In Prado Navarette v. California[1], the United States Supreme Court held that an anonymous 911 call (alleging specific reckless driving behavior), which resulted in the caller’s car being run off the road, gave officers reasonable suspicion of drunk driving. This, […]
Does an Anonymous Call Give Reasonable Suspicion of DUI Continue Reading »
Last week, the United States Supreme issued a decision in Fernandez v. California[1] clarifying an earlier decision in Georgia v. Randolph, 547 U.S. 103 (2006), which held that when multiple individuals reside at a premises, if a physically present individual
Fernandez v. California: Removal of an Objector During a Consent Search Continue Reading »
Written By: Chief Thomas Grimaldi, Bristol Police Department, Bristol, CT Every police department, at one time or another has had its low points. Some, more serious and more infamous than others. One only needs to look back into history books
When you joined the department as a new officer your first taste of supervision was through the Sergeant. Most of us look at the Sergeant and say “that’s a good job.” If your experience is like mine I remember the
Your Department Is Only as Strong as Your Weakest Supervisor Continue Reading »
The United States Supreme Court released a decision on November 4, 2013 pertaining to the constitutionality of a police officer’s warrantless pursuit of a suspect into a home based on probable cause of the commission of a misdemeanor crime.[1] A
For the purpose of providing guidance to Law Enforcement our firm is dedicated to spotting emerging trends and staying abreast of developing law as advances in the technological world merge with law enforcement practices. Back in 2012, we first started
Private Emails Are Not So Private for Government Employees Continue Reading »
Attorney Ken Wallentine Four years ago, in Arizona v. Gant, 556 U.S. 332 (2009), the Supreme Court took a sharp turn in the law of search incident to arrest. The Court stepped back toward the two justifications for the search
Courts Limit Cell Phone Searches Incident to Arrest Continue Reading »
Attorney Karen J. Kruger The United States Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of the State of Maryland in its opinion in Maryland v. King, a case that evaluated the constitutionality of the taking of a DNA sample from a
On May 13, 2013, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit came down with a favorable opinion for law enforcement involved in a fatal “officer involved shooting” incident. The Court’s opinion is well thought out and analyzes
Officer Involved Shootings – How Are Courts Analyzing the Use of Deadly Force? Continue Reading »
In the past months, two different courts released decisions analyzing an officer’s use of an electronic control weapon in the context of the 4th Amendment and allegations of excessive force. Both of these decisions give insight into the manner in
Florida v. Harris On February 19, 2013, the United States Supreme Court came down with its second decision issued on the same day involving the procedures and practices of law enforcement. This decision, however, is definitely one for the law
Supreme Court Supports Use of Canines as Sufficient Probable Cause Continue Reading »
Let’s face it, police officers do not like to be recorded, especially when performing their official duties in the public arena. The fact is that officers are being recorded daily now that the general public carries recording devices in their
Glik v. Cunniffe – Videotaping Police Officers Continue Reading »
