Question 1

Having a "sixth sense" is important to police officers because officers need to be able to ______.

Accepted Answer

Police officers need to be able to visually recognize anomalies or when something is wrong, which is often referred to as having a "sixth sense." This skill can help them to detect potential danger or criminal activity, ultimately helping them to better protect and serve their community. While quick reflexes and decision-making skills are important for officers, as is the ability to recall and implement protocol, these skills are not necessarily related to having a "sixth sense." Additionally, while officers may use their observations and instincts to determine whether someone is acting suspiciously or may be involved in criminal activity, they must rely on evidence and proper investigative techniques to establish guilt.

Question 2

Police and corrections personnel are trained in the basic functions, laws, and skills required for their positions while attending ______.

Accepted Answer

Both police and corrections personnel typically attend academy training in order to receive the necessary training and skills for their positions. Community college and 4-year college may offer related courses, but they are not typically the primary source of training for these positions. On-the-job training may supplement initial training, but it is not usually the sole source of training.

Question 3

Police subculture refers to the ______.

Accepted Answer

Police subculture refers to the unique beliefs, values, attitudes, and practices that are common among police officers and which distinguish them from other members of society. This subculture is shaped by the nature of police work, the dangers and risks associated with it, and the need for police officers to work closely together to maintain public safety. Secret societies, camaraderie, and domestic violence are not the defining features of police subculture.

Question 4

A police officer receives a call asking the officer to locate an elderly person with Alzheimer's who has wandered away from a nursing home. This would be categorized as which basic policing task?

Accepted Answer

This task falls under performing welfare tasks, which is a basic policing task focused on providing assistance and help to those in need, such as the elderly person with Alzheimer's who has wandered away from a nursing home.

Question 5

"Perceptual shorthand" refers to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Perceptual shorthand refers to an officer's ability to recognize potentially violent individuals based on subtle signs and cues, allowing them to respond appropriately and prevent a situation from escalating.

Question 6

Police officers spend much of their time ______.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Police officers spend much of their time...

Question 7

What is the purpose of the field training officer (FTO) program?

Accepted Answer

The FTO program is designed to help new officers transition into police work under the close supervision of a veteran officer. The program provides new officers with hands-on training and guidance from experienced officers, which allows them to build their skills and confidence in a controlled environment. This approach helps to ensure that new officers are well-prepared to handle the challenges of actual policing once they are out on their own. The other choices are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the purpose or function of the FTO program.

Question 8

An officer's "sixth sense" refers to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The answer of An officer's "sixth sense" refers to which...

Question 9

From 1967 to 1986, every national commission that studied crime and police in America maintained that which of the following would help the police job performance?

Accepted Answer

National commissions during that period believed that requiring police officers to have a college degree would improve their job performance, reflecting a push towards professionalization and higher standards in law enforcement.

Question 10

Approximately what percentage of police agencies require a minimum of a 4-year degree?

Accepted Answer

Only about 1% of police agencies require a minimum of a 4-year degree for entry-level positions. Most agencies require a high school diploma or equivalent, with some requiring an associate degree or some college coursework.

Question 11

College-educated officers have ______ than non-college-educated officers.

Accepted Answer

According to research, college-educated officers are more likely to take on leadership roles within their departments compared to non-college-educated officers. This is likely due to the skills, knowledge, and critical thinking abilities gained through higher education.

Question 12

Police officers who do not have a college degree are significantly more likely to be accused of ______ than college educated officers.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Police officers who do not have a...

Question 13

Jerome Skolnick determined that the police role contained two important variables: danger and ______.

Accepted Answer

Skolnick determined that the police role contains two important variables: danger and authority. This suggests that police officers may encounter dangerous situations while exercising their authority to maintain law and order.

Question 14

Which of the following is not one of the three distinctive policing styles as identified by James Q. Wilson?

Accepted Answer

The three distinctive policing styles identified by James Q. Wilson are watchman, legalistic, and service. The pragmatic style is not one of them.

Question 15

At the academy, a large portion of time is spent training new police officers in which area?

Accepted Answer

The answer of At the academy, a large portion of...

Question 16

A police officer with which level of education would likely have the greatest ability to make judicious decisions?

Accepted Answer

A police officer with a four year college degree would likely have a broader range of knowledge and critical thinking skills to draw from, allowing them to make more informed and judicious decisions in the line of duty. Additionally, a college degree may provide specialized training in areas such as ethics, conflict resolution, and diversity, which could further enhance the officer's decision-making abilities.

Question 17

Each of the following is a basic task of policing EXCEPT ______.

Accepted Answer

Issuing warrants is a task reserved for judges or magistrates, not police officers.

Question 18

Only about 20% of an officer's typical day is devoted to ______.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that only about 20% of an officer's time is actually spent on responding to and preventing crime. The majority of their time is spent on administrative tasks such as paperwork and handling non-emergency calls.

Question 19

What was the purpose of the Kansas City Preventative Patrol Experiment?

Accepted Answer

The purpose of the Kansas City Preventative Patrol Experiment was to determine if random patrol had a measurable effect on crime.

Question 20

Which of the following is one of the qualities identified by Dennis Nowicki as imperative for entry-level police officers?

Accepted Answer

Dennis Nowicki identified ethics as one of the imperative qualities for entry-level police officers in his research. While physical agility and knowledge of local statutes may also be important, Nowicki specifically highlights the importance of ethical behavior in police work. A sense of humor may be helpful in some situations, but it is not typically considered a necessary quality for police officers.

Quiz 6: Police at Work: Patrolling and Investigating