Basic Peace Officer Flashcards
7 cards from real TCOLE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Basic Peace Officer flashcards as text
Which level of force is generally authorized for an officer attempting to control an actively resisting subject who is not armed?
Answer: Defensive tactics and pain compliance techniques
Active resistance typically justifies defensive tactics and pain compliance techniques within a department's use-of-force continuum.
Under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, a peace officer may enter a dwelling without a warrant when:
Answer: Exigent circumstances exist, such as imminent danger to life
Exigent circumstances — including imminent danger to life — are a recognized exception allowing warrantless entry under Texas and federal law.
A motorist is stopped for a traffic violation. During the stop, the officer smells marijuana. This gives the officer:
Answer: Probable cause to search the vehicle
The odor of marijuana emanating from a vehicle provides probable cause to search under the automobile exception to the warrant requirement.
In Texas, the offense of Evading Arrest or Detention becomes a felony when:
Answer: The suspect uses a vehicle during the evasion
Under Texas Penal Code Section 38.04, evading arrest becomes a state jail felony when the defendant uses a vehicle, or a third-degree felony if serious bodily injury results.
Which best describes the 'excited utterance' hearsay exception relevant to officer testimony?
Answer: A statement made while the declarant was under the stress of a startling event
An excited utterance is a statement relating to a startling event made while the declarant was still under its stress, making it admissible as a hearsay exception.
A peace officer receives a report of a stolen vehicle. The officer locates the vehicle occupied by one person. The FIRST priority action should be:
Answer: Contain the vehicle, request backup, and conduct a high-risk stop
A stolen vehicle may be occupied by an armed suspect; officer safety protocols require containment, backup, and a high-risk stop approach.
Under Texas law, which of the following is classified as a 'family member' for purposes of the Family Violence statute?
Answer: A former spouse
Texas Family Code defines family members to include current and former spouses, making former spouses covered under the Family Violence statute.