Workbook PDF

CALIFORNIA COMMISSION ON PEACE OFFICER STANDARDS AND TRAINING
Basic Course
Workbook Series
Student Materials
Learning Domain 15
Laws of Arrest
Version 4.6
THE MISSION OF THE CALIFORNIA COMMISSION ON PEACE OFFICER STANDARDS AND TRAINING IS TO CONTINUALLY
ENHANCE THE PROFESSIONALISM OF CALIFORNIA LAW ENFORCEMENT IN SERVING ITS COMMUNITIES
Basic Course Workbook Series

Student Materials
Learning Domain 15
Laws of Arrest
Version 4.6
Copyright 2008
California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)
All rights reserved.
Published1998
Revised August 2001
Revised January 2006
Revised July 2008
Correction August 2012
This publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, in any form or by any means
electronic or mechanical or by any information storage and retrieval system now known or
hereafter invented, without prior written permission of the California Commission on Peace
Officer Standards and Training, with the following exception:
California law enforcement or dispatch agencies in the POST program, POST-certified
training presenters, and presenters and students of the California basic course instructional
system are allowed to copy this publication for non-commercial use.
All other individuals, private businesses and corporations, public and private agencies and
colleges, professional associations, and non-POST law enforcement agencies in-state or out-ofstate may purchase copies of this publication, at cost, from POST as listed below:
From POSTs Web Site:

www.post.ca.gov
Go to Ordering Student Workbooks
POST COMMISSIONERS
Lai Lai Bui, Chair
Sergeant
Sacramento Police Department
Walter Allen
Council Member
City of Covina
Thomas Anderson
Public Member
Robert Cooke
Special Agent in Charge

CA Department of Justice
Sandra Hutchens
Sheriff
Orange County
Peter Kurylowicz
Deputy Sheriff
Riverside County
Ron Lowenberg
Dean/Director
Criminal Justice Training Center
Golden West College
Jim McDonnell
Chief
Long Beach Police Department
John McGinness
Sheriff (Retired)
Sacramento County
J. Paul Parker
Sheriff
Sutter County
Michael Ramos
District Attorney
San Bernardino County
Michael Sobek
Sergeant
San Leandro Police Department
Larry Wallace
Representing Kamala Harris
Attorney General
Ex-Officio Member
Director of Division of Law

Enforcement
THE ACADEMY TRAINING MISSION

The primary mission of basic training is to prepare students mentally, morally, and physically to
advance into a field training program, assume the responsibilities, and execute the duties of a
peace officer in society.
FOREWORD
The California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training sincerely appreciates the
efforts of the many curriculum consultants, academy instructors, directors and coordinators who
contributed to the development of this workbook. The Commission extends its thanks to
California law enforcement agency executives who offered personnel to participate in the
development of these training materials.
This student workbook is part of the POST Basic Course Training System. The workbook
component of this system provides a self-study document for every learning domain in the Basic
Course. Each workbook is intended to be a supplement to, not a substitute for, classroom
instruction. The objective of the system is to improve academy student learning and information
retention.
The content of each workbook is organized into sequenced learning modules to meet
requirements as prescribed both by California law and the POST Training and Testing
Specifications for the Basic Course.
It is our hope that the collective wisdom and experience of all who contributed to this workbook
will help you, the student, to successfully complete the Basic Course and to enjoy a safe and
rewarding career as a peace officer serving the communities of California.
PAUL CAPPITELLI
Executive Director
LD 15: Laws of Arrest

Table of Contents
Topic
See Page
Preface
iv
Introduction
How to Use the Workbook
Chapter 1:
iv
v
Constitutional Protections and the Role of a

Peace Officer
Overview
Overview of the U.S. and California Constitutions
Fourth Amendment
Fifth Amendment
Sixth Amendment
Fourteenth Amendment
Civil Rights Statutes
Chapter Synopsis
Workbook Learning Activities
Chapter 2:
1-1
1-1
1-3
1-4
1-6
1-8
1-10
1-11
1-15
1-17
Consensual Encounters
2-1
Overview
Elevating Consensual Encounters
Chapter Synopsis
2-1
2-2
2-4
2-6
2-7
Continued on next page
Table of Contents, Continued
Topic
Chapter 3:
See Page
Detentions
3-1
Overview
Detentions
Reasonable Suspicion for a Detention
Appropriate Actions During a Detention
Searches and Seizures During a Detention
Use of Force/Physical Restraint During a Detention
Chapter Synopsis
Chapter 4:
Arrests
3-1
3-3
3-7
3-10
3-14
3-17
3-19
3-21
4-1
Overview
Probable Cause for Arrest
Elements of a Lawful Arrest
Information to an Arrestee
Warrantless Arrests for Misdemeanors and Felonies
Warrant Arrests
Entry into a Dwelling to Make an Arrest
Private Person Arrests
Use of Force/Physical Restraint During an Arrest
Disposition of Arrestees
Immunity and Statute of Limitations
Chapter Synopsis
4-1
4-4
4-7
4-9
4-11
4-15
4-17
4-20
4-24
4-25
4-29
4-32
4-35
ii
Topic
Chapter 5:
See Page
Administration of Miranda Warnings
5-1
Overview
The Miranda Warning
When the Miranda Warning is Required
Waiving or Invoking Miranda Rights
Exception to the Rule of Miranda
Chapter Synopsis
Chapter 6:
5-1
5-3
5-4
5-8
5-15
5-16
5-18
Crime Scene Interviews and Investigative

Interrogations
Overview
Crime Scene Interviews
Investigative Interrogations
Chapter Synopsis
Glossary
6-1
6-1
6-3
6-9
6-14
6-15
G-1
iii

