Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) may have only come into the common lexicon in the last few years, but they are rapidly becoming a major concern for the public and law enforcement. Previously, the idea of drones was left to science-fiction movies, but the potential uses of a drone have expanded well beyond the mysterious as released military videos have proven the … [Read more...]
Speed, Surprise, and Violence of Action – Part I
Ever heard the saying, "SPEED, SURPRISE AND VIOLENCE OF ACTION"? If you've been in American law enforcement for more than a couple of years there's a good chance you've heard this concept at least once. The terminology has been widely used within American law enforcement SWAT Teams for decades, and in some cases has spread out to patrol and other police units. … [Read more...]
The Open Carry Dilemma – Part II
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is part 2 of a 2-part series on the increasingly difficult phenomenon of open carry by law-abiding citizens. In Part I the laws and actions of lawful gun owners in general opened the discussion into a hotly debated arena of gun ownership today. Part II will look at the legal responsibilities of law enforcement, and provide suggestions to law … [Read more...]
The Open Carry Dilemma – Part I
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is Part I of a 2-part series on the complicated issue of open carry of firearms. In Part I the laws and actions of lawful gun owners in general will open the discussion into a hotly debated arena of gun ownership today. Part II will look at the legal responsibilities of law enforcement, and provide suggestions to law enforcement's … [Read more...]
Ryburn v. Huff: Threat of Violence and Warrantless Entry into a Home
The following is not legal advice. It was written some time ago and laws may have changed. Reach out to your department's legal team for accurate and up to date information. In Ryburn v. Huff, 132 S.Ct. 987 (2012), the Court held that, based on the existing state of the law, a reasonable police officer may conclude that the Fourth Amendment permits an officer “to enter a … [Read more...]
Appeals Court Rejects Qualified Immunity in K9 Dog Bite Case
The U. S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit considered an appeal in the Florida case of Edwards vs. Shanley and Lovette (11-11512) that involves the question of whether officers are granted qualified immunity when a Police K9 bites a suspect for five to seven minutes during an arrest. In this incident, Orlando Police Ofc. Justin Lovette initiated a traffic stop on a … [Read more...]
Kentucky v. King: Supreme Court on Exigent Circumstances
Note: The information provided here is from a former police officer and is not legal advice. You should not rely on anything here to make any cases. Contact your department's legal representative for legal advice. On May 16, 2011, the United States Supreme Court officially ruled on an exigent circumstances case brought forth in Kentucky v. King. The Court held that, “The … [Read more...]