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New York City Police Department Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The New York City Police Department: History, Structure, and Operations

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The New York City Police Department: History, Structure, and Operations Study Guide

Founding and Historical Evolution

The NYPD was established in 1945, making it one of the oldest police departments in the United States.

Answer: False

Explanation: The NYPD was established in 1845. While it is one of the oldest, the date 1945 is incorrect.

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The NYPD was established in 1845, replacing the city's previous constabulary system.

Answer: False

Explanation: The NYPD, established in 1845 as the Municipal Police, replaced the older, less organized night watch system, not a constabulary system.

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The New York City Housing Authority Police Department merged with the NYPD in 1996.

Answer: False

Explanation: The New York City Housing Authority Police Department merged with the NYPD in 1995, not 1996. The Traffic Operations Bureau merged in 1996.

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The NYPD has recorded the lowest number of line-of-duty deaths among major American law enforcement agencies since 1849.

Answer: False

Explanation: The NYPD has recorded the highest number of line-of-duty deaths among major American law enforcement agencies since 1849, reflecting the inherent risks of policing in a large metropolis.

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The September 11, 2001 attacks resulted in the deaths of 23 NYPD officers during the event, with hundreds more dying later from related illnesses.

Answer: True

Explanation: The September 11, 2001 attacks led to the deaths of 23 NYPD officers during the event itself, and an additional 247 officers later died from illnesses contracted due to their exposure during recovery efforts.

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Between 1990 and 2019, reported murders in New York City decreased significantly, while auto theft saw a slight increase.

Answer: False

Explanation: Between 1990 and 2019, reported murders decreased significantly, and auto theft also saw a significant decrease, not a slight increase.

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From 1926 to 1986, the standard NYPD sidearm was a revolver, typically chambered in .38 Special.

Answer: True

Explanation: From 1926 to 1986, the standard sidearm for NYPD officers was a revolver, commonly chambered in .38 Special.

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The high number of NYPD line-of-duty deaths reflects the relatively low risks associated with policing in a large city.

Answer: False

Explanation: The high number of NYPD line-of-duty deaths reflects the significant risks inherent in policing a large, complex city, not low risks.

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The School Safety Division became part of the NYPD in 1998, focusing on securing school environments.

Answer: True

Explanation: The School Safety Division was integrated into the NYPD in 1998, with its mandate focused on enhancing security within school environments.

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According to the source, when was the NYPD established?

Answer: May 23, 1845

Explanation: The NYPD was established on May 23, 1845.

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What system did the Municipal Police, established in 1845, replace?

Answer: The older night watch system

Explanation: The Municipal Police, established in 1845, replaced the older, less organized night watch system.

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Which two police departments were merged into the NYPD in 1995?

Answer: Housing Authority Police and Transit Police

Explanation: The New York City Housing Authority Police Department and the New York City Transit Police Department were merged into the NYPD in 1995.

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What is the grim distinction held by the NYPD regarding line-of-duty deaths since 1849?

Answer: It has the highest number of line-of-duty deaths.

Explanation: The NYPD holds the distinction of having the highest number of line-of-duty deaths among American law enforcement agencies since 1849.

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How many officers were killed in the September 11, 2001 attacks?

Answer: 23 officers during the event, and 247 later from illnesses.

Explanation: During the September 11, 2001 attacks, 23 NYPD officers died, and an additional 247 later died from illnesses related to their exposure.

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How did reported auto theft figures change in New York City between 1990 and 2019?

Answer: Decreased from approximately 147,000 to about 5,400.

Explanation: Between 1990 and 2019, reported auto theft figures in New York City decreased significantly, from approximately 147,000 to about 5,400.

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What were the standard sidearms for NYPD officers between 1926 and 1986?

Answer: Revolvers chambered in .38 Special

Explanation: Between 1926 and 1986, the standard sidearms for NYPD officers were revolvers chambered in .38 Special.

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Organizational Structure and Bureaus

The NYPD is organized into approximately 10 bureaus covering administrative and investigative functions.

Answer: False

Explanation: The NYPD is organized into 20 bureaus, which are categorized under four main umbrellas: Patrol, Transit & Housing, Investigative, and Administrative.

