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Law Enforcement Quizzes, Trivia and Puzzles
Law Enforcement Quizzes, Trivia

Law Enforcement Trivia

Law Enforcement Trivia Quizzes

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Fun Trivia
13 Law Enforcement quizzes and 125 Law Enforcement trivia questions.
1.
  Police Academy 101 (U.S. Law)   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Police officers have to make snap judgements in all kinds of situations. They don't have the luxury of carrying law books or having weeks and months to make up their minds when deciding to arrest someone. Let's see how much you know about the law.
Easier, 10 Qns, Jack212, Nov 28 19
Easier
Jack212
Nov 28 19
4850 plays
2.
  Police    
Multiple Choice
 5 Qns
Cop Quiz: Some interesting questions on police equipment, procedure, and organizations. See how much you know about the police.
Average, 5 Qns, Louie141, Apr 26 21
Average
Louie141
Apr 26 21
6623 plays
3.
  Don't Mess With the ATF    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
I will give you an item, and you decide if it falls under "Alcohol", "Tobacco", "Firearms" or "Explosives", as defined by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Have fun and enjoy the quiz!
Easier, 10 Qns, cncwizard, Dec 10 15
Easier
cncwizard
851 plays
4.
  The Texas Rangers, Top Cops in Texas   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Portrayed in books, in movies, and on television, the legendary Texas Ranges are one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in North America. Here are some questions about the top cops of the lone star state.
Tough, 10 Qns, airbossjohnson, Dec 22 23
Tough
airbossjohnson
Dec 22 23
793 plays
5.
  "Just The Facts" ... About The LAPD   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Made famous through scores of books, movies and television references, the Los Angeles Police Department is one of the most renowned and respected law enforcement agencies in the world. Take this quiz and let's see what you really know about it.
Difficult, 10 Qns, MaceoMack, Dec 19 08
Difficult
MaceoMack
564 plays
6.
  The American System of Criminal Justice    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This quiz is a brief overview of some basic facts about the organization, and operation of the American system of criminal justice.
Tough, 10 Qns, schuhmacher, Dec 02 22
Tough
schuhmacher
Dec 02 22
618 plays
7.
  Federal Employees With Guns and Badges   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The United States government employs over 100,000 full time personnel who are authorized to make arrests and carry firearms. What do you know about the various federal law enforcement agencies they work for? Take this quiz and see.
Difficult, 10 Qns, MaceoMack, Feb 19 10
Difficult
MaceoMack
744 plays
8.
  The Language of the Law ... Enforcers   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Police jargon has become familiar through television and movies. See if you can understand these meanings. The jargon used is specific to the Los Angeles Police Department, but is also popular in entertainment media.
Difficult, 10 Qns, AirBossJohnson, Jan 09 13
Difficult
AirBossJohnson
1368 plays
9.
  The New York Police Department    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The "city that never sleeps" is protected by one of the largest police forces in the country. Here is a quiz about the storied history of the NYPD. Hope you enjoy. Thanks.
Average, 10 Qns, neon000, Sep 26 14
Average
neon000 gold member
672 plays
10.
  FBI    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This one is pretty tough, but good luck!
Tough, 10 Qns, reichs, Apr 04 21
Tough
reichs
Apr 04 21
661 plays
trivia question Quick Question
For what field or unit, did the FBI get a renewed mandate for during the struggles of WWII?

From Quiz "FBI"




11.
  Lesser-known U.S. Federal Law Enforcement Agencies    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Many people know about the "big" Federal Law Enforcement units like the A.T.F., D.E.A. and F.B.I. and the newer Dept. of Homeland Security. But, how many of you have heard about some of these less well-known Federal Law Enforcement Units?
Tough, 10 Qns, hospitalcop, Oct 25 20
Tough
hospitalcop
Oct 25 20
551 plays
12.
  Law Enforcement as an Instrument of War    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This quiz focuses on law enforcement in the United States, as it pertains to their "wars" on crime and drugs.
Tough, 10 Qns, schuhmacher, Nov 16 10
Tough
schuhmacher
342 plays
13.
  U. S. Marshal Service    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The U.S. Marshal Service was created over 200 years ago. How much do you know about this federal law enforcement agency?
Very Difficult, 10 Qns, Pookiepay, Apr 21 08
Very Difficult
Pookiepay
830 plays

Law Enforcement Trivia Questions

1. The first submission to you is "moonshine". How would the ATF categorize it?

From Quiz
Don't Mess With the ATF

Answer: Alcohol

Moonshine (sometimes known as "white lightning") is any illegally-produced home-made spirit, most often whiskey. The AFT and moonshiners (the makers of said alcoholic beverages) go way back.

