The presentation points out under which circumstances difficult operations give rise to considerations relating to the public and constitutional laws of West Germany and when these considerations can become relevant to police work in practice. The problems exemplified include the permissible extent of police officer initiative in the absence of specific orders, search and seizure warrant requirements, use of force, failure to take action in a crisis, and evaluation of priorities in crisis situations. Each issue is raised in terms of the stipulations and intent of the relevant law and the train of thought by which an officer should proceed to determine legal limitations and action alternatives. An outline of the material covered and 34 references are given. (Author abstract modified)