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The Patrol Services Bureau is responsible for managing the NYPD's specialized units like the Aviation and Harbor Units.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Patrol Services Bureau manages uniformed patrol officers; specialized units like the Aviation and Harbor Units fall under the Special Operations Bureau.

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The Special Operations Bureau includes units such as the Emergency Service Unit and the Mounted Unit.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Special Operations Bureau encompasses key units including the Emergency Service Unit and the Mounted Unit, among others.

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The Transit Bureau's primary function is to investigate major crimes like homicides and robberies citywide.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Transit Bureau's primary function is to oversee law enforcement operations within the New York City Subway system, ensuring passenger and personnel safety, not to investigate major citywide crimes.

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The Counterterrorism Bureau focuses solely on responding to active terrorist attacks within the city.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Counterterrorism Bureau's role extends beyond responding to active attacks; it is tasked with preventing, investigating, and analyzing potential terrorist threats.

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The Detective Bureau is responsible for preventing and investigating crimes, primarily handled by uniformed patrol officers.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Detective Bureau is responsible for preventing and investigating crimes, but this is primarily handled by detectives, not uniformed patrol officers, who focus on general patrol duties.

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The Intelligence Bureau focuses on collecting information to disrupt potential terrorist activities.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Intelligence Bureau's primary function is to collect and analyze data aimed at detecting and disrupting criminal and terrorist activities within New York City.

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The Internal Affairs Bureau investigates external complaints from the public regarding police misconduct.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Internal Affairs Bureau investigates allegations of police misconduct originating from within the department or from external sources, ensuring internal accountability.

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The NYPD operates 78 precincts, each typically commanded by a Captain or higher rank.

Answer: True

Explanation: The NYPD is structured into 78 precincts, with each typically commanded by an officer of Captain rank or higher.

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Which bureau is the largest within the NYPD and oversees the majority of uniformed patrol officers?

Answer: Patrol Services Bureau

Explanation: The Patrol Services Bureau is the largest bureau within the NYPD and oversees the majority of its uniformed patrol officers.

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Which of the following units is part of the NYPD's Special Operations Bureau?

Answer: Aviation Unit

Explanation: The Aviation Unit is one of the specialized units that fall under the NYPD's Special Operations Bureau.

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What is the primary focus of the NYPD's Counterterrorism Bureau?

Answer: Preventing and investigating terrorism.

Explanation: The primary focus of the NYPD's Counterterrorism Bureau is the prevention and investigation of terrorist activities.

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Which bureau is responsible for overseeing detectives involved in preventing and investigating crimes?

Answer: Detective Bureau

Explanation: The Detective Bureau is responsible for overseeing detectives engaged in the prevention and investigation of crimes.

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The Intelligence Bureau collects and analyzes data primarily to:

Answer: Detect and disrupt criminal and terrorist activities.

Explanation: The Intelligence Bureau collects and analyzes data primarily to detect and disrupt criminal and terrorist activities.

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What is the main function of the Internal Affairs Bureau?

Answer: Investigating allegations of police misconduct.

Explanation: The main function of the Internal Affairs Bureau is to investigate allegations of police misconduct within the department.

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Personnel, Leadership, and Training

The NYPD employs approximately 40,000 individuals, comprising both uniformed officers and civilian staff.

Answer: True

Explanation: As of recent data, the NYPD employs over 40,000 individuals, including more than 30,000 uniformed officers and approximately 19,000 civilian employees.

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The first Black officer joined the NYPD in 1918, the same year the first female officer was appointed.

Answer: False

Explanation: The first Black officer joined the NYPD in 1911, while the first female officer was appointed in 1918. These events did not occur in the same year.

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The Shomrim Society, founded in 1924, was the first organization for Jewish police officers in the United States.

Answer: True

Explanation: Founded in 1924, the Shomrim Society was indeed the first fraternal organization established for Jewish police officers in the United States.

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Mario Biaggi was the first police officer in New York State inducted into the National Police Officers Hall of Fame in 1961.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mario Biaggi achieved the distinction of being the first police officer in New York State inducted into the National Police Officers Hall of Fame in 1961.

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The Police Commissioner of the NYPD is appointed by the Governor of New York.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Police Commissioner of the NYPD is appointed by the Mayor of New York City, not the Governor of New York.

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Deputy Commissioners in the NYPD are typically sworn officers responsible for tactical operations.

