(Florida FDLE Law Enforcement Academy - State Exam Test Review: 2026-2027)
Values are principles, standards, or qualities considered worthwhile or desirable.
Personal values are an individual's convictions about what is right and wrong, based on religious beliefs,
cultural roots, family background, personal experiences, laws, organizational values,
professional norms, and political habits.
Ethics is a standard of conduct based on moral duties and virtues that are derived from the
principles of right and wrong.
Ethical principles are rules of conduct derived from ethical values.
Ethical behavior is principled, value-based decision making, practiced daily.
Bribery is defined in s. 838.015, F.S., corruptly to give, offer, or promise to any public servant, or, if a public servant, corruptly
to request, solicit, accept, or agree to accept for himself or herself or another, any
pecuniary or other benefit not authorized by law with an intent or purpose to influence
the performance of any act or omission which the person believes to be, or the public
servant represents as being, within the official discretion of a public servant, in violation
of a public duty, or in performance of a public duty.
Perjury may be defined as a false statement that a person makes under oath but does not believe
to be true.
Gratuity is anything of value intended to benefit the giver more than the receiver; it is something
given to a person because of that person's position or authority.
Professionalism is behavior that demonstrates good character and is marked by pride in self and career.
Examples of these characteristics include service, integrity, respect, quality, fairness,
honesty, courage, compassion, moral/ethical leadership, trustworthiness, and common
sense.
Stereotyping is a fixed and unvarying idea or opinion of a person, group, or subject.
Bias or prejudice is a strong belief or feeling about a person, group, or subject, whether positive or
negative, that is formed without reviewing all available facts or information.
Discrimination is the negative behavior toward a person or group that is based on color, race, sex, age,
religion, ethnic and national origin, handicap, and/or marital status.
Perception is the impression in a person's mind of an individual, a group of people, or events based
on experiences, biases, beliefs, assumptions, and observations.
Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or
physical conduct of a sexual nature.
Quid pro quo "something for something in return."
3/7/2026, 1:10:13 AM
, (Florida FDLE Law Enforcement Academy - State Exam Test Review: 2026-2027)
Hostile work environment an office culture where lewd jokes or other offensive habits are acceptable.
Criminal justice refers to the structure, functions, and decision-making processes of those agencies that
deal with the management and control of crime and criminal offenders.
3 main components of the Criminal Justice system The three main components of the criminal justice system are law enforcement, the court
system, and corrections.
Law enforcement is responsible for the enforcement of and maintaining civil order.
The court system is responsible for the interpretation of laws.
Corrections is responsible for enforcing punishment as defined by the court system.
Four levels of law enforcement agencies within the United local or municipal, county, state, and federal
States:
Jurisdiction means the types of cases in which the court can make decisions.
Courts of Appeal: these courts make decisions on appeals from lower federal courts, which are subject to
review in the U.S. Supreme Court.
Supreme Court of the United States: hears appeals from the decisions of lower federal courts and state supreme courts, and it
resolves issues of constitutional and federal law. It stands as the ultimate authority in
constitutional interpretation, and its decisions can be changed only by a constitutional
amendment.
Judge is authorized to preside over the courtroom and to decide questions of law brought before
the court.
Prosecutor is responsible for presenting the government's case.
Defense Attorney is responsible for representing the defendant's case.
Probation is a sentence placing a person under the supervision of a probation officer for a specified
length of time instead of confinement.
Parole is the release of an inmate from a correctional institution prior to the conclusion of the
inmate's court-imposed sentence.
Community control (house arrest) is a form of closely monitored community supervision and is more restrictive than
probation or parole.
3/7/2026, 1:10:13 AM
, (Florida FDLE Law Enforcement Academy - State Exam Test Review: 2026-2027)
Chain of command is the order of authority within an organization. It provides the links of authority and
responsibility that join one level of an organization to another.
Insubordination The failure to follow orders from superiors in the chain of command
Vertical communication is a term for information from the chief executive officer that flows down through the
supervision levels to the lowest levels of the organization. The information that flows
from the lowest levels to the highest is equally important.
Lateral communication is that which travels across a level of the organization to employees on the same level
within the chain of command. Sometimes, information must be processed at all levels
and then channeled to the individual or individuals responsible for accomplishing a
specific objective.
Delegation of Authority granting of power by the person with authority to another person
Administrative Law The body of law that allows for the creation of public regulatory agencies
Case Law The body of law that is formed by the decisions of the court system
Civil Law The area of the law that pertains to the legal action that a person takes to resolve a private
dispute with another person
Constitutional Law The standards set forth in the Constitution and court decisions or interpretations of the
Constitution handed down by the U.S. District and Supreme Courts; identifies the powers
and limitations of each branch of the U.S. government (Checks & Balances)
Criminal Law The part of statutory law that defines unacceptable behaviors in government prosecution
of those who commit them
Ordinance A statute enacted by a municipal (city) or county government and which applies only
within the jurisdiction of the government entity which created it, maybe criminal or civil
Statutory Law The written laws enacted by Congress, State Legislators, or local governing authorities in
response to a perceived need.
