The Corner Pod S1 E4: Search and Seizure - Warrantless Searches of Vehicles Based on Probable Cause

Unlike attorneys, police officers do not have the luxury of sitting in an office mulling over law books to decide how to proceed. Officers often must make split-second decisions; thus, effective police work hinges on the immediate and correct application of search and seizure law. In fact, officers must have a better understanding of the Fourth Amendment, and the judicial system’s (federal and state) interpretation of the Fourth Amendment (based on court decisions) than attorneys. The purpose of these podcast episodes is to provide officers with up-to-date information concerning search and seizure case law. These episodes analyze “real life’’ situations that officers confront daily, explore current and past federal and state court rulings (case law), and discuss the impact these rulings have on how officers perform their duties. The episodes will provide officers with a clear understanding of what they can and cannot do, with the goals of keeping officers proactive, productive, safe, and out of legal dilemmas.

Eric Stewart is not an attorney and makes no claim to be an attorney. Eric developed these scenarios based on his 38-yearlaw enforcement career, his professional application of the Fourth Amendment (based on case law) in the field as a law enforcement officer, and his extensive study of case law pertaining to search and seizure.

Eric developed and am providing this presentation for information only. Eric makes no claim that my interpretations and perceptions of case law provided in the answers to the scenarios are correct in any or all circumstances. All government agents and any other person gathering information from this presentation should consult their respective law enforcement agencies, City Attorney's Office, District Attorney's Office, State Attorney General's Office, or United States Attorney's Office for their interpretation and application of this information.