Police Captain flashcards
Police Captain · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 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 manage; typically 3-7 for patrol, wider for routine tasks.
- Unity of command
- Principle that each employee should report to only one supervisor to avoid conflicting orders and confusion.
- POSDCORB
- Administrative functions: Planning, Organizing, Staffing, Directing, Coordinating, Reporting, Budgeting; classic framework by Luther Gulick.
- Probable cause
- Facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe a crime has been, is being, or will be committed.
- Terry stop
- Brief investigative detention based on reasonable suspicion; limited pat-down for weapons if officer fears for safety.
- Miranda warning
- Required advisement of rights (silence, counsel) before custodial interrogation; waiver must be knowing, voluntary, intelligent.
- Exclusionary rule
- Evidence obtained through unconstitutional search or seizure is generally inadmissible in court; exceptions include good faith.
- Hot spots policing
- Concentrating police resources on small geographic areas with high crime concentration; effective when dosage is sufficient and sustained.
- CompStat
- Management process using timely crime data, rapid deployment, effective tactics, and relentless follow-up to reduce crime.
- Koper curve
- Optimal police presence at hot spots is about 15 minutes; random, intermittent visits maximize deterrence.
- Broken windows theory
- Unchecked disorder and minor crimes lead to serious crime; order maintenance and community engagement are essential.
- SARA model
- Problem-solving framework: Scanning, Analysis, Response, Assessment; used in problem-oriented policing.
- Chain of custody
- Documented chronological record of evidence seizure, custody, transfer, analysis, and disposition; ensures integrity and admissibility.
- Brady disclosure
- Prosecution's constitutional duty to disclose exculpatory evidence to the defense; failure violates due process.
- Solvability factors
- Case characteristics (e.g., named suspect, vehicle info, eyewitness) used to prioritize investigative follow-up.
- Procedural justice
- Fair process based on voice, neutrality, respect, and trustworthiness; enhances public trust and legitimacy.
- Legitimacy
- Public perception that police authority is justified and should be obeyed; built through fair and transparent practices.
- Community policing
- Organizational transformation, community partnerships, and problem-solving to address crime and disorder.
- Public Information Officer
- Designated spokesperson who manages media relations and ensures timely, accurate, and consistent information release.
- Weingarten rights
- Union employee's right to union representation during investigatory interview that could lead to discipline.
- Garrity rule
- Compelled statements by public employees cannot be used in criminal prosecution; applies when threat of dismissal exists.
- Progressive discipline
- Graduated penalties: oral warning, written reprimand, suspension, demotion, termination; must be documented and consistent.
- Loudermill hearing
- Due process requirement: notice of charges and opportunity to respond before deprivation of property interest (e.g., suspension).
- Line-item budget
- Budget format listing expenditures by category (salaries, supplies); input-focused, easy to monitor but lacks performance linkage.
- Zero-based budgeting
- Budget approach requiring justification of all expenses from zero each cycle; emphasizes cost-benefit and prioritization.
- Cost-benefit analysis
- Comparison of marginal costs and marginal benefits to guide resource allocation decisions.
- Incident Command System
- Standardized, scalable framework for emergency response; roles include Incident Commander, Operations, Planning, Logistics, Finance.
- Unified Command
- Used when multiple agencies have jurisdiction; shared authority and single action plan for incident management.
- After-action review
- Structured debrief after an incident to identify strengths, weaknesses, and improvement actions.
- Noble cause corruption
- Ends-justify-means rationalization leading to evidence planting, perjury, or illegal searches; unethical and illegal.
- Early intervention system
- Data-based system to identify at-risk officers through complaints, use of force, sick leave; enables proactive supervision.
- Law enforcement code of ethics
- Professional standards: safeguard lives and property, protect innocent, respect constitutional rights, maintain integrity.