2. Which was the first law enforcement agency established by the United States government?

From Quiz Federal Employees With Guns and Badges

Answer: United States Marshals Service

Created by Congress Act in 1789, The United States Marshals Service (USMS) became the first federal law enforcement agency in the United States. The primary mission of the Marshal Service was protecting the court and ensuring the effective operation of the judicial system. There is one U.S. Marshal assigned to each federal court district in the United States. Each Marshal is assisted by a supervising Deputy U.S. Marshal, and as many deputy and special deputy U.S. Marshals as needed.

3. What is the official 'motto' of the Los Angeles Police Department?

From Quiz "Just The Facts" ... About The LAPD

Answer: To Protect and to Serve

The motto originated in February of 1955, when an internal publication for the department, "Beat" magazine conducted a contest to come up with a motto for the police academy. The conditions of the contest stated that, "the motto should be one that express some or all of the ideals to which the Los Angeles police service is dedicated. It is possible that the winning motto might be adopted as the official motto of the department". The winning entry was submitted by Officer Joseph S. Dorobek. "To Protect and the Serve" served as the LAPD academy motto until by city council action, it became the motto for the entire Los Angeles Police Department in 1963. The motto appears on LAPD patrol vehicles as a symbol of commitment to service. "To Protect and to Serve" has become one of the most recognizable phrases in law enforcement. It has come to embody the spirit, commitment, and professionalism of the Los Angeles Police Department.

4. Which agent was the first to give their life in the line of duty, and how?

From Quiz FBI

Answer: Edwin C. Shanahan by a pistol

Martin J. Durkin shot Special Agent Edwin C. Shanahan with a pistol on October 11, 1925. Special Agent Shanahan was about to arrest Durkin who had previously stolen a car and injured 4 different police officers. When Agent Shanahan appeared, Durkin took a hidden pistol from the car, and shot Special Agent Durkin, who died very soon after. Luckily Durkin was found and sentenced to a total of 50 years in prison!

5. The New York Police Department (NYPD) protects a vast city of five boroughs and over eight million residents. What is the name for the local divisions of the NYPD?

From Quiz The New York Police Department

Answer: Precincts

The First Precinct is located at 16 Ericsson Place in Manhattan. The NYPD also operates a Housing Bureau and a Transit District.

6. Which Federal Police Unit has primary protection and enforcement responsibilities for most of the Federal facilities in the Washington D.C. area?

From Quiz Lesser-known U.S. Federal Law Enforcement Agencies

Answer: U.S. Capitol Police

According to the website, The U.S. Capitol Police is an agency of approximately 2,000 officers that was started in 1828, by then President John Q. Adams after his son was attacked. The U.S.C.P. is charged with patrolling the U.S. Capitol Grounds and the neighboring area of an estimated 200 blocks. The U.S. Secret Service does the White House Grounds and the guarding of the President, Vice President and their families. The U.S. Park Police share their area with the Washington D.C. Metro police and the Capitol Police in Washington.

7. After discussing the plight of a detained traffic violator following a routine traffic stop, two patrol officers decide to "kick" their suspect. Assuming they are acting within the law, what are they actually deciding to do?

From Quiz The Language of the Law ... Enforcers

Answer: Allow the subject to leave

The term referred to the act of freeing a suspect or suspect, or to "kick them loose", or "kick them free".

8. When a police officer makes an arrest without a warrant he/she must have obeyed this rule of law.

From Quiz Police Academy 101 (U.S. Law)

Answer: Probable cause

Probable cause has been defined as "what the reasonable man would believe". In other words (in this hypothetical situation) someone breaks into a house and escapes with a tv. The home owner sees the culprit get into a purple Cadillac and speed away. Two miles away a police officer sees a purple Cadillac going seventy miles an hour. The officer stops the Cadillac and sees a tv in the back seat. This would be probable cause for an arrest. Does it mean that the driver is guilty? No. But there is probable cause for the officer to believe that the driver committed the crime.

