What is Entrapment?
This questions comes from an officer in Nebraska, and the topic is: What is entrapment? Let’s break it down. Entrapment occurs when law enforcement officers engage in behavior so extreme and over-the-top that they essentially harass someone into committing a crime. However, simply giving someone an opportunity to commit a crime is not entrapment. Courts […]
Can Police Conduct Knock and Talks at Odd Hours of the Night?
Hi, everyone! Today’s question comes from an officer in Texas who wants clarification on knock and talks. Specifically, the question is: Can you conduct a knock and talk at odd hours, such as late at night? The short answer is yes, but only if you have a reason to believe the occupant would be receptive […]
Can Cops Enter Home to Arrest Husband for Domestic When He Says You Cant Come In?
Hello, everyone! Today’s question comes from an officer in Iowa: Can you enter an apartment to arrest a husband for domestic violence if the wife is outside the apartment and the husband refuses to let you in? The officer mentioned familiarity with two key cases: Georgia v. Randolph – This case involves a situation where […]
What Factors Can Help to Justify a Vehicle Frisk for Weapons?
Today’s question comes from an officer in Las Vegas: What factors can justify frisking a vehicle for weapons? This is an important question. We’re all familiar with Terry v. Ohio, which allows officers to frisk individuals if they can articulate that the person is armed and dangerous. This standard, while not very high, requires specific, […]
What Is Leosa?
What is LEOSA for Active and Retired Law Enforcement Officers? Today’s topic might run a bit longer than usual, but if you’re a police officer or retired officer, this is information you’ll want to know. What is LEOSA? LEOSA stands for the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act, also known as HR 218. It was signed […]
If the Driver Refuses to Roll Down Window, Can Cops Break It?
All right, can an officer break a window to remove a non-compliant driver? This question comes from an officer in Indiana. First, I want to apologize to this officer. This question was submitted a while ago, and unfortunately, it slipped through the cracks. That’s on me, and I appreciate your patience. I always strive to […]
Can You Order Someone to Roll-Down Their Window During a Traffic Stop?
Can an officer order a driver to roll down their windows during a traffic stop? This comes from an officer in Arizona, where it’s common for vehicles to have dark tinted windows, making it difficult to see inside. As the cover officer, are drivers required to roll down their windows? Since not being able to […]
Can Officer Compel Rolling Up Windows for Window Tint Inspection?
This question comes from someone in Texas. To be honest, I’m not sure whether it’s from an officer or a citizen, but that’s okay. Here’s the scenario: An officer pulls over a car for suspected illegal window tint. The driver rolls down all the windows before the officer even reaches the vehicle. Can the officer […]
Is Chocking Open the Door During Knock and Talk a Search or Seizure?
I wanted to share a question that a student asked in class. I think this is an important topic, so I hope you find it valuable. The question was whether officers conducting a knock-and-talk may place their foot in the front door to prevent it from closing while talking to the occupant, without implicating the […]
Can Police Search a Shoplifters Purse for Evidence Without a Formal Arrest?
This question comes from an officer in Colorado: “Can police search a shoplifting suspect’s purse for evidence without making an arrest?” The answer is yes—not just in Colorado, but likely in most jurisdictions. Let’s break it down. General Rule: If you have probable cause that someone has committed a crime, you can search them for […]
Major Case!!! Caniglia v. Strom – Community Caretaking and Red Flag Laws
All right, everyone, let’s talk about Caniglia v. Strom, decided by the U.S. Supreme Court on May 17, 2021. I’ve been discussing this case for months now, and my students frequently ask for my opinion on it. Let me share some background and explain why this is such an important case on two major fronts: […]
Conducting Warrantless Vehicle Searches
Today, I’m going to teach you the four essential elements you need before conducting a warrantless vehicle search. Element 1: Probable Cause This might seem obvious, but you must have probable cause to believe the vehicle contains contraband or evidence of a crime. Without this foundation, you cannot proceed with the search. Element 2: Lawful […]
Can Police Demand ID During Consensual Encounter?
Can You Demand ID During a Consensual Encounter? This question comes from Trevor, who’s from Canada. Trevor says, “I’m not a law enforcement officer, but I’ve fallen down a rabbit hole and have been binge-watching your videos all week.” That’s awesome, Trevor—sounds like there’s not much going on in Canada, huh? Trevor continues: “I’ve seen […]
Is a Cell Phone Ping Enough PC for a Warrant?
Can a Find My iPhone ping provide probable cause for a search warrant? The officer asks: “We’ve had an influx of stolen or lost phones, and the owners are asking for our help in retrieving them. It’s been our practice to go to the residence where the phone is pinging, do a knock-and-talk, and if […]
Can a Driveway Traffic Stop Allow a K9 Sniff?
If a person pulls into their driveway during a traffic stop, would that allow you to conduct a canine sniff? Let’s dive in. Why Is This an Issue? This question is relevant because of Collins v. Virginia. In Collins, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the motor vehicle exception does not apply when a vehicle […]