This page was left intentionally blank.
iv
Preface
Introduction
Student
workbooks
The student workbooks are part of the POST Basic Course Instructional
System. This system is designed to provide students with a self-study
document to be used in preparation for classroom training.
Regular Basic
Course training
requirement
Completion of the Regular Basic Course is required, prior to exercising peace

officer powers, as recognized in the California Penal Code and where the
POST-required standard is the POST Regular Basic Course.
Student
workbook
elements
The following elements are included in each workbook:

chapter contents, including a synopsis of key points,
supplementary material, and
a glossary of terms used in this workbook.
How to Use the Student Workbook

Introduction
This workbook provides an introduction to the training requirements for this

Learning Domain. You may use the workbook in several ways: for initial
learning, for test preparation, and for remedial training.
Workbook
format
To use the workbook most effectively, follow the steps listed below.
Step
vi
Action
Begin by reading the: Preface and How to Use the Student

Workbook, which provide an overview of how the workbook fits
into the POST training program and how it should be used.
Refer to the Chapter Synopsis section at the end of each chapter to

review the key points that support the chapter objectives.
Begin reading the text.
Complete the Workbook Learning Activities Section at the end of

each chapter. These activities reinforce the material taught in the
chapter.
Refer to the Glossary section for a definition of important terms.

The terms appear throughout the text and are bolded and
underlined the first time they appear (e.g., term).
Chapter 1
Constitutional Protections and the Role of a
Peace Officer
Overview
Learning need
Peace officers must have an understanding of the amendments to the U.S.

Constitution, and similar sections of the California Constitution that are
related to the authority, liability, and responsibility they have in making
arrests.
Learning
objectives
The chart below identifies the student learning objectives for this chapter.
After completing study of this chapter, the student will be
able to...
recognize a peace officers responsibility in relation to

the protections and rights included in the following
amendments to the U.S. Constitution and related
California Constitution sections:
- Fourth Amendment
- Fifth Amendment
- Sixth Amendment
- Fourteenth Amendment
recognize a peace officers responsibility in relation to
the protections included under federal civil rights
statutes
E.O. Code
15.01.EO2
15.01.EO3
15.01.EO4
15.01.EO5
15.01.EO6
LD 15: Chapter 1 Constitutional Protections and the Role of a Peace Officer
1-1
Overview, Continued
In this chapter
This section focuses on the U.S. and California constitutional provisions that
directly impact peace officers. Refer to the chart below for a specific topic.
Topic
1-2
See Page
1-3
Fourth Amendment
1-4
Fifth Amendment
1- 6
Sixth Amendment
1-8
1-10
1-11
Chapter Synopsis
1-15
1-17

Introduction
A Constitution is a written document which embodies the basic laws of a

nation or state, defines the powers and duties of the government, and
guarantees certain rights to the public.
Ethics
The authority to arrest and to deprive a person of freedom is one of the most
serious and sensitive duties of a peace officer. Americans place high value on
their personal freedom; they give the power of arrest to peace officers in full
faith and consent with the understanding that it is to be used judiciously and
under the strictest of limitations. The misuse of this authority undermines the
relationship between peace officers and the community members they serve.
History of
the Federal
Constitution
The U.S. Constitution became effective in March 1789. The authors

established this document to form a more perfect Union, establish justice,
insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the
general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty.
Amendments
to the
Constitution
The first session of Congress proposed 10 amendments to the Constitution.

These amendments are called the Bill of Rights.
Since 1791, 17 additional amendments have been proposed by Congress and
ratified by the voters.
California
Constitution
In 1850, California became the 31st state to enter the Union, adopting its own
Constitution in 1879.
All the laws passed by the voters in the state must comply with the California
Constitution, which is organized into articles that represent different subject
matter areas.
Officer
responsibility
During the performance of their duties peace officers have a legal, moral and
ethical responsibility to protect all of the rights afforded to a citizen by the
United States and California Constitutions.
1-3
Fourth Amendment
[15.01.EO2]
Text
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and
effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and
no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or
affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the
persons or things to be seized.
Guaranteed
rights
The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution provides that people, houses,
and effects (belongings) shall be secure from unreasonable searches and
seizures, and requires probable cause for the issuance of warrants.
Meaning
for peace
officers
The first part of the Fourth Amendment deals with the right of people to be
free from unreasonable searches and seizures. The second part defines
procedures officers must follow when obtaining a warrant.
Related
terms
Reasonable suspicion is the standard used to justify a detention. It exists

when an officer has sufficient facts and information to make it reasonable to
suspect that criminal activity may be occurring, and the person to be detained
is connected to that activity.
Probable cause to arrest exists when the totality of the circumstances or "total
atmosphere" of the case would cause a person of ordinary care and prudence
to entertain an honest and strong suspicion that the person to be arrested is
guilty of a crime.
A search occurs when an expectation of privacy that society is prepared to
consider reasonable is infringed upon by the government.
A seizure of a person occurs when a peace officer physically applies force to
a person or when a person voluntarily submits to the officers authority.
A seizure of property occurs when there is some meaningful interference
with an individuals possessory interest in that property by the government.
1-4
Fourth Amendment, Continued

Officer
responsibility
Peace officers have a responsibility to protect the Fourth Amendments rights

of all citizens as it applies to unreasonable searches and seizures.
1-5
Fifth Amendment
[15.01.EO3]
Text
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime,

unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising
in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of
war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to
be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal
case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or
property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for
public use, without just compensation.
Guaranteed
rights
The Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution provides that individuals

cannot be compelled to be a witness against themselves in a criminal case,
may not be tried for the same offense twice, or be deprived of life, liberty, or
property without due process of law.
Meaning
for peace
officers
Peace officers need to understand the relationship between a persons right

against self-incrimination and the Miranda decision.
NOTE:
Officer
responsibility
The Miranda right to counsel was established by the United States

