NCJ Number
140250
Journal
Crime to Court: Police Officer's Handbook Dated: (January 1993) complete issue
Date Published
1993
Length
29 pages
Annotation
This document presents a case study on the use of helicopters in drug law enforcement and fourth amendment issues raised.
Abstract
The case reviewed is "United States v. Seidel," which was tried in the Southern District Court of Florida. Police in Broward County used helicopter surveillance to spot a field of marijuana growing on private property. The document outlines the steps taken by local police officials in the case and summarizes the legal issues involved. Relevant case law is then reviewed, and issues in the present case were examined within this context. Disposition of the case, and its significance for police officers, is then discussed. The document concludes with a brief overview of appropriate police action with regard to hazardous material, including identifying such material, securing the area, and personal safety.