NCJ Number
77796
Date Published
Unknown
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This inservice film for law enforcement officers uses a question-and-answer session and brief filmed action sequences to illustrate the issues arising from the officer's right to arrest.
Abstract
Capt. William J. Hogan of the Boston Police Academy outlines the five bases for the officer's right to arrest including seeing the commission of a felony and having a reasonable suspicion that a felony has been committed; the constitutional basis for the citizen's right of protection against unreasonable search and seizure; and the conditions for conducting a search (i.e., a search must be made after, incidental to, and contemporaneous to the arrest). Reasons for exceptions to these searches are also given: to prevent harm to the officer, to preserve evidence, and to detect the suspect's means of escape. The proper objects of a search are also discussed including contraband, instrumentalities used for commission of a crime, and the fruits of a crime such as stolen goods. The seizure of evidence both related and unrelated to the crime is also covered in the film. A panel of three police officers conducts the feedback portion of the film which covers such topics as laws both within Massachusetts and in the 6-State New England area, the right of citizens to make arrests, and the use of the search warrant.