Supreme Court in 1966 protecting a subjects Fifth Amendment
right against self-incrimination.
Peace officers have a responsibility to protect the Fifth Amendment rights of

citizens as they pertain to double jeopardy, being a witness against ones self, or
depriving a person of life, liberty of property without due process.
1-6
Fifth Amendment, Continued

Examples
An officer arrests a suspect for burglary. After the officer read the arrestee his
Miranda rights, the arrestee waives his rights and agrees to answer questions.
During questioning the arrestee confesses to the crime. If challenged in court
the confession will not be suppressed because the officer obtained a knowing,
voluntary waiver of the arrestees 5th Amendment Right against self
incrimination before obtaining the confession.
An officer arrests a subject for burglary. The officer reads the arrestee his
Miranda Rights before questioning. After hearing his rights the arrestee
invokes his 5th Amendment Right against self incrimination by stating that he
wants his attorney present before answering any questions. The officer
continues to question the arrestee and eventually obtains a confession. The
confession will be suppressed in court as a violation of the arrestees 5th
Amendment Rights.
An officer arrests a subject for burglary. Before reading the arrestee his
Miranda Rights, the officer questions him about the crime and the arrestee
confesses. The confession will be suppressed in court because the officer
cannot show that the arrestee knowingly, voluntarily and intelligently waived
his 5th Amendment Right against self incrimination.
1-7
Sixth Amendment
[15.01.EO4]
Text
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and
public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime
shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously
ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the
accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have
compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the
assistance of counsel for his defense.
Guaranteed
rights
The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees people accused of a

crime the right to:
Meaning
for peace
officers
a speedy trial
confront witnesses against them and obtain witnesses in their favor
the assistance of counsel, during court proceedings
The Sixth Amendment entitles a person to counsel (i.e., an attorney) once

adversarial judicial proceedings have commenced. Adversarial judicial
proceedings are considered to have commenced when the person is either
indicted by a grand jury, or makes his or her first court appearance.
NOTE:
This Sixth Amendment right to counsel is constitutional and was

designed to help formally charged defendants defend themselves
in court.
1-8
Sixth Amendment, Continued

Officer
responsibility
Peace officers have a responsibility to protect the Sixth Amendments rights of

people. The Sixth Amendment gives the right to a speedy trial, an opportunity
to confront witnesses and the right to counsel during court proceedings.
Example
Following a grand jury indictment, officers went to

Smiths house to serve an arrest warrant and discuss his involvement in
methamphetamine distribution. After being advised of his Miranda rights,
including being advised of his right to counsel, Smith waived his rights.
Smith made a series of incriminating statements before and after he was
arrested. The officers did not violate Smiths 6th amendment rights because,
even though he was represented by counsel, he voluntarily waived his 6th
amendment rights.
1-9
[15.01.EO5]
Text
All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the
jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein
they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the
privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state
deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor
deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
Guaranteed
rights
Through its due process and equal protection clauses, the Fourteenth
Amendment to the U.S. Constitution applies portions of the Bill of Rights to
all states.
Meaning
to peace
officers
The Fourteenth Amendment requires peace officers to apply the law equally to
all people regardless of race, creed, nationality, religious preference, or
national origin.
NOTE:
Officer
responsibility
1-10
An illegal alien is entitled to equal protection under the 14th

Amendment.
Peace officers have a responsibility to protect the Fourteenth Amendment

rights of all people in the United States. The Fourteenth Amendment requires
peace officers to apply the law equally to all people.

[15.01.EO6]
Introduction
There are several Federal statutes protecting peoples constitutional rights

from conspiracies and from abuse by law enforcement. Violation of these
codes is a crime.
Text of
Section 1983
U.S. Code, Title 42, Section 1983:

Civil action for deprivation of rights. Every person who, under color of any
statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of any State or Territory or
the District of Columbia, subjects, or causes to be subjected, any citizen of the
United States or other person within the jurisdiction thereof to the deprivation
of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution and laws,
shall be liable to the party injured in an action at law, suit in equity, or other
proper proceeding for redress.
Summary of
Section 1983
This statute permits a civil rights suit seeking monetary damages to be

awarded to anyone who proves, in a court of law, that they were deprived of
some legal right through governmental action, that is, by a person acting under
color of law.
Under color of law means an action carried out as if under the authority of
law, but is actually done in violation of the law (e.g., peace officers or
magistrates using their positions to act in an unlawful manner).
NOTE:
Meaning
for peace
officers
Peace Officers could suffer monetary sanctions.
Peace officers are subject to this statute and can be held personally liable if,
while acting under the color of law, they deprive or deny someone a legal right
to which the person was entitled.
1-11
Civil Rights Statutes, Continued

Text of
Section 241

Conspiracy against rights of citizens. If two or more persons conspire to
injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate any person in any State, Territory,
Commonwealth, Possession, or District in the free exercise or enjoyment of
any right or privilege secured to him by the Constitution or laws of the United
States, or because of his having so exercised the same; ... They shall be fined
under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; ...
Summary of
Section 241
This law makes it a federal crime, punishable by a fine or imprisonment up to

10 years, or both:
if two or more persons

conspire to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate any person
for doing anything that the person had a legal right to be doing
or because the person previously exercised any such legal right
NOTE:
Conspiracy has different definitions under federal and state law.
Meaning
for peace
officers
Peace officers can be prosecuted criminally if they conspire with other persons
to deprive individuals of their legal rights and be incarcerated.
Officer
responsibility
Peace officers have a responsibility and legal obligation to protect the Civil
Rights of all people as those rights pertain to the Federal Civil Rights Statutes.
1-12

