive with reasonable care for the safety of others, even when using lights and siren. It does not grant the right to drive recklessly.

Training in driving skills, vehicle dynamics, and safe emergency response, often including a practical driving course. It teaches officers to handle stress and control a vehicle.

A written agency directive setting rules for vehicle pursuits, including when a pursuit may be initiated, continued, or terminated, and who supervises it. It balances catching suspects against public safety.

A device applied tightly around a limb above a severe bleeding injury to stop blood flow. It is used when direct pressure fails and can be left in place until medical help arrives.

A medication that reverses the effects of opioids, such as heroin or fentanyl, during an overdose. It is given nasally or by injection and can restore breathing within minutes.

In North Carolina, a juvenile who commits an act that would be a crime if committed by an adult. Juvenile court jurisdiction is generally limited to ages 6 through 17, with exceptions for traffic offenses.

A juvenile who is beyond the control of parents, runs away, is truant, or commits conduct inappropriate for a minor that would not be a crime for an adult. The focus is on services, not punishment.

North Carolina's 2019 change that generally moved 16- and 17-year-olds accused of misdemeanors and non-violent felonies from adult criminal court to juvenile court. Traffic offenses remain in adult court.

Groups such as juveniles, people with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and limited English proficiency who may need different communication or handling. Officers should adapt their approach to ensure fairness and safety.