NCJ Number
65989
Date Published
1979
Length
6 pages
Annotation
INFORMATION IS PROVIDED FOR PATROL OFFICERS ASSIGNED TO AID NARCOTICS INVESTIGATORS IN SEARCHING PREMISES AND VEHICLES FOR ILLICIT DRUGS.
Abstract
THE SEARCH OF A DWELLING OR VEHICLE FOR ILLEGAL DRUGS IS USUALLY A METHODICAL PROBE THAT REQUIRES PLANNING AND PREPARATION AS WELL AS A VALID SEARCH WARRANT. PATROL OFFICERS ASSIGNED TO A DRUG SEARCH CAN CONTRIBUTE SIGNIFICANTLY WHEN THEY ARE FAMILIAR WITH SUCH OPERATIONS. REASONS FOR OBTAINING A SEARCH WARRANT ARE DELINEATED, AND PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW IF AN ARREST WITHOUT A SEARCH WARRANT IS MADE IN A BUILDING ARE OUTLINED. WARRANTS PREPARED TO UNCOVER ILLICIT DRUGS FREQUENTLY USE THE TERMS NARCOTICS AND NARCOTICS PARAPHERNALIA. THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ITEMS MAY BE SEIZED DURING THE SEARCH: CONTRABAND, FRUITS OF A CRIME, INSTRUMENTALITIES, AND EVIDENCE. MOST VEHICLE SEARCHES ARE CONNECTED WITH AND MADE AT THE SCENE OF A CUSTODIAL ARREST. WHEN AN ARRESTING OFFICER HAS PROBABLE CAUSE TO BELIEVE THAT A VEHICLE CONTAINS WEAPONS, CONTRABAND, EVIDENCE, OR FRUITS OR INSTRUMENTALITIES OF A SUSPECTED CRIME, THE OFFICER MAY SEARCH ALL PORTIONS OF A VEHICLE. THE STANDARD OF PROBABLE CAUSE FOR THIS WARRANTLESS SEARCH OF LOCKED PORTIONS OF A VEHICLE IS THE SAME STANDARD REQUIRED FOR A SEARCH BY WARRANT. FUNCTIONS OF EACH PERSON ASSIGNED TO HELP IN A DWELLING AND AN AUTOMOBILE SEARCH ARE EXPLAINED IN DETAIL. FOOTNOTES AND A BRIEF QUIZ ARE INCLUDED. (PRG)