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

What offense has Kelsey committed by sending nude pictures to 15-year-old Jake?

1. Indecent exposure

2. Grooming

3. Child pornography

4. Solicitation

The correct answer is: Grooming

In the context of this scenario, the most fitting offense Kelsey may have committed is categorized as grooming. Grooming refers to the process in which an adult builds a relationship with a minor to manipulate, exploit, or abuse them. By sending nude pictures to a minor, Kelsey is engaging in behavior that aims to desensitize Jake and potentially set the stage for further inappropriate or exploitative interactions. This conduct is considered grooming because it involves the adult taking steps to establish trust and intimacy with a minor, often with the intention of sexual exploitation. Other choices, while they may involve different aspects of inappropriate conduct, do not fully encapsulate the nature of Kelsey's actions. Indecent exposure typically pertains to the public display of nudity in a way that offends others, while child pornography specifically involves the production, distribution, or possession of explicit sexual material involving minors. Solicitation refers to enticing or requesting someone to engage in illegal activities, which isn’t the central issue here since Kelsey is actively sending explicit material to a minor rather than seeking something in return. Therefore, grooming accurately identifies the manipulative and exploitative nature of Kelsey’s actions in this situation.