Police Discretion And Dilemmas

Reviewed by Editorial Team
The ProProfs editorial team is comprised of experienced subject matter experts. They've collectively created over 10,000 quizzes and lessons, serving over 100 million users. Our team includes in-house content moderators and subject matter experts, as well as a global network of rigorously trained contributors. All adhere to our comprehensive editorial guidelines, ensuring the delivery of high-quality content.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By Swarren
S
Swarren
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 9 | Total Attempts: 14,981
| Attempts: 2,468
SettingsSettings
Please wait...
  • 1/30 Questions

    Which of the following statements is false

    • Most studies indicate that black express more distrust of police than white or hispanics
    • Blacks are more likely than hispanics to believe police will use excessive force
    • More blacks report disrespectful language or swearing by police officers
    • Hispanics are less likely than blacks to report feeling that the police would treat them fairly
Please wait...
Police Quizzes & Trivia
About This Quiz

Explore the ethical challenges and discretionary decisions in law enforcement with this quiz. Topics include racial dynamics in policing, legal typologies of lies, and controversial laws, enhancing understanding of police dilemmas and utilitarian ethics in practical scenarios.

Quiz Preview

  • 2. 

    in May 2010, Arizona passed a controversial law requiring police officers in the state to

    • Ask for proof of citizenship or residency from everyone they stopped

    • Ask for proof of citizenship or residency from all motorists

    • Ask for proof of citizenship or residency if there was reasonable suspicion that the person was an illegal immigrant

    • Ask for proof of citizenship or residency if the person looks hispanic

    Correct Answer
    A. Ask for proof of citizenship or residency if there was reasonable suspicion that the person was an illegal immigrant
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "ask for proof of citizenship or residency if there was reasonable suspicion that the person was an illegal immigrant." This answer is supported by the fact that the law passed in Arizona in May 2010 required police officers to ask for proof of citizenship or residency only if there was reasonable suspicion that the person was an illegal immigrant. This means that officers cannot ask for proof of citizenship or residency from everyone they stop or from all motorists, nor can they base their request on the person's appearance or ethnicity.

    Rate this question:

  • 3. 

    "the 'end' of drug interdiction justifies the 'means' of harassing and inconveniencing a racial or ethnica minority group." this statement is most likely to be supported by

    • An ethical formalist system

    • A utilitarian system

    • A relativist system

    • A rational system

    Correct Answer
    A. A utilitarian system
    Explanation
    A utilitarian system is most likely to support the statement because it focuses on maximizing overall happiness and minimizing overall suffering. In this case, if drug interdiction is believed to be effective in reducing drug-related harm to society as a whole, the utilitarian perspective would argue that the ends of reducing harm justify the means of harassing and inconveniencing a racial or ethnic minority group.

    Rate this question:

  • 4. 

    In Barker and Carter's typology of lies, accepted lies are

    • Those that are "necessary evils"

    • Used to control the person

    • Those used during undercover investigations

    • Never acceptable in police work

    Correct Answer
    A. Those used during undercover investigations
    Explanation
    Barker and Carter's typology of lies categorizes accepted lies as those used during undercover investigations. This means that in certain situations, such as law enforcement operations, it is deemed necessary to use deception in order to gather information or maintain the integrity of an investigation. These lies are considered acceptable because they serve a greater purpose in controlling and apprehending criminals.

    Rate this question:

  • 5. 

    Barker and carter proposed a typology of lies that included

    • Accepted lies

    • Blue lies

    • Necessary lies

    • Placebo lies

    Correct Answer
    A. Accepted lies
    Explanation
    Barker and Carter proposed a typology of lies that included various categories. One of these categories is "accepted lies." Accepted lies refer to lies that are commonly tolerated or even encouraged in certain social or cultural contexts. These lies are often seen as necessary for maintaining social harmony or protecting individuals' feelings. Unlike other types of lies, accepted lies are generally not considered morally wrong or harmful.

    Rate this question:

  • 6. 

    In Barker and Carter's propose typology of lies, tolerated lies are

    • Those that are "necessary evils"

    • Used to control the person

    • Those used during undercover investigations

    • Never acceptable in police work

    Correct Answer
    A. Those that are "necessary evils"
    Explanation
    In Barker and Carter's proposed typology of lies, tolerated lies are considered as "necessary evils". This implies that although these lies are not ideal or morally right, they are deemed acceptable or tolerated under certain circumstances. Tolerated lies may be used to achieve a greater good or to prevent harm, even though they involve deception. This suggests that in certain situations, lying may be considered justifiable or necessary, despite its generally negative connotations.

