NCJ Number
112659
Date Published
1988
Length
75 pages
Annotation
A specially produced videotape depicting frequently encountered police line duty situations pertaining to warrantless searches was used to test police officers' knowledge of search and seizure law.
Abstract
To have a basis for comparing and interpreting the police test scores, comparison groups of judges, prosecutors, police trainees, and students were similarly tested. In 52 randomly selected cities in States with search and seizure law no more restrictive than applicable U.S. Supreme Court decisions, 478 line uniformed officers were randomly selected for testing. Questions pertinent to search and seizure law were included on the videotape. Although the officers and departments involved in the testing reported training in search and seizure law, apparently this training has not been effective in providing a minimal working knowledge of such law to a substantial percentage of line uniformed officers. To remedy this knowledge gap, this report offers recommendations for police training standards agencies, police departments, police attorneys, district attorneys, appellate courts, and legislative bodies. 29 figures, 31-term bibliography, appended study questionnaires and supplementary information. (Author summary modified)