9. What is the maximum age of someone applying to be a Deputy Marshal?

From Quiz U. S. Marshal Service

Answer: 36

The minimum age for application is 21.

10. Which federal law enforcement agency does not exist as part of the United States military?

From Quiz Federal Employees With Guns and Badges

Answer: U.S. Marine Corps Office of Special Investigation

Matters requiring law enforcement investigation in the United States Marine Corps fall under the jurisdiction of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), seven law enforcement agencies are authorized for police and investigative activities. Those agencies includes, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS). the Army Criminal Investigative Division (USACID), the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the Pentagon Force Protection Agency (PFPA), and the Pentagon Police.

11. Who is responsible for the overall operation of the Los Angeles Police Department?

From Quiz "Just The Facts" ... About The LAPD

Answer: Board of Police Commissioners

The LAPD is headed by a five member civilian Board of Police Commissioners, who serve as would a corporate board of directors, setting policies for the department and overseeing its operations. The board works in conjunction with the chief of police, who acts as chief operating officer and reports to the board.

12. Who was the FBI's longest acting director? (1924-1972)?

From Quiz FBI

Answer: J. Edgar Hoover

He was the director of the FBI until his death having an entire 48 years as Director. J. Edgar Hoover was also the director of the previous FBI agency called the Bureau of Investigations (BOI). Theodore Roosevelt was the president who advocated the creation of such an organization being that he wanted the Justice Department to have its own detectives at its disposal. His thinking is exactly what led to the new bureaucracy called the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

13. What distinction was held by a man named Johann Lampo?

From Quiz The New York Police Department

Answer: He was the first member of a Dutch settlers' police force in New York in the 1600s.

Lampo's title was "schout-fiscal." This office required him to patrol the streets, act as a sort of justice of the peace and settle minor disputes, and act as a town crier in case of fire. The schout-fiscals set the precedent for many responsibilities of the police officers and firefighters to follow.

14. While on a visit to the Washington D.C. area, you've stopped by the ever popular U.S. Supreme Court Building. Which Federal Police Unit is responsible for this esteemed location?

From Quiz Lesser-known U.S. Federal Law Enforcement Agencies

Answer: U.S. Supreme Court Police

The U.S. Supreme Court Police is one of the smallest Federal Law Enforcement Agencies around. This agency was started in 1949 with approximately 3 dozen Capitol Police Officers.

15. Near the start of a work shift at three o'clock, two patrol officers are alerted when they hear "three beeps" being broadcast on their police radio. What does the three beeps indicate?

From Quiz The Language of the Law ... Enforcers

Answer: a high priority police service call

High priority or emergency radio calls are often preceded by three beeps (tone alerts) being broadcast on the radio. The tone alerts are designed to get the immediate attention of the officers. Calls warranting alert signals include calls involving the possibility of great bodily harm to someone, or in-progress crime calls. Tone alerted calls are usually responded to with emergency lights and siren activated.

16. What is a K-9 officer?

From Quiz Police Academy 101 (U.S. Law)

Answer: An officer who works with a trained dog

A K-9 (actually an "spin-off" of the word Canine) officer trains with a dog until his superiors believe that the dog is qualified and trained to go on the street. The dog might have been trained to track suspects and items, look for certain scents, or detect explosives.

17. What is the entry level rank for newly appointed Texas Rangers?

From Quiz The Texas Rangers, Top Cops in Texas

Answer: Ranger

Candidates must have superior credentials to become Texas Rangers. The required starting rank of Trooper II must positively reflect the accomplishments of the new Rangers.

18. The ATF would classify C-4 as what substance or item?

From Quiz Don't Mess With the ATF

Answer: Explosives

C-4 is a type of plastic explosive. It has the consistency of modelling clay and can be molded into any desired shape.

19. What was the name given to the first Los Angeles police force, founded in 1853?

From Quiz "Just The Facts" ... About The LAPD

Answer: Los Angeles Rangers

The Los Angeles Rangers were a voluntary force that assisted the existing county police force. Shortly thereafter, the Rangers were replaced with the Los Angeles City Guards, another volunteer group of citizens. Unfortunately, neither force was considered to be effective in their task, and the City of Los Angeles became known for gambling, violence, and vice activities.