Text of
Section 242

Deprivation of rights under color of law. Whoever, under color of any law,
statute, ordinance, regulation, or custom, willfully subjects any inhabitant of
any State, Territory, or District to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or
immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United
States, or to different punishments, pains, or penalties, on account of such
inhabitant being an alien, or by reason of his color, or race, than are prescribed
for the punishment of citizens, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not
more than one year, or both; ...
Summary of
Section 242
This law makes it a federal crime, punishable by a fine or imprisonment up to

one year, or both:
Meaning
to peace
officers
for any person, acting under color of any law

to willfully deprive any person of any legal right
or to subject any person to a different punishment or penalty
based on that persons color, race, or citizenship status
Peace officers can be prosecuted criminally if they apply a law unevenly

because of a persons color, race, or the fact that the person is an alien.
1-13

California
equivalent
Penal Code Section 422.6(a) is broader than U.S. Code, Title 18, Section 242.
It does not limit the governmental agent to acting only under color of law. It
includes additional categories of religion, ancestry, national origin, disability,
gender, and sexual orientation that are protected from discrimination.
No person, whether or not acting under color of law, shall by force or threat of
force, willfully injure, intimidate, interfere with, oppress, or threaten any other
person in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him
or her by the Constitution or laws of this state or by the Constitution or laws of
the United States because of the other person's race, color, religion, ancestry,
national origin, disability, gender, or sexual orientation, or because he or she
perceives that the other person has one or more of those characteristics.
1-14
Chapter Synopsis
Learning need
Peace officers must have an understanding of the amendments to the U.S.

Constitution, and similar sections of the California Constitution that are related
to the authority, liability, and responsibility they have in making arrests.
The Fourth
Amendment
and officer
responsibility
[15.01.EO2]
If peace officers are not able to show probable cause, an arrest or search may
be invalid, and the resulting evidence may be excluded.
The Fifth
Amendment
and officer
responsibility
[15.01.EO3]
Peace officers need to understand how the Miranda decision protects a

persons right against self-incrimination
The Sixth
Amendment
and officer
responsibility
[15.01.EO4]
Once this right attaches (indictment or first court appearance) and the person is
represented by counsel, peace officers are prohibited from initiating
interrogation of the person about the charged crime, except in the presence of
counsel.
During the performance of their duties, peace officers have a legal, moral and
United States and California Constitution.
1-15
Chapter Synopsis, Continued

The Fourteenth
Amendment
and officer
responsibility
[15.01.EO5]
The Fourteenth Amendment requires that peace officers must:
apply the law equally to all people

treat them the same regardless of race, creed, nationality, religious
preference, or national origin
Civil rights
codes
and officer
responsibility
[15.01.EO6]
U.S. Code, Title 42, Section 1983, states that individuals acting under color of
law who deprive someone of any legal right can be held civilly liable.
U.S. Code, Title 18, Section 241, makes it a federal crime for two or more
persons to conspire to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate someone for
doing something they have a legal right to do.
U.S. Code, Title 18, Section 242, makes it a federal crime to deprive a person,
under color of law, of any legal right, or to punish a person differently, based
on that persons color, race, or citizenship status.
Penal Code Section 422.6(a) is broader than U.S. Code, Title 18, Section 242.
It adds categories of religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, gender, and
sexual orientation to those protected from discrimination.
1-16

Introduction
To help you review and apply the material covered in this chapter, a selection
of learning activities has been included. No answers are provided. However,
by referring to the appropriate text, you should be able to prepare a response.
Activity
questions
1. Match the provision to the correct Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

______
freedom from unreasonable

searches and seizures
A. Fourth Amendment
______
a speedy trial and assistance of

counsel
B. Fifth Amendment
______
equal treatment, regardless of race,

creed, nationality, religious
preference, or national origin
C. Sixth Amendment
D. Fourteenth Amendment
2. Define a conspiracy according to U.S. Code, Title 18, Section 241, and
give an example.
1-17
Workbook Learning Activities, Continued

Activity
Questions
(continued)
3. An anti-abortion protestor is quietly walking back and forth on the public

sidewalk in front of a medical clinic. The protestor is handing out antiabortion literature containing graphic images. The clinic owners call
peace officers. What actions should officers take on the scene? What
Constitutional amendment has particular meaning in this case, and what
protections does it offer?
4. Describe the impact of the Fourth Amendment on peace officers

investigations.
1-18

Activity
questions
(continued)
5. Describe one way peace officers can help to ensure due process rights
guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment.
1-19

Student notes
1-20
Chapter 2
Overview
Learning need
Peace officers must recognize that a consensual encounter is a face-to-face

contact with a person under circumstances which would cause a reasonable
person to believe they are free to leave or otherwise not cooperate.
Learning
objectives
In this chapter

able to . . .
E.O. Code
recognize appropriate conduct during a consensual

encounter
15.02.EO2
recognize conduct that may elevate a consensual

encounter
15.02.EO3
recognize the consequences of elevating a consensual

encounter
15.02.EO4
This section focuses on the characteristics of a consensual encounter.

