April 2015

Close Call Reporting: Why it’s Important for Officer Safety

Close Call reporting not only prevents injury, but can maintain a climate of safety, give law enforcement an open forum to discuss concerns, and raise awareness of issues affecting safety.

Search & Seizure of Vehicles (Mistakes of Law and Investigatory Stops): Heien v. North Carolina

As a peace officer, you’re expected to know the law of your jurisdiction, but laws are not always clear. They can be confusing and contradictory. When that happens, peace officers try to make reasonable interpretations of what the law means.

Proper Protocol (Search Warrants & State Databases): State of Ohio v. Myers

Question: Do you need a warrant to search a State database? Quick Answer: A warrant is not needed if the statute or code provides a method of access for law enforcement and you comply with those requirements. 

Search & Seizure (Preemptive Seizure of Property Without Search Warrant): State of Ohio v. Welch

The most important thing that occurred in this case was that the officers obtained a warrant, in a reasonable time period after seizure, before accessing the evidence. It may have been a different ruling by the court if the property had been searched prior to obtaining the warrant.