Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) RADIO Practice Exam

Which term describes an unlawful activity involving a person in a residential area who is trying to enter without permission?

1. Prowler

2. Person Acting Suspiciously

3. Found Adult/Juvenile

4. Illegal Peddling

The correct answer is: Prowler

A prowler is specifically defined as an individual who lurks or wanders about with the intent to commit an unlawful act, typically with the purpose of entering a residential property without the owner's consent. This term encompasses behaviors such as suspicious movement or attempts to access homes, which is perceived as a violation of personal space and privacy in a residential area. The context of the question emphasizes an unlawful intrusion, making "prowler" the most accurate term to describe such an activity focused on residential zones. In contrast, the other terms do not capture the legal implications of unlawfully attempting to enter a property. "Person acting suspiciously" is too vague and does not specifically denote the intent or unlawful nature associated with entering a residence. "Found adult/juvenile" typically refers to individuals discovered in an area without a specified context of their activities, and "illegal peddling" pertains to selling goods without permission, which is unrelated to the unauthorized entering of residential properties. Thus, "prowler" correctly conveys the essence of the unlawful activity in question.