Bill of Rights The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution
Due Process Clause The part of the 14th Amendment that expands the restrictions the Bill of Rights places on
the Federal Government to state and local governments and states, "No state shall make
or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges and immunities of citizens of the
United States; Nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without
due process of law; nor deny any person within its jurisdictions of the equal protection of
the laws."
Felony A criminal offense committed within the state in which the maximum penalty is death or
incarceration in a state correctional facility for MORE THAN ONE YEAR
3/7/2026, 1:10:13 AM
, (Florida FDLE Law Enforcement Academy - State Exam Test Review: 2026-2027)
Misdemeanor Any criminal offense that is punishable by a term of imprisonment in a county
correctional facility NOT IN EXCESS OF ONE YEAR
Noncriminal Violation An offense, also known as a civil infraction, for which the only penalty may be a fine,
forfeiture, or other civil penalty.
Offense a criminal or noncriminal act punishable by law
Capital Felony Death or life imprisonment in a state correctional facility without possible parole
Life Felony Life imprisonment, $15,000.00 fine, or both
Felony 1st Degree 30 years and, in some cases, life imprisonment, $10,000 fine, or both
Felony 2nd Degree 15 years imprisonment, $10,000 fine, or both
Felony 3rd Degree 5 years imprisonment, $5,000 fine, or both
Misdemeanor 1st Degree Imprisonment in a county correctional facility for up to one year, $1,000 fine, or both
Misdemeanor 2nd Degree Imprisonment up to 60 days, $500 fine, or both
Penalty of Noncriminal Offense/Civil Violation $500 fine, forfeiture, or other civil penalties. According to s. 775.08(3), F.S., noncriminal
(Infraction/Violation) shall not mean any conviction for any violation of any municipal (city) or county
ordinance
Penalty of Municipal/County Ordinance Violation Civil penalty of up to $500 or imprisonment of up to 60 days, or both
(Civil/Criminal)
BOLO An acronym that stands for BE ON THE LOOK OUT.
Consensual Encounter When an officer comes into voluntary contact with a citizen under circumstances in
which a reasonable person would feel free to disregard the police and go about their
business
Fellow Officer Rule A rule that involves relying on a collective knowledge of other officers in taking law
enforcement action
Investigative Stop (Terry Stop) A stop that may be made only if an officer has reasonable suspicion that the person
stopped was committing, is committing, or is about to commit a law violation, A.K.A.
TERRY STOP
3/7/2026, 1:10:13 AM
Values are principles, standards, or qualities considered worthwhile or desirable.
Personal values are an individual's convictions about what is right and wrong, based on religious beliefs,
cultural roots, family background, personal experiences, laws, organizational values,
professional norms, and political habits.
Ethics is a standard of conduct based on moral duties and virtues that are derived from the
principles of right and wrong.
Ethical principles are rules of conduct derived from ethical values.
Ethical behavior is principled, value-based decision making, practiced daily.
Bribery is defined in s. 838.015, F.S., corruptly to give, offer, or promise to any public servant, or, if a public servant, corruptly
to request, solicit, accept, or agree to accept for himself or herself or another, any
pecuniary or other benefit not authorized by law with an intent or purpose to influence
the performance of any act or omission which the person believes to be, or the public
servant represents as being, within the official discretion of a public servant, in violation
of a public duty, or in performance of a public duty.
Perjury may be defined as a false statement that a person makes under oath but does not believe
to be true.
Gratuity is anything of value intended to benefit the giver more than the receiver; it is something
given to a person because of that person's position or authority.
Professionalism is behavior that demonstrates good character and is marked by pride in self and career.
Examples of these characteristics include service, integrity, respect, quality, fairness,
honesty, courage, compassion, moral/ethical leadership, trustworthiness, and common
sense.
Stereotyping is a fixed and unvarying idea or opinion of a person, group, or subject.
Bias or prejudice is a strong belief or feeling about a person, group, or subject, whether positive or
negative, that is formed without reviewing all available facts or information.
Discrimination is the negative behavior toward a person or group that is based on color, race, sex, age,
religion, ethnic and national origin, handicap, and/or marital status.
Perception is the impression in a person's mind of an individual, a group of people, or events based
on experiences, biases, beliefs, assumptions, and observations.
Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or
physical conduct of a sexual nature.
Quid pro quo "something for something in return."
3/7/2026, 1:10:13 AM
, (Florida FDLE Law Enforcement Academy - State Exam Test Review: 2026-2027)
Hostile work environment an office culture where lewd jokes or other offensive habits are acceptable.
Criminal justice refers to the structure, functions, and decision-making processes of those agencies that
deal with the management and control of crime and criminal offenders.
3 main components of the Criminal Justice system The three main components of the criminal justice system are law enforcement, the court
system, and corrections.
Law enforcement is responsible for the enforcement of and maintaining civil order.
The court system is responsible for the interpretation of laws.
