NCJ Number
123810
Journal
Prosecutor Volume: 23 Issue: 4 Dated: (Spring 1990) Pages: 12-14
Date Published
1990
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Police officers must be able to justify their actions with words in court, and prosecutors must make an effort to educate police officers on what is expected of them in court and what critical legal issues judges listen for in determining the admissibility of evidence.
Abstract
Prosecutors must realize the tools of police officers are guns and handcuffs. Therefore, they must help police officers convert their thoughts from a crime scene to proper testimony. The case of Terry v. State of Ohio provides the basis for investigatory stops and searches. It holds that to stop a suspect, police officers must have reasonable suspicion that criminal activity is taking place. Because police officers generally testify in court months after the arrest was made, a "Terry Checklist" is provided to help them remember factors in their decision to stop and search a suspect. Most police officers make proper arrests, and the checklist should help them communicate their reasons for doing so.