Answer: False

Explanation: Deputy Commissioners in the NYPD are civilian administrators appointed to specialized roles, not sworn officers primarily responsible for tactical operations.

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John Chell holds the position of Chief of Department within the NYPD.

Answer: True

Explanation: John Chell currently serves as the Chief of Department for the NYPD, representing the highest sworn officer position.

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New NYPD officers receive over six months of training at the Police Academy.

Answer: True

Explanation: New NYPD officers typically undergo 26 weeks, or sometimes more, of training at the Police Academy, which equates to approximately six months.

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The NYPD offers career tracks for supervisory, investigative, and administrative roles.

Answer: False

Explanation: The NYPD offers career tracks for supervisory, investigative, and specialist roles, but administrative roles are not listed as a distinct career track in this context.

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Promotions to Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain are based on seniority alone.

Answer: False

Explanation: Promotions to Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain within the NYPD are determined through competitive civil service examinations, not solely based on seniority.

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Losing an NYPD badge, or 'shield', results in a mandatory suspension for the officer.

Answer: False

Explanation: Losing an NYPD badge ('shield') results in disciplinary action, including a potential loss of pay, but not necessarily a mandatory suspension.

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As of October 2023, the NYPD's authorized uniformed strength exceeded 35,000 officers.

Answer: False

Explanation: As of October 2023, the NYPD's authorized uniformed strength was 33,536 officers, which does not exceed 35,000.

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In 2023, the majority of the NYPD's police force identified as white.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2023, 53% of the NYPD's police force belonged to minority groups, meaning the majority identified as non-white.

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A 2020 report showed that over 50% of NYPD officers lived outside of New York City.

Answer: True

Explanation: According to 2020 data, 51% of NYPD officers resided outside of New York City.

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Keechant Sewell was the first woman to serve as NYPD Police Commissioner, taking office in 2022.

Answer: True

Explanation: Keechant Sewell made history as the first woman to serve as NYPD Police Commissioner, assuming office in 2022.

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Juanita N. Holmes was the first Black woman appointed to a high-ranking uniformed position, serving as Chief of the Transit Bureau.

Answer: False

Explanation: Juanita N. Holmes was the first Black woman appointed to a high-ranking uniformed position, serving as Chief of the Patrol Bureau, not the Transit Bureau.

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A 2017 poll indicated higher approval of the NYPD among Black voters compared to white voters.

Answer: False

Explanation: A 2017 poll indicated lower approval of the NYPD among Black voters (52%) compared to white voters (79%).

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New NYPD officers can choose between two 9mm Glock models as their standard service pistol.

Answer: True

Explanation: New NYPD officers have the option to select between two 9mm Glock models, the Glock 17 Gen4 and the Glock 19 Gen4, as their standard service pistol.

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The NYPD's Youth Police Academy aims to educate young people about law enforcement careers and foster positive police interactions.

Answer: True

Explanation: The NYPD's Youth Police Academy is designed to educate young individuals about law enforcement careers and to cultivate positive interactions between youth and police officers.

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NYPD officers are restricted to living only within the five boroughs of New York City.

Answer: False

Explanation: NYPD officers are permitted to reside in New York City or several surrounding counties; they are not restricted solely to the five boroughs.

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Which of the following best describes the approximate composition of the NYPD's workforce?

Answer: Approximately 30,000 sworn officers and 19,000 civilians.

Explanation: As of recent data, the NYPD employs over 40,000 individuals, comprising more than 30,000 uniformed officers and approximately 19,000 civilian employees.

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In which year did the NYPD appoint its first Black officer?

Answer: 1911

Explanation: The NYPD appointed its first Black officer in the year 1911.

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What was the significance of the Shomrim Society founded within the NYPD in 1924?

Answer: It was the first fraternal organization for Jewish police officers.

Explanation: The Shomrim Society, founded in 1924, was significant as the first fraternal organization for Jewish police officers in the United States.

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Mario Biaggi achieved a notable distinction in 1961 related to his police career. What was it?

Answer: Became the first police officer in NY State inducted into the National Police Officers Hall of Fame.

Explanation: In 1961, Mario Biaggi became the first police officer in New York State to be inducted into the National Police Officers Hall of Fame.

