NCJ Number
160128
Date Published
1996
Length
214 pages
Annotation
Designed for use by police officers who are seeking and preparing evidence for use in court as well as for police training programs, this volume explains the common constitutional questions that confront police officers and discusses the legal standards relating to detention, arrest, search and seizure, questioning suspects, and pretrial identification procedures.
Abstract
An introductory chapter explains the results of failure to comply with constitutional mandates; these include civil liabilities; civil rights actions; liability of supervisors, administrators, and police agencies; and inadmissibility of evidence. The next chapter explains police power and its limitations, with emphasis on the due process clause and the protection of rights via State constitutions and laws. Each of the subsequent chapters focuses on a specific police activity such as detention and arrest. For each topic, the chapter outlines general considerations, summarizes applicable legislation and judicial decisions, and explains the legal standards relating to a variety of specific actions under the general topic. Footnotes, index, and appended text of the Bill of Rights and 14th Amendment