    Rate this question:

  • 7. 

    According to Barker and Carter, accepted lies must meet all of the following standards except

    • They must be in furtherance of legitimate organizational purpose

    • There must be a clear relationship between the need to deceive and the accomplishment of an organizational purpose

    • The nature of the deception must be one wherein officers and the management structure acknowledge the deception will better serve the public interest than the truth

    • Those involved in the lie must readily admit lying if promoted by a superior officer or legal authority

    Correct Answer
    A. Those involved in the lie must readily admit lying if promoted by a superior officer or legal authority
    Explanation
    The given answer states that "those involved in the lie must readily admit lying if promoted by a superior officer or legal authority." This statement contradicts the principles mentioned by Barker and Carter. According to them, accepted lies must meet all the other standards mentioned, such as being in furtherance of legitimate organizational purpose, having a clear relationship between the need to deceive and the accomplishment of an organizational purpose, and the deception being acknowledged by officers and management as serving the public interest better than the truth. However, the requirement to admit lying when promoted by a superior officer or legal authority is not mentioned as one of the standards.

    Rate this question:

  • 8. 

    Lies that are used to control the person or to make the job easier in situations where force could be used are called

    • Deviant lies

    • Blue lies

    • Tolerated lies

    • Accpeted lies

    Correct Answer
    A. Blue lies
    Explanation
    Blue lies are lies that are used to control a person or make a job easier in situations where force could be used. These lies are often told by individuals in positions of authority, such as law enforcement officers, to maintain order and protect the greater good. Blue lies are considered to be morally ambiguous as they involve deception for a perceived higher purpose.

    Rate this question:

  • 9. 

    According to Klockars, lying to a mentally ill person by telling him/her that the police will take care of the laser beams from Mars is an example of

    • Blue lies

    • Deviant lies

    • Police placebos

    • Tolerated lies

    Correct Answer
    A. Police placebos
    Explanation
    The term "police placebos" refers to the act of providing false reassurance or false information to someone in order to calm them down or alleviate their concerns. In this case, telling a mentally ill person that the police will take care of the laser beams from Mars is an example of providing false reassurance or false information to make them feel better, even though it is not true. This can be seen as a form of "police placebos" because it is using false information to pacify the person's fears or anxieties.

    Rate this question:

  • 10. 

    Which of the following in not included in Barker and Carter's typology of lies

    • Accepted lies

    • Deviant lies

    • Normative lies

    • Tolerated lies

    Correct Answer
    A. Normative lies
    Explanation
    Barker and Carter's typology of lies includes accepted lies, deviant lies, and tolerated lies. However, normative lies are not included in their typology. Normative lies refer to lies that are considered socially acceptable or normal within a particular culture or society. Since Barker and Carter's typology focuses on lies that deviate from societal norms, normative lies are not included in their classification.

    Rate this question:

  • 11. 

    In Barker and Carter's proposed typology of lies, deviant lies are

    • Those that are "necessary evils"

    • Used to control the person

    • Those used during undercover investigations

    • Those used in the courtroom to make a case or cover up a wrongdoing

    Correct Answer
    A. Those used in the courtroom to make a case or cover up a wrongdoing
    Explanation
    Barker and Carter's proposed typology of lies categorizes deviant lies as those used in the courtroom to make a case or cover up a wrongdoing. This means that deviant lies are lies that are specifically employed within a legal setting with the intention of either presenting a false narrative to support one's case or concealing a wrongdoing or guilt. These lies are considered deviant because they go against the principles of honesty and truth-seeking that are typically expected in a courtroom setting.

    Rate this question:

  • 12. 

    civilians who are used to obtain information about criminal activity and/or participate in it so evidence can be obtained for an arrest are called

    • Snitch

    • Informants

    • Tattlers

    • Witness

    Correct Answer
    A. Informants
    Explanation
    Informants are civilians who are used to obtain information about criminal activity and/or participate in it so evidence can be obtained for an arrest. They provide valuable information to law enforcement agencies, often in exchange for some form of protection or leniency. Informants play a crucial role in gathering intelligence, infiltrating criminal organizations, and aiding in the prosecution of criminals. They help law enforcement agencies to build cases and gather evidence, ultimately leading to arrests and convictions.

    Rate this question:

  • 13. 

    Which of the following statements is true

    • One of the biggest problems with informants is that their reliability is highly questionable

    • In most cases, officere have manufactured informants

    • Generally speaking, informants tend to be cost-prohibitive

    • "confidential informants" are usually more trustworthy than witnesses

    Correct Answer
    A. One of the biggest problems with informants is that their reliability is highly questionable
    Explanation
    The given correct answer states that one of the biggest problems with informants is that their reliability is highly questionable. This means that informants may not always provide accurate or trustworthy information, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to rely on them. The answer suggests that the reliability of informants is a significant concern and can hinder the effectiveness of their cooperation with law enforcement.

