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Quiz about The New York Police Department

The New York Police Department Quiz

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.

A multiple-choice quiz by neon000. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
neon000

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
275,978

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
673

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. 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? Hint

Precincts

Wards

Parishes

Ridings

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Question 2 of 10

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

He was the first person to get a parking ticket in New York.

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

He was the first person ever to be arrested in New York.

He built the first police academy in the state of New York.

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Question 3 of 10

3. 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? Hint

Noisemakers much like New Year's Eve gadgets

Smoke bombs

Whistles only

Pop guns that shot out 'Bang!' flags

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Question 4 of 10

4. The term "cops" as slang for police officers came from what source? Hint

To 'cop' something, as in, to take or steal it (because the police arrested pickpockets).

Copper pennies one would carry for good luck.

Materials used in bullets.

"Copper" means "someone who captures", which was shortened to "cop"

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Question 5 of 10

5. Why did officers begin to carry whistles? Hint

To annoy criminals.

To help people in case of dense fog.

To send messages in secret code.

To alert officers nearby.

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Question 6 of 10

6. The nightstick once had a counterpart, the daystick.

True

False

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Question 7 of 10

7. In what year did the NYPD adopt the shoulder patch? Hint

1971

1902

1898

1946

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Question 8 of 10

8. What is the motto of the New York Police Department? Hint

Excelsior

Ab Urbe Condita

Nemo Me Impune Lacessit

Fidelis Ad Mortem

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Question 9 of 10

9. What was one of the items police officers were required to carry, upon the formal organization of the department in 1845? Hint

A Swiss Army knife

A first aid kit

A booklet of the department's rules and regulations

A subway map

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Question 10 of 10

10. Up until 1901, the city could appoint up to four Police Commissioners to oversee the Department. What change was made in 1901? Hint

The number was raised to five.

The number was reduced to three.

The office was eliminated altogether.

There would now be only one Commissioner at a time.

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. 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?

Answer: Precincts

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

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

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.

3. 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?

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.

4. The term "cops" as slang for police officers came from what source?

Answer: "Copper" means "someone who captures", which was shortened to "cop"

The word "copper" comes from Latin "capere", as well as roots within Old French "caper".

5. Why did officers begin to carry whistles?

Answer: To alert officers nearby.

During the centralization of the police department in the 1800s, there were no such things as walkie-talkies. The whistle served as a simple means of communication. Before the adoption of these signals, officers' methods of alert consisted of tapping the nightstick on something, such as a mailbox or curb, or even firing their guns in the air.

6. The nightstick once had a counterpart, the daystick.

Answer: True

The daystick was a wooden club 11 inches long. The nightstick was 26 inches. Only one of these, the nightstick, is part of officers' supplies today.

7. In what year did the NYPD adopt the shoulder patch?

Answer: 1971

The distinctive patch features, in the middle, the scales of justice over a 'fasces,' the axe and bundle of sticks that was a symbol of power for the Roman magistrate. Under this is a chevron with five stars, for the five boroughs of New York City. Under the chevron appears the seal of the Police Department.

Some interesting information about the patch appears on the website of the New York City Police Museum. Read: http://www.nycpolicemuseum.org/html/faq.html#patch

8. What is the motto of the New York Police Department?

Answer: Fidelis Ad Mortem

It means "Fidelity Unto Death." It began to be used after the police force quelled a series of riots in the late 1800s.

9. What was one of the items police officers were required to carry, upon the formal organization of the department in 1845?

Answer: A booklet of the department's rules and regulations

It was written by the first Chief of Police, George Matsell. It was 75 pages long.

10. Up until 1901, the city could appoint up to four Police Commissioners to oversee the Department. What change was made in 1901?

Answer: There would now be only one Commissioner at a time.

The old board was dissolved, and replaced with the new, by an act of the governor. The Police Commissioner is now appointed by the Mayor of New York.

Source: Author neon000

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor DakotaNorth before going online.
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