20. What early federal police assignment in 1871 led to high prosecution rates?

From Quiz FBI

Answer: KKK the First Klan

The assignment was to get into the KKK (first) and then break all their operations down. The KKK was against the abolition of slavery and became terroristic. Many Klansmen gave in their fellow criminals, and this helped lead to a high prosecution rate. Also, at the KKK Klansmen's trials they had juries mainly consisting of blacks. Nowadays the criminals could claim that they didn't have a fair trial.

21. What did the 'Rattle Watch,' a group of night watchmen who patrolled the city in the mid-1600s, use to warn the people of danger?

From Quiz The New York Police Department

Answer: Noisemakers much like New Year's Eve gadgets

The loud sound of the simple handheld items earned the group its nickname. Concepts like this evolved into the warning system of the modern police car: lights and sirens.

22. Upon their arrival to a crime location, officers are greeted by another officer already on scene. The officer displays four fingers to the arriving officers. What message is he relaying to the arriving officers?

From Quiz The Language of the Law ... Enforcers

Answer: everything is clear, no additional assistance needed

The message is "Code Four" which means that the situation has been controlled, and no additional police units are needed.

23. In US law, what is the generally accepted definition of first degree murder?

From Quiz Police Academy 101 (U.S. Law)

Answer: It is when there is premeditation or when the murder happens during the commission of a felony

Generally first degree murder is when murder is committed with premeditation or when a murder is committed during a felony. For example you are the driver of the car and your partner goes into a bank and robs the bank and shoots and kills the teller. You as the driver could be convicted of first degree murder even though you never entered the bank.

24. How many U.S. Marshals are there?

From Quiz U. S. Marshal Service

Answer: 95

In addition to the 95 marshals there are approximately 2,500 deputy marshals.

25. Which Constitutional Amendment guarantees the right of the people to be protected from "unreasonable searches and seizures" by the government?

From Quiz Police

Answer: The Fourth Amendment

The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution, adopted in 1791, guarantees the right of US citizens to be protected from "unreasonable searches and seizures". The government, as a rule, must obtain a search warrant prior to searching persons or property. There are, however, a few legal exceptions to this rule. See Question #5.

26. How would ouzo be classified by the ATF?

From Quiz Don't Mess With the ATF

Answer: Alcohol

Ouzo is a potent anise-flavored liquor. It was originally developed on the Greek island of Lesbos.

27. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was established under which U.S. President's Administration?

From Quiz Law Enforcement as an Instrument of War

Answer: Richard Nixon

The DEA was originally established on July 1, 1973 to deal with the effects of drugs on the rising crime rate. Also, the DEA is the only single mission Federal Law Enforcement agency in the United States, meaning they deal with drugs, and nothing else.

28. What unique qualification must be met by members of the special federal law enforcement agency known as "Shadow Wolves"?

From Quiz Federal Employees With Guns and Badges

Answer: officers must have one-fourth Native American Ancestry

The Shadow Wolves operate under the jurisdiction of U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Their primary mission is to track smugglers through the 76 mile stretch of the Tohono O'odlham Nation territory, which runs along the United States-Mexico border in the state of Arizona. This special law enforcement unit was created by an Act of Congress in 1972, following the federal governments agreement to the Tohono O'odlham (Native American) nation's demand that the officers have at least one fourth Native American ancestry. The Shadow Wolves were the first federal law enforcement agency allowed to operate on Tohono Indian Reservation. The unit was originally authorized by Congress to have up to 21 members. The unit was comprised by members of seven Native American tribes, including the Tohono O'odlham, the Navajo, the Sioux, the Lakota, the Yurok, the Kiowa, and the Blackfeet. In 2003, the Shadow Wolves became part of the Department of Homeland Security.

29. Based on the "Bureau of Justice Statistical Report on Police Department size in 2000" what was the approximate number of sworn peace officers authorized for the Los Angeles Police Department?

From Quiz "Just The Facts" ... About The LAPD

Answer: 9,500

The LAPD was staffed with just over 9,300 sworn officers, and was supported by a civilian staff of 3,000 employees. The LAPD has traditionally maintained one of the the smallest police departments for American cities with a population over one million (1,000,000). The LAPD ratio of one sworn officers to every 10,000 citizens remained one of the lowest in the nation. The LAPD is responsible for providing police protection and services for an area of 473 square miles, with a population of over 3.5 million people.

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