    Rate this question:

  • 14. 

    The strongest ethical argument against undercover officers having intimate relationships with suspects comes from

    • Utilitarianism

    • Ethical formalism

    • Ethica of care

    • Religion

    Correct Answer
    A. Ethica of care
    Explanation
    The strongest ethical argument against undercover officers having intimate relationships with suspects comes from the ethics of care. This perspective emphasizes the importance of maintaining trust, empathy, and compassion in relationships. Engaging in intimate relationships with suspects can compromise the officer's ability to act in the best interest of the suspect and may lead to biases and conflicts of interest. The ethics of care prioritizes the well-being and dignity of individuals, and engaging in intimate relationships with suspects can undermine these principles.

    Rate this question:

  • 15. 

    According to South, some of the ethical problems with informants include all except

    • Engaging in love affairs with informants

    • Overestimates of veracity

    • Being used by informants

    • Informant being killed

    Correct Answer
    A. Informant being killed
    Explanation
    The answer is "informant being killed" because the question asks for ethical problems with informants, and being killed is not an ethical problem but rather a physical danger or harm that can happen to an informant. The other options, such as engaging in love affairs with informants, overestimating veracity, and being used by informants, all involve ethical concerns and potential misconduct by the informant.

    Rate this question:

  • 16. 

    The term entrapment refers to

    • When an otherwise innocet person commits an illegal act because of police encouragement or enticement

    • When an otherwise innocent person commits an illegal act after being told by police that it was not against the law

    • When a person with a criminal record commits an illegal act because he or she was forced to do so by a police officer

    • When a person with a criminal record commits an illegal act and become trapped in the location

    Correct Answer
    A. When an otherwise innocet person commits an illegal act because of police encouragement or enticement
    Explanation
    The term entrapment refers to when an otherwise innocent person commits an illegal act because of police encouragement or enticement. This means that the person would not have committed the illegal act if it were not for the actions or influence of the police. It is a situation where the police intentionally lead or manipulate someone into committing a crime that they would not have otherwise committed.

    Rate this question:

  • 17. 

    there are two approaches used to determine whether entraptment has occurred

    • The primary and the secondary approaches

    • The objective and subjective approaches

    • The before- and after- the- fact approaches

    • Whether entrapment has occueed cannot be determined

    Correct Answer
    A. The objective and subjective approaches
    Explanation
    The correct answer is the objective and subjective approaches. These two approaches are used to determine whether entrapment has occurred. The objective approach involves analyzing the actions and behavior of law enforcement officers to determine if they created a situation that would induce a person to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed. The subjective approach focuses on the defendant's predisposition to commit the crime and whether law enforcement merely provided an opportunity for them to do so. By considering both objective and subjective factors, a determination can be made regarding whether entrapment has occurred.

    Rate this question:

  • 18. 

    The (blank) approach examines the government's participation and whether it has exceeded accepted legal standards to determine if entrapment occurred

    • Secondary

    • Objective

    • Subjective

    • Primary

    Correct Answer
    A. Objective
    Explanation
    The given correct answer is "objective" because it suggests that the approach used to determine if entrapment occurred focuses on examining the government's participation and whether it has exceeded accepted legal standards. This implies that the approach is based on factual evidence and does not involve personal opinions or biases, which aligns with the definition of an objective approach.

    Rate this question:

  • 19. 

    The (blank) approach looks at the defendant's background, character, and predisposition toward crime to determine if entrapment occured

    • Secondary

    • Objective

    • Subjective

    • Primary

    Correct Answer
    A. Subjective
    Explanation
    The subjective approach looks at the defendant's background, character, and predisposition toward crime to determine if entrapment occurred. This means that the focus is on the individual's personal characteristics and circumstances, rather than on any objective evidence or external factors. By considering subjective factors, such as the defendant's intentions and motivations, the court can assess whether the individual was predisposed to commit the crime or if they were coerced or induced by law enforcement.

    Rate this question:

  • 20. 

    Which approach to determine entrapment has the U.S. Supreme Court endorsed

    • The objective approach

    • The subjective approach

    • The combined approach

    • The U.S. Supreme Court has not endorsed an approach as of yet

    Correct Answer
    A. The subjective approach
    Explanation
    The U.S. Supreme Court has endorsed the subjective approach to determine entrapment. This approach focuses on the defendant's predisposition to commit the crime rather than the actions of law enforcement. It considers whether the defendant was already inclined to commit the crime and was merely provided with an opportunity by law enforcement. This approach places importance on the defendant's state of mind and personal characteristics, rather than solely on the actions of law enforcement.