Topic
See Page
2-2
2-4
Chapter Synopsis
2-6
2-7
LD 15: Chapter 2 Consensual Encounters
2-1
[15.02.EO2]
Introduction
Peace officers come into daily contact with individuals for a variety of
reasons. The peace officer must be able to communicate with those
individuals to aid and collect information without violating the Fourth
Amendment.
Policing
in our
communities
With the advent of community policing, traditional measures of success such

as the number of arrests are combined with new measures defined in terms of
quality of life. These measures include reduction in alcohol-related traffic
collisions, domestic abuse, homicide incidents, and drug-related recidivism.
Arrests are not an end product in law enforcement work. They are useful tools
in helping to achieve quality of life goals.
Definition
A consensual encounter is a face-to-face contact with a person under

circumstances which would cause a reasonable person to believe they are free
to leave or otherwise not cooperate.
No legal justification is needed as long as officers are in a place they have a
right to be.
Appropriate
applications
Peace officers must be vigilant when contacting the public to ensure their
actions do not elevate a consensual encounter into a detention. Appropriate
actions peace officers can take during a consensual encounter are:
requesting information (including identification and personal information)

interviewing witnesses at the scene of a crime or accident
conversing casually
disseminating information
2-2
Consensual Encounters, Continued

Examples
A highway patrol officer arrived at the scene of an accident to assist another

officer. The second officer interviewed the witnesses to the accident and took
their statements.
Two peace officers were leaving a restaurant when an elderly couple
approached them and asked for directions to the zoo. The officers gave them
directions and then asked general questions about their visit to town.
A peace officer suspects an individual of possessing a controlled substance but
does not have enough information to legally detain him. The officer
approaches the person and asks if he would be willing to answer a few
questions.
Noncooperation
If people refuse to cooperate during a consensual encounter, the peace officer

may not require them to do so. People must be allowed to leave unless the
officer has obtained or developed sufficient additional information which
would justify detaining or arresting them.
2-3

[15.02.EO3, 15.02.EO4]
Introduction
Peace officers will ensure they do not violate a persons Fourth Amendment
rights during a consensual encounter by elevating it into a detention or arrest
without legal justification.
Elevating
actions
Certain actions may elevate a consensual encounter into a detention. Usually,

peace officers can take alternate actions to avoid elevation.
Possible Elevating Actions
Alternate Actions
Using emergency lights
Using a spotlight rather than

emergency lights
Selecting a position or placing the

patrol vehicle so as to prevent the
person or car from leaving
Selecting a position or location that

does not obstruct the person or
vehicle
Issuing orders or commands
Requesting consent; seeking

voluntary cooperation
Using accusatory questioning or tone

of voice
Using non-accusing, helpful,

inquisitive tone of voice; requesting
compliance rather than ordering it
Conducting cursory/pat searches

without legal justification
Asking for consent to pat search
Demanding and/or keeping a

persons identification
Requesting identification and

returning it when finished or upon
request
2-4
Elevating Consensual Encounters, Continued

Examples
Officers saw two men walk past each other in an alley in an area with a lot of
drug-trafficking. They believed the men would have met each other if the
officers had not been there. This "looked suspicious" to the officers, so they
contacted one of the men and asked for identification. When he refused, they
ordered him to stay and investigated further. Refusal to cooperate, by itself, is
not reason enough to detain, so the detention was illegal.
Late one evening, an officer observed someone sitting alone in a parked car in
the empty parking lot of a closed business. Wishing to investigate, the officer
drove up to the parked car. He turned on his emergency lights to identify
himself as a peace officer. Because the officers red light means Stop, this
was an illegal detention.
Elevation
of contact
Elevating a consensual encounter by improper behavior can have negative

legal and professional repercussions.
The peace officer could:
violate the Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable searches and

seizures, resulting in the suppression of evidence
be civilly prosecuted for a violation of civil rights
be criminally prosecuted for false imprisonment
face agency disciplinary action
2-5
Chapter Synopsis
Learning need
Peace officers must recognize that a consensual encounter is a face-to-face

contact with a person under circumstances which would cause a reasonable
person to believe they are free to leave or otherwise not cooperate.
Appropriate
applications
[15.02.EO2]
Peace officers must be vigilant when contacting the public to ensure they do
not elevate a consensual encounter into a detention.
Elevating
consensual
encounters
[15.02.EO3]
Certain actions can elevate a consensual encounter.
Consequences
of elevating
consensual
encounters
[15.02.EO4]
Elevating a consensual encounter could have legal negative repercussions.
2-6

Introduction
Activity
questions
1. A peace officer is interviewing witnesses at the scene of a drive-by

shooting. What actions might the officer take to make sure these
encounters remain consensual and do not elevate into detentions? What
should the officer do if an eyewitness says she has to leave for an
appointment?
2. What is the defining feature of a consensual encounter? Why is it

important for an officer to be aware of the citizens perspective of the
encounter as well as his or her own?
2-7
Workbook Learning Activities, continued

Activity
questions
(continued)
2-8
3. Why must an officer guard against unintentionally elevating a consensual

encounter into a detention? What actions do you think might easily cause
such elevation?
Workbook Corrections
Suggested corrections to this workbook can be made by going to the POST
website at: www.post.ca.gov
2-9
Workbook Corrections, Continued

Student notes
2-10
Chapter 3
Detentions
Overview
Learning need
Peace officers must recognize that a temporary detention is an assertion of

authority that is less than an arrest but more substantial than a consensual
encounter.
Learning
objectives
able to...
E.O. Code
differentiate between a detention and a consensual

encounter
15.03.EO2
recognize reasonable suspicion
15.03.EO3
recognize appropriate peace officer actions during a

detention
15.03.EO4
recognize the scope and conditions for warrantless

searches and seizures during a detention
15.03.EO5
recognize conditions where the use of force or physical

restraint is appropriate during a detention
15.03.EO6
LD 15: Chapter 3 Detentions
3-1
Overview, Continued
In this chapter
This section focuses on detentions. Refer to the chart below for a specific
topic.
Topic
3-2
See Page
Detentions
3-3
3-7
3-10
3-14
Use of Force/Physical Restraints During a Detention
3-17
Chapter Synopsis
3-19
3-21
Detentions
[15.03.EO2]
Introduction
Peace officers may need to detain a person to investigate involvement in

criminal activity. To be lawful, a detention must be based on reasonable
suspicion that criminal activity has taken place, is taking place, or is about to
take place, and that the person detained is connected to that activity.
Definition
A lawful detention requires reasonable suspicion of criminal activity.