Corrections is responsible for enforcing punishment as defined by the court system.
Four levels of law enforcement agencies within the United local or municipal, county, state, and federal
States:
Jurisdiction means the types of cases in which the court can make decisions.
Courts of Appeal: these courts make decisions on appeals from lower federal courts, which are subject to
review in the U.S. Supreme Court.
Supreme Court of the United States: hears appeals from the decisions of lower federal courts and state supreme courts, and it
resolves issues of constitutional and federal law. It stands as the ultimate authority in
constitutional interpretation, and its decisions can be changed only by a constitutional
amendment.
Judge is authorized to preside over the courtroom and to decide questions of law brought before
the court.
Prosecutor is responsible for presenting the government's case.
Defense Attorney is responsible for representing the defendant's case.
Probation is a sentence placing a person under the supervision of a probation officer for a specified
length of time instead of confinement.
Parole is the release of an inmate from a correctional institution prior to the conclusion of the
inmate's court-imposed sentence.
Community control (house arrest) is a form of closely monitored community supervision and is more restrictive than
probation or parole.
3/7/2026, 1:10:13 AM
, (Florida FDLE Law Enforcement Academy - State Exam Test Review: 2026-2027)
Chain of command is the order of authority within an organization. It provides the links of authority and
responsibility that join one level of an organization to another.
Insubordination The failure to follow orders from superiors in the chain of command
Vertical communication is a term for information from the chief executive officer that flows down through the
supervision levels to the lowest levels of the organization. The information that flows
from the lowest levels to the highest is equally important.
Lateral communication is that which travels across a level of the organization to employees on the same level
within the chain of command. Sometimes, information must be processed at all levels
and then channeled to the individual or individuals responsible for accomplishing a
specific objective.
Delegation of Authority granting of power by the person with authority to another person
Administrative Law The body of law that allows for the creation of public regulatory agencies
Case Law The body of law that is formed by the decisions of the court system
Civil Law The area of the law that pertains to the legal action that a person takes to resolve a private
dispute with another person
Constitutional Law The standards set forth in the Constitution and court decisions or interpretations of the
Constitution handed down by the U.S. District and Supreme Courts; identifies the powers
and limitations of each branch of the U.S. government (Checks & Balances)
Criminal Law The part of statutory law that defines unacceptable behaviors in government prosecution
of those who commit them
Ordinance A statute enacted by a municipal (city) or county government and which applies only
within the jurisdiction of the government entity which created it, maybe criminal or civil
Statutory Law The written laws enacted by Congress, State Legislators, or local governing authorities in
response to a perceived need.
Bill of Rights The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution
Due Process Clause The part of the 14th Amendment that expands the restrictions the Bill of Rights places on
the Federal Government to state and local governments and states, "No state shall make
or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges and immunities of citizens of the
United States; Nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without
due process of law; nor deny any person within its jurisdictions of the equal protection of
the laws."
Felony A criminal offense committed within the state in which the maximum penalty is death or
incarceration in a state correctional facility for MORE THAN ONE YEAR
3/7/2026, 1:10:13 AM
, (Florida FDLE Law Enforcement Academy - State Exam Test Review: 2026-2027)
Misdemeanor Any criminal offense that is punishable by a term of imprisonment in a county
correctional facility NOT IN EXCESS OF ONE YEAR
Noncriminal Violation An offense, also known as a civil infraction, for which the only penalty may be a fine,
forfeiture, or other civil penalty.
Offense a criminal or noncriminal act punishable by law
Capital Felony Death or life imprisonment in a state correctional facility without possible parole
Life Felony Life imprisonment, $15,000.00 fine, or both
Felony 1st Degree 30 years and, in some cases, life imprisonment, $10,000 fine, or both
Felony 2nd Degree 15 years imprisonment, $10,000 fine, or both
Felony 3rd Degree 5 years imprisonment, $5,000 fine, or both
Misdemeanor 1st Degree Imprisonment in a county correctional facility for up to one year, $1,000 fine, or both
Misdemeanor 2nd Degree Imprisonment up to 60 days, $500 fine, or both
Penalty of Noncriminal Offense/Civil Violation $500 fine, forfeiture, or other civil penalties. According to s. 775.08(3), F.S., noncriminal
(Infraction/Violation) shall not mean any conviction for any violation of any municipal (city) or county
ordinance
Penalty of Municipal/County Ordinance Violation Civil penalty of up to $500 or imprisonment of up to 60 days, or both
(Civil/Criminal)
BOLO An acronym that stands for BE ON THE LOOK OUT.
Consensual Encounter When an officer comes into voluntary contact with a citizen under circumstances in
which a reasonable person would feel free to disregard the police and go about their
business
Fellow Officer Rule A rule that involves relying on a collective knowledge of other officers in taking law
enforcement action
Investigative Stop (Terry Stop) A stop that may be made only if an officer has reasonable suspicion that the person
stopped was committing, is committing, or is about to commit a law violation, A.K.A.
TERRY STOP
3/7/2026, 1:10:13 AM