    Rate this question:

  • 21. 

    According to the objective approach, if the state provided an "essential element" that made the crime possible, or if there was extensive and coercive pressure on the defendant to engage is the actions, a court might rule that

    • The defendant was guilty

    • The case can move to the trial stage

    • Entrapment had occurred

    • Entrapment had not occurred

    Correct Answer
    A. Entrapment had occurred
    Explanation
    According to the objective approach, if the state provided an "essential element" that made the crime possible or if there was extensive and coercive pressure on the defendant to engage in the actions, a court might rule that entrapment had occurred. This means that the defendant was induced or coerced by law enforcement to commit the crime, and therefore should not be held fully responsible for their actions.

    Rate this question:

  • 22. 

    The objective test for entrapment

    • Focuses on the criminal record of the defendant

    • Focuses on law enforcement involvement in the crim committed

    • Focuses on the "moral character" of the defendant

    • Focuses on the "more character" of the police officer

    Correct Answer
    A. Focuses on law enforcement involvement in the crim committed
    Explanation
    The objective test for entrapment focuses on law enforcement involvement in the crime committed. This means that the test evaluates whether law enforcement officers played a substantial role in inducing or encouraging the defendant to commit the crime. It examines the actions and conduct of the police officers involved, rather than focusing on the criminal record or moral character of the defendant or the police officer. The key factor in determining entrapment is whether the defendant was predisposed to commit the crime or if they were coerced or persuaded by law enforcement.

    Rate this question:

  • 23. 

    In terms of undercover operations, ethical formalism would most likely

    • Condem undercover operations where innocent people are deceived because the actions could not be justified under the categorical imperative

    • Support undercover operations even if innocent people are deceived or involved ub any other way

    • Support undercover operations under any circumstances

    • Justify the idea that the ends justify the means

    Correct Answer
    A. Condem undercover operations where innocent people are deceived because the actions could not be justified under the categorical imperative
    Explanation
    Ethical formalism is a moral theory that emphasizes following universal moral principles, such as the categorical imperative proposed by Immanuel Kant. The categorical imperative states that one should only act in ways that can be universally applied without contradiction. In terms of undercover operations, ethical formalism would likely condemn operations where innocent people are deceived because it violates the categorical imperative. Deceiving innocent people cannot be universally justified as a moral action, as it contradicts the principle of treating others as ends in themselves rather than means to an end. Therefore, ethical formalism would reject undercover operations that involve deceiving innocent individuals.

    Rate this question:

  • 24. 

    Which of the following statements about interrogations is true

    • The "third degree" approach involves a sympathetic paternal figure for the defendant to confide to

    • The "third degree" is only used in extreme cases

    • The "third degree" is no longer used

    • The father confessor approach typically involves physical force

    Correct Answer
    A. The "third degree" is no longer used
    Explanation
    The correct answer is that the "third degree" is no longer used. This means that the practice of using aggressive and coercive methods during interrogations, often referred to as the "third degree," is no longer employed by law enforcement agencies. This change in approach is likely due to ethical concerns and the recognition that such methods can lead to false confessions or violations of human rights.

    Rate this question:

  • 25. 

    The classic father confessor approach to interrogations involves

    • Physical force in the form of beatings to get a confession

    • A sympathetic paternal figure for the defendant to confide to

    • A nice guy and a seemingly brutal, threatening officer

    • A nice guy and a seemingly uncaring, withdrawn officer

    Correct Answer
    A. A sympathetic paternal figure for the defendant to confide to
    Explanation
    The classic father confessor approach to interrogations involves a sympathetic paternal figure for the defendant to confide in. This means that the person conducting the interrogation takes on a caring and understanding role, creating a safe space for the defendant to share information and potentially confess to their actions. This approach focuses on building trust and rapport with the defendant, rather than using physical force or intimidation tactics.

    Rate this question:

  • 26. 

    The use of physical force to obtain a conviction became illegal with

    • Diaz v. Texas

    • Bartley v. Montana

    • Brown v. Mississippi

    • Miranda v. Connecticut

    Correct Answer
    A. Brown v. Mississippi
    Explanation
    In the case of Brown v. Mississippi, the Supreme Court ruled that the use of physical force to obtain a conviction is unconstitutional. This landmark decision established that confessions obtained through torture or brutality are inadmissible in court. The ruling set an important precedent in protecting the rights of individuals against coercive tactics used by law enforcement during interrogations. Therefore, the correct answer is Brown v. Mississippi.