A temporary detention or stop is an assertion of authority by a peace officer
that would cause a reasonable person to believe they are not free to leave.
Such a belief may result from physical restraint, unequivocal verbal
commands, or other conduct by an officer.
A detention of a person is limited in scope, intensity, and duration. It is less
than an arrest and more substantial than a consensual encounter.
3-3
Detentions, Continued
Consensual
encounter vs.
detention
Peace officers must be able to distinguish between a consensual encounter and

a detention. The table below depicts some similarities and differences
between a consensual encounter and a detention.
Consensual Encounter
Detention
An officer approached a man, known

for selling drugs, in an alley and
asked if they could talk. The officer
proceeded to obtain general
information from the man. The
officer started filling out a field
identification card and ran a records
check, making small talk until the
results came back.
An officer approached a man, known

for selling drugs, in an alley and
asked if they could talk. The officer
proceeded to obtain general
information from the man, and
started filling out a field
identification card. The man stated
that he needed to leave, but the
officer did not return his drivers
license, continued to run a records
check, and made small talk until the
results came back.
Because the officer kept the license,
the man was not free to leave. The
consensual encounter was elevated
to a detention.
3-4
Detentions, Continued
Consensual
encounter vs.
detention
(continued)
Examples
Consensual Encounter
Detention
Officers observed a man walking

through a shopping center at 1:20 a.m.
when all the stores were closed. They
shined a spotlight on him, and one of
the officers asked, "Is everything
okay?"
Officers observed a man walking

through a shopping center at 1:20
a.m. when all the stores were
closed. They shined a spotlight on
him, got out of their car, and one of
the officers said, "Come over here.
I want to talk to you." This
"command" would make the
suspect believe he was not free to
leave. The initial contact would
now be classified as a detention.
An officer made a vehicle stop for weaving within the lane. The officer
determined that the driver was weaving because she spilled coffee in her lap.
This was a lawful detention based on reasonable suspicion of a reckless driving
violation.
While assigned to night foot patrol, a uniformed officer observed a man
walking by a closed jewelry store. The man walked back and forth, looking at
all corners of the window, as well as at the alarm box on the wall. The officer
had been informed that there had been several smash-and-grab burglaries in
the area. The officer approached the man and asked for identification. The
man started to walk away without answering. The officer stepped in front of
the man to prevent him from leaving the area. This is a legal detention.
3-5

[15.03.EO3]
Introduction
Unlike a consensual encounter, peace officers must have a reason or factual

basis they can articulate in order to lawfully detain a person. This basis is
called reasonable suspicion.
Definition
Reasonable suspicion is when a peace officer has enough facts and

circumstances present to make it reasonable to suspect that criminal activity is
occurring and the person detained is connected to that activity.
Reasonable suspicion of criminal activity must exist to make a detention
lawful.
Basis for
reasonable
suspicion
Reasonable suspicion may be based on observation, personal training and

experience, or information from eyewitnesses, victims, or other officers
(totality of the circumstances).
Reasonable suspicion cannot be based on a hunch or instinct. If reasonable
suspicion is not properly established in a court of law, the case against the
defendant may be dismissed or any evidence seized may be excluded from
trial.
Contributing
factors
Some factors that contribute to establishing reasonable suspicion are:
appearance or condition of a person (intoxicated, resemblance to wanted

person)
actions (hiding objects, furtive movements, running from a crime scene)
driving behaviors
knowledge of the persons history (criminal record or conduct)
demeanor (non-responsive, nervous)
3-6
Reasonable Suspicion for a Detention, Continued

Contributing
factors
(continued)
time of day (unusualness)

location of the stop (near crime scene, known criminal activity in area)
officer training and experience (modus operandi, expertise in certain area
such as narcotics or gang activity)
NOTE:
Examples
Flight by itself does not establish (reasonable suspicion) and can

not justify a detention.
An officer observed a man and woman standing on a corner in an area known

for high drug activity. The woman appeared nervous, slyly looking in all
directions. The woman reached into her pocket and gave the man a baggie in
return for something; he then walked away. The officer is justified in
detaining the man and woman on reasonable suspicion of drug-dealing.
An officer was driving when a car passed him. The car swerved and almost hit
another car. The officer had reasonable suspicion to stop the driver for vehicle
code violations.
3-7
Reasonable Suspicion for a Detention, Continued

Role of a
reliable
source
Peace officers can use information from others to investigate possible criminal
action and detain those involved in that action. Information which triggers
investigative action does not need to come from a source of proven reliability.
A tip may support a detention if the surrounding circumstances make the
information believable or if the reliable sources identity is known. A purely
anonymous tip will normally not provide a sufficient basis to detain although
it can be if there is sufficient collaboration or other indications of reliability.
Additionally, if the tip provides information or a person who poses a grave or
more immediate risk to the public, such as driving under the influence, the
detention can be upheld.
3-8

[15.03.EO4]
Introduction
Though a detention is considered to be a seizure of the person, it does not

intrude into a persons liberty as much as an arrest. To ensure that peace
officers do not make illegal arrests, they are restricted in what actions they
may take during detentions.
Investigative
actions
Once officers have stopped or detained a person, they may take whatever
investigative actions are reasonable under the circumstances to determine the
persons possible participation in a crime.
Common
actions
Common investigative actions include:
Example
questioning the person about identity and conduct

contacting other individuals (e.g. witnesses) to confirm explanations,
verifying identification, or determining whether the person is wanted
(warrant check)
checking premises, examining objects, or contacting neighbors or other
individuals to determine whether a crime (e.g., burglary) actually occurred
bringing the victim to the suspect for identification purposes
A peace officer detained a robbery suspect based on a broadcast description of

the person and the area of the robbery. The officer contacted the store clerk to
identify the person. The detention was legal even if the clerk says the person
is not the one who robbed the store.
3-9
Appropriate Actions During a Detention, Continued

