Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

What charge would be appropriate if someone pokes a hole in a fire truck hose?

1. Criminal Negligence

2. Criminal Damage to Property

3. Disorderly Conduct

4. Public Mischief

The correct answer is: Criminal Damage to Property

The appropriate charge for poking a hole in a fire truck hose is Criminal Damage to Property. This charge is relevant because it specifically addresses the unlawful destruction or alteration of someone else's property. In this case, the fire truck hose is owned by a public entity and is essential for firefighting operations. By intentionally damaging the hose, the individual not only creates a financial burden for the responsible agency in terms of repair or replacement costs but also jeopardizes public safety by potentially hindering firefighting efforts. The act of damaging public property, particularly something related to emergency services, is viewed quite seriously under the law because it impacts not only the asset itself but the broader community's safety and well-being. Other charges, such as Criminal Negligence, would require a failure to act with reasonable care leading to damage, whereas Disorderly Conduct typically involves behavior that disrupts peace or safety but does not involve property damage. Public Mischief, while it may pertain to causing harm or inconvenience, doesn’t specifically cover the aspect of damage to another's property like this situation does. Thus, Criminal Damage to Property is distinctly the most fitting charge in this scenario.