    Rate this question:

  • 27. 

    The question of whether police should use immoral means to reach a desired moral end is addressed by the term

    • Clint dilemma

    • Dirty harry problem

    • Abu ghraib curse

    • The robocop problem

    Correct Answer
    A. Dirty harry problem
    Explanation
    The term "dirty harry problem" refers to the question of whether police should use immoral means to achieve a desired moral outcome. This term is derived from the fictional character Dirty Harry, who is known for his unorthodox and morally ambiguous methods of fighting crime. The question at hand is whether it is justifiable for law enforcement to bend or break the rules in order to bring about a greater good. This dilemma raises ethical concerns and debates about the limits of police authority and the potential consequences of compromising moral principles for the sake of achieving desired outcomes.

    Rate this question:

  • 28. 

    Which of the following statements about use-of-force statistics is false

    • It is difficult to determine the true number of incidents of excessive force because they often do not find their way into offical statistics

    • Researcher use civil rights complaints to ask people what their experiences with police have been

    • Researchers use offical documents, such as police incident reports, to guide them

    • The vast majority of people believe that excessive force happens fairly frequently

    Correct Answer
    A. The vast majority of people believe that excessive force happens fairly frequently
    Explanation
    The given correct answer states that the vast majority of people believe that excessive force happens fairly frequently. However, this statement is false. The use-of-force statistics do not indicate that the majority of people believe excessive force occurs frequently. The statistics are based on objective data such as civil rights complaints and official documents like police incident reports, rather than subjective opinions or beliefs. Therefore, this statement is not supported by the use-of-force statistics.

    Rate this question:

  • 29. 

    Which one of the following incidents is an example of deadly force

    • The rodney king incident

    • The amadou diallo case of mistaken identity

    • The abner louima's beating

    • The michael mineo incident after being arrested in the subway in NY city

    Correct Answer
    A. The amadou diallo case of mistaken identity
    Explanation
    The Amadou Diallo case of mistaken identity is an example of deadly force because it involved the shooting of an unarmed man by police officers. Diallo was mistaken for a suspect and was shot at 41 times, with 19 bullets hitting him. This incident resulted in his death, demonstrating the use of excessive and lethal force.

    Rate this question:

  • 30. 

    Despite some high profile cases involving deadly force, which police department actually has a realtively low shooting rate when compared with the size of their force

    • The New York police department

    • The Washington D.C. police department

    • The Los Angeles police department

    • The San Francisco police department

    Correct Answer
    A. The New York police department
    Explanation
    The New York police department has a relatively low shooting rate when compared with the size of their force. This suggests that despite some high profile cases involving deadly force, the overall number of shootings by the New York police department is lower compared to other police departments. This could be attributed to various factors such as effective training, stricter use of force policies, community engagement initiatives, or better de-escalation techniques.

    Rate this question:

Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 22, 2023 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 22, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • May 12, 2011
    Quiz Created by
    Swarren

Related Topics

Recent Quizzes

How Much You Know About INTERPOL? How Much You Know About INTERPOL?
New Trainees - South Wales Police (2020) New Trainees - South Wales Police (2020)
Broward County Sheriff's Office Signals and Codes Quiz Broward County Sheriff's Office Signals and Codes Quiz
SUPPLY INSPECTOR DEMO TEST SUPPLY INSPECTOR DEMO TEST
How Well Do You Know Tooting Neighbourhood Police Team How Well Do You Know Tooting Neighbourhood Police Team
How well do you know the Indian Police Service? How well do you know the Indian Police Service?
Are You A Good Cop Or Bad Cop? Are You A Good Cop Or Bad Cop?
NSW Sample Police Quiz NSW Sample Police Quiz
SA Police Quiz Generator SA Police Quiz Generator

Featured Quizzes

What Is My Ethnicity? Let's Take Ethnicity Quiz What Is My Ethnicity? Let's Take Ethnicity Quiz
Best Friend Quiz: Are You Really Best Friends? Best Friend Quiz: Are You Really Best Friends?
Can You Guess These Asian's Nationality? Can You Guess These Asian's Nationality?
Articles Quiz With Answers Articles Quiz With Answers
Do I Have a Crush on Him? Quiz Do I Have a Crush on Him? Quiz
Are You Ready For IQ Quiz: Test Your Intelligence Now Are You Ready For IQ Quiz: Test Your Intelligence Now
Back to Top Back to top
Advertisement
×

Wait!
Here's an interesting quiz for you.

We have other quizzes matching your interest.