Download MPOETC Certification Exam Guide| Questions and Verified Answers| 2025/2026 Grade A and more Exams Criminal Justice in PDF only on Docsity!
MPOETC Certification Exam Guide|
Questions and Verified Answers| 100%
Correct| Grade A ( New 2025 / 202 6 Update)
QUESTION
Custodial detention Answer: Probable cause, person is under arrest
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Terry search Answer: Only searching for weapons! Must establish reasonable suspicion, believe actor is armed and criminal activity is occurring
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Plain feel doctrine Answer: A police officer may seize non-threatening contraband detected through the sense of touch during a Terry frisk, if the officer is lawfully in a position to conduct a frisk.
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Terry search of a car Answer: Search anywhere in arms reach unless locked, must have a warrant to search locked glove box, etc
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Commonwealth v Mimms Answer: Right to order driver into or out vehicle to ensure safety
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Commonwealth v Brown Answer: Order passengers out vehicle
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Bunch case Answer: Charge everyone in a vehicle of a crime even though one suspect is guilty
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Four sources that govern an officers power Answer: 4th amendment of U.S. constitution Article 1 section 8 of PA constitution Case law PA rules off procedure
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Mapp v. Ohio
Answer: Normally 7 days maximum. Considered unreliable if received after 7 days. Also depends on the crime, type of evidence, place searched, etc...
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Illinois v Gates Answer: Totality of circumstances test
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Who can issue a warrant Answer: Issuing authority within judicial district
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Subject to seizure Answer: Fruits, instruments, contraband, other evidence
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Reasonable wait Answer: Two announcements and 45 seconds
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Exceptions to search warrants
Answer: Exigent circumstances, in plain view, cars, smell and feel
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Use of force amendments Answer: 4, 8, 14
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Golden rule Answer: Only the force necessary to affect the arrest, when suspect stops, you stop
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Tennessee v. Garner Answer: Deadly force
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Deadly force Answer: Force which may cause death or serious bodily injury
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When to use deadly force
Answer: Secure, interview, examine, photograph, bag & tag
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Prime facie Answer: On the face, the state needs to establish the elements of the offense charged and show that it is likely the person charged committed the offense.
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First ten amendments Answer: Bill of rights
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Final arbitrator of what's allowed under the constitution Answer: Supreme court
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PA constitution Answer: More restrictive than the US constitution
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Statutes Answer: Written laws
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Civil rights violations Answer: Unlawful arrest, search and seizure without probable cause, Unwarranted physical violence, Holding a prisoner beyond limitations
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Primary Jurisdiction Answer: Geographical area within territorial limits that employs the officer
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When can officers enter other jurisdiction Answer: Hot pursuit, asked, mutual aid, official business, felony
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Case law Answer: Written decision of appellate courts deciding actual cases
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PA judicial process Answer: Common pleas, superior, supreme
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U.S. Judicial process Answer: District, circuit, supreme
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Grading of crimes Answer: Felony, misdemeanor, summary
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States of mind (Mens Rea) Answer: Mental intent to commit crime, must be done: Recklessly Intentionally Negligently Knowingly
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Where are statutes of limitations found
Answer: Title 42 section 5552 Judiciary code
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Codification Answer: Process of organizing and arranging of all legislation
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Crimes codes Answer: Statutes developed through legislation
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All crimes need what two elements Answer: Actus Reus (physical act of crime) Mens Rea (mental intent to do crime)
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Instrument of a crime Answer: Any instrument that is intended to be used to commit a crime
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First degree murder requires
Answer: Serious bodily injury or threat of
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Stalking Answer: Intent of putting victim in fear of bodily injury, causing substantial emotional duress
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Kidnapping Answer: Confine for a substantial period, move a substantial distance
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Rape Answer: Penetration however slight, forcible without consent
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Burglary Answer: Unlawful entry with intent to commit a crime
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Criminal mischief
Answer: Damages or defaced tangible property of another
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Police powers derive from Answer: Constitution, case and statutory law
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Affiant Answer: Any responsible person capable of taking an oath affirming a criminal complaint
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Types of bail Answer: R.O.R Non monetary Unsecured Nominal Monetary
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Venue Answer: Boundaries which a court has jurisdiction and authority
Answer: Within 5 days
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Defendant must respond to citation Answer: Within 10 days
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Defendant has right to a preliminary hearing Answer: Within 3 - 10 days of arrest
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Plea Bargain Answer: An arrangement between a prosecutor and a defendant whereby the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in the expectation of leniency. Ensure prudent disposition and reduce backlog
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Time limit for trial Answer: 180 days if incarcerated, 365 if not
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Minimum legal proof to justify an arrest Answer: Probable cause
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Determine the legality of an arrest Answer: Court uses totality of circumstances/reasonable person test
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Mere encounter Answer: An exchange of information between officer and civilian, no level of suspicion required, civilian free to leave at anytime.
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Investigatory detention Answer: Need reasonable suspicion supported by articulated facts. Reasonable time is approximately 20 - 30 minutes
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Reasonable suspicion Answer: Knowledge sufficient to believe criminal activity is occurring
Answer: No more than 7 years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines. Examples: terroristic threats, carrying a gun without permit.
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Misdemeanor first degree Answer: No more than 5 years in prison and $10,000 in fines. Example: dealing in infant children, prostitution, assault on official.
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Misdemeanor second degree Answer: No more than 2 years in prison and $5,000 in fines. Example: bigamy, impersonating a public servant.
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Misdemeanor third degree Answer: No more than 1 year in prison and $2,500 fine. Example: Prowling, open lewdness.
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Murder degrees: Answer: First degree murder: intentional killing Second degree murder: murder during act of committing felony Third degree murder: voluntary manslaughter (crime of passion)
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Criminal trespass Answer: Section 3503: no intent to commit a crime necessary.
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Robbery Answer: Taking by force or threat of force.
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disorderly conduct Answer: Intentionally or recklessly causing public inconvenience (summary offense) it's a misdemeanor 3 if they intend to cause serious inconvenience.
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Purpose of title 18 (crimes and offenses) Answer: Forbid or prevent conduct that harms people without justification.
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Totality of Circumstances Answer: Examination of all facts going into an arrest
