NJ Police Lieutenant flashcards

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

Span of control

The number of subordinates a supervisor can effectively direct. In policing, 6 to 10 direct reports is typical; wider spans require more delegation and documented performance checks.

Situational leadership

A model matching style to follower readiness: directing for new officers, coaching for developing ones, supporting for competent but variable performers, and delegating for proven veterans.

Failure to supervise

A separate chargeable offense where a supervisor knew or should have known of a subordinate's misconduct and failed to act, document, or correct it.

Progressive discipline

A structured sequence of penalties from counseling to termination. Each step must be documented in writing to support the next level if challenged.

Roll call briefing

A shift-start meeting covering BOLOs, warrants, crime patterns, training, equipment, and assignments, recorded in the shift log for accountability.

Chain of custody

A documented record of every transfer and handling of evidence, including date, time, persons, and purpose. Gaps affect weight, not automatic admissibility.

Solvability factors

Case characteristics such as witness availability, physical evidence, and identifiable suspects that guide whether an investigation is assigned and how resources are allocated.

Linkage analysis

Comparing modus operandi, victimology, time and place clustering, and physical evidence across offenses to determine whether one offender is responsible.

Sequential photo array

A lineup procedure presenting one photo at a time, administered blind when feasible, with fillers matching the suspect's description and documented witness instructions.

Case activity log

A chronological record of investigative steps, contacts, and evidence handling that supports case review, prosecution preparation, and supervisory oversight.

Probable cause

Facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable officer to believe an offense was committed and the person to be arrested committed it.

Terry stop

A brief investigative detention based on reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. A frisk requires separate reasonable suspicion that the person is armed and dangerous.

Miranda custody

Custodial interrogation triggers warnings. Routine booking questions and volunteered statements do not require warnings before use.

NJ bail reform

The Criminal Justice Reform Act replaced most monetary bail with risk assessment and court-ordered conditions, with pretrial detention available for certain serious offenses.

Deadly force standard

Force likely to cause death or serious bodily harm is limited to defense of life or preventing escape of a suspect posing a threat of serious harm.

SARA model

A problem-solving method in community policing: scanning to identify the problem, analysis of causes, response selection, and assessment of results.

Hot spots policing

Targeting patrol resources at micro-places with concentrated crime. Short, repeated visits are supported by research more than sustained saturation.

Directed patrol

Patrol assignment based on crime analysis to specific times and locations, rather than random patrol, to address identified patterns.

Uncommitted patrol time

The share of a shift not consumed by calls for service, ideally 30 to 40 percent, available for proactive and community engagement work.

Report writing standard

First person, past tense, active voice, chronological order, with facts, actions taken, evidence, witnesses, and disposition, avoiding opinion and undefined jargon.

Report correction method

A single-line strike-through with initials, date, and reason. Never obliterate text or use correction fluid on official records.

Use-of-force report

A report articulating the threat perceived, force used, de-escalation attempted, medical follow-up, and supervisory notification, required for any reportable force.

Internal affairs intake

All complaints are logged, classified, and investigated under the Attorney General's Internal Affairs Policy and Procedures, with serious complaints reported to the chief.

Hearsay

An out-of-court statement offered to prove its truth. Exceptions include excited utterance, present sense impression, business records, and public records.

Best evidence rule

The original writing, recording, or photograph is required to prove its content, unless a recognized exception such as loss or unavailability applies.

Crawford confrontation

Testimonial hearsay from an unavailable declarant is inadmissible unless the defendant had a prior opportunity to cross-examine the declarant.

Brady obligation

The prosecution must disclose exculpatory evidence. Officers must preserve notes and evidence that may be discoverable or exculpatory.

Incident Command System

A standardized command structure using unified command, common terminology, and a span of control of three to seven, with the first arriving supervisor establishing command.

Active shooter response

Move to the threat, isolate and neutralize, then rescue. Rescue task forces pair law enforcement with EMS under force protection after the threat is contained.

Critical incident stress defusing

A brief structured session within hours of a critical incident, followed by a formal debriefing within about 72 hours. Participation should be voluntary.

Weingarten rights

A union employee may request representation during an investigatory interview the employee reasonably believes may result in discipline.

Garrity rule

Statements compelled from an officer under threat of discipline cannot be used in a criminal prosecution but may be used for administrative discipline after a proper advisement.

Just cause standard

Discipline requires notice of the rule, a reasonable rule, an investigation, proof, equal treatment, and a penalty proportionate to the offense.

PERC

The New Jersey Public Employment Relations Commission administers public sector labor relations, including representation elections and unfair labor practice charges.

Brady/Giglio disclosure

A sustained finding of untruthfulness typically results in termination and placement on a disclosure list the prosecution must provide to the defense.

Early warning system

A data system flagging officers with repeated complaints, use-of-force incidents, or attendance patterns for supervisory review and intervention.

Confidentiality of IA records

Internal affairs records are generally confidential, disclosed only to those with a need to know and as required by law or the Attorney General's policy.