Length of
detention
A detention must be temporary and last no longer than is necessary to resolve

the reason for the stop. A detention legal at its beginning can become an
illegal arrest if extended beyond what is reasonably necessary under the
circumstances.
Often what officers see and hear during a detention (evasiveness, nervousness,
conduct, property) will increase their suspicion, justify a longer detention, lead
to investigation of a different offense, or possibly even provide probable cause
for arrest.
If the person answers all questions about the suspicious circumstances
satisfactorily, so that suspicion decreases or disappears, the person must be
released.
Examples
A traffic stop, originally based on an excessively loud muffler, was properly

prolonged to ascertain positive identification and vehicle ownership when the
driver did not have a license, the car was not registered to any of the three
male occupants, and the occupants gave conflicting answers to questions.
A peace officer detained a possible murder suspect. The officer confirmed the
persons identity and alibi. The officer must release the person as the initial
reason for the detention had been satisfied and no other suspicious behavior
was observed.
3-10

Transporting
a person
during
detention
The person usually will be considered under arrest if transported, without

consent, by a peace officer to a different location. Because of this, officers
must be careful before transporting a detained person. Officers should not
transport a person during a detention unless:
the detainee gives permission

it is impractical to bring the witness/victim to the detainees location
the conditions of the detention are dangerous to the person
the conditions of the detention are dangerous to the officer(s)
independent probable cause exists to arrest the subject
3-11

Examples
An officer detained a person as a suspect in a battery. Because the badly

beaten victim was still recovering in a nearby hospital, the officer may take the
detainee to the hospital for the victim to view for identification purposes.
Two peace officers approached a group of men acting suspiciously on a corner
known for drug activity. They asked the men for identification; one of the
men was a known narcotics dealer. When the officers continued to question
the known dealer, the other men began to get belligerent and verbally harassed
the officers. The officers were justified in moving the detainee for their own
safety.
Refusal to
answer
questions
A detainee is not obligated to answer any questions an officer may ask during
a lawful detention. The refusal to answer questions alone does not provide
probable cause for escalating a detention to an arrest.
NOTE:
A person who flees from a lawful detention or intentionally

gives misleading/incorrect answers may be arrested for violating
Penal Code Section 148 (resisting, delaying, or obstructing any
officer), provided that the action delayed or obstructed the
investigation. Not answering questions, however, is not a
violation of law.
3-12

[15.03.05]
Introduction
Usually, searches are not permitted during a detention. If officers have a

factual basis to suspect that the person is carrying a concealed weapon,
dangerous instrument or an object that can be used as a weapon, the officers
are justified in conducting a cursory/pat search to protect the officers from an
assault.
Scope of
a cursory/
pat search
Cursory/pat searches are allowed to protect officers from an assault, but only
if there are specific facts that cause the officers to feel endangered.
The scope of such a search is limited only to:

- a frisk of the outer clothing
- locate possible weapons
- a pat search is not a search for evidence or contraband
Once the officers realize an object is not a weapon, or an object that can be
used as a weapon, the officers may not further manipulate the object; they
must move on. Any additional feeling, grabbing, or manipulating of the item
is outside the scope of a cursory/pat search for weapons and will be considered
an illegal search.
Conditions
Peace officers must be able to articulate specific facts which caused them to
reasonably believe the person might be carrying a weapon or dangerous
instrument.
The following factors may support reasonable suspicion to believe the person
may be carrying a weapon or pose a danger:
persons clothing (e.g., a bulge in clothing, or wearing a heavy coat on a hot

night)
persons actions (e.g., trying to hide something or being overly nervous)
3-13
Searches and Seizures During a Detention, Continued

Conditions
(continued)
Discovery
prior knowledge of person for carrying weapons or of violent behavior

isolated location so officers are unlikely to receive immediate aid if attacked
time of day (e.g., a dark, moonless night may increase likelihood that the
officer may be attacked)
reason for detention (e.g., serious, violent, or armed offense)
a similar cursory/pat search of a detainees companion revealed a weapon
ratio of individuals to officers
If officers discover an object during a cursory/frisk which officers believe is a

weapon, dangerous instrument, or hard object which could contain or be used
as a weapon, the officers have a right to remove it from the person.
Discovered Item
Officer Action
Legal objects that could be used as a

weapon (e.g., screwdriver, pocket
knife).
The officer may remove it, keep it

until the detention has concluded,
then return it to the subject.
A container that is capable of

containing a weapon or dangerous
instrument.
The officer may remove and open

the container.
NOTE:
If contraband is discovered during the weapons frisk, the officers

should seize it, ask appropriate questions, place the person under
arrest, and conduct a full custody search.
3-14
Searches and Seizures During a Detention, Continued

Examples
A peace officer observed a person walking with a screwdriver in the area of a

recent auto theft; the person matched a broadcast description which had been
given. The dispatcher also indicated that the person was armed with a knife.
The officer made contact with the person. The officer conducted a frisk and
retrieved an illegal firearm. Upon further questioning, the person was found
not to be involved in the original incident but could be arrested for possession
of an illegal firearm.
After seeing a bulge under an individuals shirt, the officer conducted a frisk
search of the person. Unable to determine the nature of the bulge, the officer
began to manipulate the bulge to determine if it was a weapon.
3-15
Use of Force/Physical Restraint During a Detention

