NCJ Number
84506
Date Published
1982
Length
207 pages
Annotation
This guidebook presents general principles of constitutional law, with examples, that apply to crime prevention activities and criminal investigation.
Abstract
Police officers should regard compliance with these principles as a standard of professional competence; understanding them will help officers act correctly when faced with unusual or uncertain circumstances in the course of criminal investigations. The arrangement of principles follows the normal course of police actions, beginning with authority to arrest, stop, or detain a person and the use of force. Subsequent topics include interference with the movement of a motor vehicle, search and seizure, electronic or surreptitious surveillance, booking and investigation at the police station, lineups, and questioning of suspects. A separate chapter discusses arguments for and against the exclusionary rule. Excerpts or summaries of case law illustrate the impact of rules in concrete situations. Suggestions for keeping records of an investigation and appearing as a witness are provided. Study problems and discussion questions complete each chapter. Illustrations, sample forms, and an index are provided.