NCJ Number
14081
Journal
Case and Comment Volume: 79 Issue: 3 Dated: (MAY-JUNE 1974) Pages: 50-53
Date Published
1974
Length
4 pages
Annotation
CREATION OF A NEW ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF POSITION FOR A LICENSED ATTORNEY AT THE LOCAL PRECINCT LEVEL WILL PROVIDE IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE EXPERT ADVICE, A RESIDENT LEGAL TRAINING INSTRUCTOR, AND LIAISON WITH THE PUBLIC.
Abstract
LACK OF UNDERSTANDING, ACCOMPANIED BY INADEQUATE POLICE TRAINING IN EVIDENCE ACQUISITION AND PROBABLE CAUSE OFTEN RESULTS IN TAINTING THE ENTIRE ACCUSATORY PROCEDURE. SUBSEQUENT VIOLATIONS OF CIVIL LIBERTIES PRECIPITATE ATTACKS ON THE POLICE FROM SOME SEGMENTS OF THE COMMUNITY. LATER WHEN FORMAL ACCUSATORY PROCEEDINGS ARE COMMENCED ON WHAT MAY BE DESCRIBED AS AN IMPERFECT OR OVERZEALOUS INVESTIGATION, A WELL-VERSED DEFENSE ATTORNEY INVOKES THE EXCLUSIONARY RULE, AND PROSECUTION IS TERMINATED, OR AT LEAST SEVERELY CRIPPLED. ALL TO OFTEN IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS, THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY IS LEFT WITH NOTHING MORE THAN A MASSIVE PUBLIC RELATIONS PROBLEM TO SHOW FOR ITS EFFORTS. THE POLICE LEGAL ADVISOR CAN HELP REMEDY THESE SITUATIONS BY MAKING HIS EXPERTISE AND COMMUNITY CONTACTS AVAILABLE TO HIS DEPARTMENT. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)