NYPD NYPD Legal Definitions and Police Procedures 2

Question 1

Under New York Penal Law, what generally distinguishes a misdemeanor from a felony?

Accepted Answer

Misdemeanors carry a maximum of 1 year in jail; felonies carry more than 1 year in prison

Answer

Misdemeanors are only traffic violations; felonies cover all other crimes

Answer

Misdemeanors carry no possible jail time; felonies carry up to 5 years

Answer

Misdemeanors require a jury trial; felonies do not

Question 2

What legal standard must be met before an officer may conduct a 'stop and frisk' pat-down?

Accepted Answer

Reasonable suspicion that the person is armed and dangerous

Answer

Probable cause to believe the person committed a felony

Answer

A warrant signed by a magistrate judge

Answer

The officer's personal sense of unease about the individual

Question 3

In New York, which offense is typically classified as a Class A-I felony?

Accepted Answer

Murder in the first degree

Answer

Grand larceny in the third degree

Answer

Assault in the second degree

Answer

Criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree

Question 4

What does 'chain of custody' refer to in evidence handling?

Accepted Answer

The documented record tracking who collected, handled, and stored evidence

Answer

The patrol route sequence assigned to officers in a precinct

Answer

The list of witnesses present at the original crime scene

Answer

The command hierarchy at the scene of a major incident

Question 5

What is an 'arraignment' in the New York criminal court process?

Accepted Answer

The first court appearance where the defendant is formally informed of the charges

Answer

The final sentencing hearing after a conviction

Answer

The process of processing and fingerprinting a suspect after arrest

Answer

A police interrogation conducted at the precinct

Question 6

Under New York Penal Law, which best describes 'assault in the third degree'?

Accepted Answer

Recklessly causing physical injury to another person

Answer

Intentionally causing serious physical injury with a weapon

Answer

Threatening another person with words alone

Answer

Unlawfully restraining another person against their will