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Who has the authority to appoint the Police Commissioner of the NYPD?

Answer: The Mayor of New York City

Explanation: The Mayor of New York City holds the authority to appoint the Police Commissioner of the NYPD.

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How long is the typical training duration for new NYPD officers at the Police Academy?

Answer: 26 weeks or more

Explanation: New NYPD officers typically undergo training at the Police Academy for 26 weeks or more.

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Which of the following is NOT one of the three main career tracks within the NYPD mentioned in the source?

Answer: Administrative

Explanation: The source mentions supervisory, investigative, and specialist career tracks; administrative is not listed as one of the three main tracks.

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How are promotions to Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain determined in the NYPD?

Answer: Through competitive civil service examinations.

Explanation: Promotions to Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain in the NYPD are determined through competitive civil service examinations.

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What is the consequence for an NYPD officer losing their badge ('shield')?

Answer: Loss of up to ten days' pay.

Explanation: Losing an NYPD badge ('shield') results in disciplinary action, including a loss of up to ten days' pay.

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As of October 2023, what was the authorized number of uniformed officers in the NYPD?

Answer: 33,536

Explanation: As of October 2023, the authorized uniformed strength of the NYPD was 33,536 officers.

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In 2023, what percentage of the NYPD's police force belonged to minority groups?

Answer: 53%

Explanation: In 2023, 53% of the NYPD's police force belonged to minority groups.

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According to 2020 data, what proportion of NYPD officers lived outside New York City?

Answer: 51%

Explanation: According to 2020 data, 51% of NYPD officers lived outside of New York City.

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Who was the first woman to serve as NYPD Police Commissioner, and in what year did this occur?

Answer: Keechant Sewell, 2022

Explanation: Keechant Sewell was the first woman to serve as NYPD Police Commissioner, taking office in 2022.

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Juanita N. Holmes holds the distinction of being the first Black woman appointed to which high-ranking uniformed position?

Answer: Chief of the Patrol Bureau

Explanation: Juanita N. Holmes was the first Black woman appointed to a high-ranking uniformed position, serving as Chief of the Patrol Bureau.

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Operations, Technology, and Systems

The headquarters of the NYPD is located in Upper Manhattan, near Central Park.

Answer: False

Explanation: The headquarters of the NYPD is located at One Police Plaza in Lower Manhattan, not Upper Manhattan.

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The NYPD's budget in 2020 was US$6 billion, and its actual spending consistently remained below this allocated amount.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the NYPD's budget in 2020 was US$6 billion, its actual spending often exceeded this allocated amount, rather than remaining below it.

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CompStat, a crime-tracking system, was developed by the NYPD in 1994 and has since been adopted internationally.

Answer: False

Explanation: While CompStat was developed by the NYPD in 1994 and adopted internationally, its function is specifically for geographic crime tracking and analysis, not merely general crime tracking.

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In 2021, the NYPD stopped enforcing all marijuana-related offenses, including driving under the influence.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2021, the NYPD ceased enforcing most marijuana-related offenses, but an exception was maintained for driving under the influence of marijuana.

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The NYPD Intelligence Division maintains officers stationed in over 20 cities worldwide to gather intelligence.

Answer: False

Explanation: The NYPD Intelligence Division maintains officers stationed in eleven cities worldwide, not over 20, for the purpose of gathering intelligence.

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The NYPD's 'Real Time Crime Center' primarily accesses live camera feeds from across the city.

Answer: False

Explanation: The NYPD's 'Real Time Crime Center' primarily accesses departmental records such as traffic tickets, summonses, and arrest reports, not live camera feeds.

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The Domain Awareness System integrates data from license plate readers, surveillance cameras, and gunshot detection systems.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Domain Awareness System integrates data from multiple sources, including license plate readers, surveillance cameras, and gunshot detection systems, to provide comprehensive situational awareness.

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The deployment of 'Digidog' by the NYPD in 2020 was universally praised by civil liberties groups.

Answer: False

Explanation: The deployment of 'Digidog' by the NYPD in 2020 faced criticism and concerns from civil liberties groups regarding privacy issues, rather than universal praise.

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Where is the NYPD headquarters located?

Answer: One Police Plaza, Lower Manhattan

Explanation: The NYPD headquarters is situated at One Police Plaza in Lower Manhattan.

