Four Law Enforcement Terms That Every Legal Secretary Should Know

Legal terminology, and its use, is a huge part of the job role of a legal secretary. Whether it’s doing research, writing briefs, typing up notes, or arranging case files, understanding what these specific terms mean is hugely important.

So, if you’re considering a career as a legal secretary, or thinking of joining our Legal Assistant School, here are four common, but complicated, terms related to law enforcement that you’ll need to know.

4 Law Enforcement Terms That Every Legal Secretary Should Know

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a molecule that contains the biological instructions that make each species unique. DNA, along with the instructions it contains, is passed from adult organisms to their offspring during reproduction.

In a law enforcement context, DNA is a unique signifier that can be identified as part of the biological evidence collected as part of a criminal investigation and connected to an individual with a very low probability of error.

The Combined DNA Index System (CODIS)

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) maintains its own DNA database, called CODIS. The database itself is split into three sections. Local DNA Index Systems, where DNA profiles are located; State DNA Index Systems, for labs within states to share information; and National DNA Index System, where states are able to compare DNA information. 

Despite what you might have seen on your favorite crime-solving show. CODIS doesn’t match DNA profiles to specific individuals. Instead, it matches DNA to samples from certain labs. If a match is found law enforcement reaches out to the lab in question and asks for the information related to the sample.

A Geo-Fence Warrant

A Geo-fence warrant, also known as a geofence warrant, is a search warrant issued by a court to allow law enforcement to search a database to find all active mobile devices within a particular geo-fence area. 

Courts have granted law enforcement geofence warrants to obtain information from databases such as Google’s Sensorvault which collects users’ historical geo-location data via GPS records.

Scanning, Analysis, Response, and Assessment (SARA)

SARA is the acronym for Scanning, Analysis, Response, and Assessment. It is essentially a rational method used by law enforcement to systematically identify and analyze problems, develop specific responses to individual problems, and subsequently assess whether the response has been successful.

Read More: Top 10 Reasons To Become A Legal Assistant

Choosing Your New Career Path

Gaining a qualification from our Criminal Justice School puts you in an excellent position to access a variety of employment opportunities as you look for one that suits your skills and interests. 

At Northwest Career College, our Criminal Justice instructors include licensed, practicing attorneys and degree instructors able to teach, not only the law but also to guide our students in the many ways a criminal justice graduate integrates into a Las Vegas legal profession.

As part of our Criminal Justice Program, you’ll visit courts, jails, meditation centers, and more to experience first-hand the law in action, which will make your criminal justice training applicable to the Las Vegas legal system. 

Northwest offers a flexible blended program with all criminal justice classes Las Vegas law classes taught on campus by an attorney and general education courses offered online. Our experienced instructors are on-campus to review and support your learning experience at all times. 

Call us at (702) 403-1592 to speak to one of our enrollment team about joining our Criminal Justice Program today!