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What did the source note about the NYPD's actual spending compared to its 2020 budget of US$6 billion?

Answer: Actual spending often exceeded the allocated budget.

Explanation: The source indicates that the NYPD's actual spending in 2020 frequently surpassed its allocated budget of US$6 billion.

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What is the CompStat system, and what is it primarily used for?

Answer: Analyzing and tracking crime geographically.

Explanation: The CompStat system, developed by the NYPD in 1994, is primarily used for analyzing and tracking crime geographically.

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In 2021, the NYPD changed its policy on marijuana enforcement. What was the exception to the cessation of enforcement?

Answer: Driving under the influence of marijuana.

Explanation: In 2021, the NYPD stopped enforcing most marijuana-related offenses, with the exception of driving under the influence of marijuana.

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The NYPD maintains international presence by stationing officers in eleven cities worldwide, primarily for which purpose?

Answer: Gathering intelligence on counter-terrorism and international crime.

Explanation: The NYPD stations officers in eleven cities worldwide primarily to gather intelligence on counter-terrorism and international crime.

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The NYPD's 'Real Time Crime Center' aids investigations by accessing what type of data?

Answer: Departmental records like tickets and arrests.

Explanation: The NYPD's 'Real Time Crime Center' aids investigations by accessing departmental records such as traffic tickets, summonses, and arrest reports.

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Which technology network provides the NYPD with integrated data from sources like license plate readers and gunshot detection?

Answer: Domain Awareness System

Explanation: The Domain Awareness System provides the NYPD with integrated data from sources including license plate readers and gunshot detection systems.

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Concerns regarding privacy issues were raised by civil liberties groups in response to the deployment of which NYPD technology in 2020?

Answer: 'Digidog' robotic dog

Explanation: Civil liberties groups raised privacy concerns in response to the NYPD's deployment of the 'Digidog' robotic dog in 2020.

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Mottos, Identification, and General Facts

The common abbreviation for the New York City Police Department is NYCPD.

Answer: False

Explanation: The official and commonly used abbreviation for the New York City Police Department is NYPD, not NYCPD.

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The NYPD's motto, 'Fidelis ad Mortem,' translates from Latin to 'Courage and Honor'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The NYPD's motto, 'Fidelis ad Mortem,' translates from Latin to 'Faithful Unto Death,' not 'Courage and Honor'.

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The NYPD's motto was changed in 2024 to 'Fidelis ad Mortem'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The NYPD's motto was changed in 2024 from 'Courtesy, Professionalism, Respect' to 'Fighting Crime, Protecting the Public.' 'Fidelis ad Mortem' is an older motto.

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Civilian employees' ID cards have red backgrounds, while sworn officers' ID cards have blue backgrounds.

Answer: False

Explanation: Civilian employees' NYPD ID cards have blue backgrounds, while sworn officers' ID cards have red backgrounds.

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The motto 'Fidelis ad Mortem' emphasizes the NYPD's dedication to duty until death.

Answer: True

Explanation: The motto 'Fidelis ad Mortem,' meaning 'Faithful Unto Death,' underscores the NYPD's commitment to unwavering dedication and duty.

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A red background on an NYPD ID card indicates a civilian employee.

Answer: False

Explanation: A red background on an NYPD ID card signifies a sworn officer, while a blue background indicates a civilian employee.

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What is the official name of the police department commonly known as the NYPD?

Answer: City of New York Police Department

Explanation: The official name of the police department commonly known as the NYPD is the City of New York Police Department.

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What is the meaning of the NYPD motto 'Fidelis ad Mortem'?

Answer: Faithful Unto Death

Explanation: The NYPD motto 'Fidelis ad Mortem' translates from Latin to 'Faithful Unto Death'.

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What was the NYPD's motto after the change implemented in 2024?

Answer: Fighting Crime, Protecting the Public

Explanation: Following the change implemented in 2024, the NYPD's motto became 'Fighting Crime, Protecting the Public'.

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What distinguishes the ID cards of civilian NYPD employees from those of sworn officers?

Answer: Civilian IDs have a blue background; officer IDs have a red background.

Explanation: Civilian NYPD ID cards feature a blue background, while sworn officers' ID cards have a red background.

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