[15.03.06]
Introduction
Sometimes officers may have to use force or physical restraints to detain a

person. The reasonableness of the use of force will determine whether the
detention is elevated to an arrest or remains a detention.
Use of force
or physical
restraints
If a person attempts to leave during a detention, officers may use reasonable

force and/or physical restraints to compel the person to remain. The use of
force does not necessarily elevate the detention to an arrest. Uncooperative
individuals may be:
Examples
handcuffed, and/or
placed in a patrol vehicle
A lawfully detained person began to get nervous during questioning, looked

around, and started to walk off; the officer ordered the person to stay. When
the person continued to walk off, the officer went after him, grabbed him by the
arm, escorted him to the squad car, and placed him in the back seat.
When a peace officer started checking whether the person she had detained had
an outstanding warrant, the person turned and ran. The officer chased him and
grabbed him. When he continued to struggle, the officer handcuffed him,
walked him back to her car, and confirmed the outstanding warrant.
3-16
Chapter Synopsis
Learning need
Peace officers must recognize that a temporary detention is an assertion of

authority that is less than an arrest but more substantial than a consensual
encounter.
Consensual
encounter vs.
detention
[15.03.EO2]
Peace officers must be able to distinguish between a consensual encounter and

a detention.
Reasonable
suspicion
[15.03.EO3]
When an officer has enough facts and circumstances are present to make it
reasonable to suspect that criminal activity is occurring and the person detained
is connected to that activity.
Reasonable suspicion of criminal activity must exist to make a detention lawful.
Appropriate
actions
during
a detention
[15.01.EO4]
Peace officers can take certain investigative actions during a detention if they
can be completed within a reasonably limited time.
Searches
and seizures
during a
detention
[15.03.EO5]
No searches are permitted during a detention unless peace officers reasonably

suspect that the detained person may be carrying a concealed weapon or
dangerous instrument.
3-17

Use of force
or physical
restraints
during a
detention
[15.03.EO6]
3-18
If a person attempts to leave during a detention, the officers may use

reasonable force and/or physical restraints to compel the person to remain.
Uncooperative individuals may be handcuffed, and/or be placed in a patrol
vehicle.

Introduction
by referring to appropriate text, you should be able to prepare a response.
Activity
questions
1. About 1:00 a.m. a peace officer detains a couple who have circled the same
block in their car several times in an area known for drug sales. As the
officer approaches the car, he notices the couple fumbling in the front seat.
What actions may the officer take to protect himself? What type of
searches are legal in this situation? If the officer finds an unidentifiable
bulge during a cursory search, how should the officer proceed? If the
officer is asked, after-the-fact, to justify his reasonable suspicion for
detaining the couple, how might the officer respond?
2. Describe three actions a peace officer might take, aside from physically
restraining a person that would define a contact as a detention.
3-19

Activity
questions
(continued)
3-20
3. Peace officers are called to the scene of a robbery by a silent alarm. Enroute, they notice a man walking rapidly away from the scene and looking
around nervously. They detain the man. What investigative actions can the
officers properly take at this time?
Chapter 4
Arrests
Overview
Learning need
Peace officers must know and comply with the statutory rules of arrest in
order to properly exercise their authority and responsibility while avoiding
liability when making arrests.
Learning
objectives
able to . . .
E.O. Code
recognize when there is probable cause to arrest
15.04.EO2
identify elements of a lawful arrest
15.04.EO3
differentiate between arrest and a detention
15.04.EO4
recognize information that must be given to an arrested

person
15.04.EO5
recognize elements of a warrantless arrest for a

misdemeanor
15.04.EO6
recognize elements of a warrantless arrest for a felony
15.04.EO7
recognize elements of a warrant arrest
15.04.EO8
recognize the requirements for entry into a dwelling to

make an arrest
15.04.EO9
LD 15: Chapter 4 Arrests
4-1
Overview, Continued
Learning
objectives
(continued)

able to . . .
E.O. Code
recognize the authority for a private person arrest and the

peace officers duty in response to a private person arrest
15.04.EO10
recognize conditions under which the use of force or

physical restraint is appropriate during an arrest
15.04.EO11
recognize the statutory requirements for the disposition of

an arrested person
15.04.EO12
recognize the exception(s) to the powers to arrest
15.04.EO13
4-2
Overview, Continued
In this chapter
This section focuses on identifying and classifying statutory law related to the
authority to arrest and release individuals. Refer to the chart below for a
specific topic.
Topic
See Page
4-4
4-7
Information Given to an Arrestee
4-9
4-11
Warrant Arrests
4-15
Entry Into a Dwelling to Make an Arrest
4-17
4-20
Use of Force/Physical Restraints During an Arrest
4-24
Disposition of the Arrestee
4-25
Immunity and Statue of Limitations
4-29
Chapter Synopsis
4-32
4-35
4-3

[15.04.EO2]
Introduction
The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution requires probable cause to

make arrests and/or conduct searches because searches or arrests conducted
without probable cause infringe on a persons privacy.
Leadership
Peace officers must know the law and the proper methods of enforcement.
They are aware of any available options regarding the decision to arrest and
how to apply them.
Definitions
Arrest is taking a person into custody, in a case and in the manner authorized
by law. (Penal Code Section 834) The arrest must be based on probable cause.
Probable cause for an arrest is a set of facts that would cause a person of
ordinary care and prudence to entertain an honest and strong belief that the
person to be arrested is guilty of a crime. Probable cause is required before an
arrest is made and is based on the totality of the circumstances.
Facts required to establish probable cause may include, but are not limited to:
direct investigation or reports

circumstantial evidence
second-hand statements from reliable sources
4-4
Probable Cause for Arrest, Continued

Reasonable
suspicion
vs. probable
cause
Probable cause is a higher standard of suspicion than reasonable suspicion.

However, factors that contribute to establishing reasonable suspicion can also
be used to establish probable cause, or it can escalate into probable cause.
Factors for Reasonable Suspicion
Officer
training and
experience
Probable Cause to Arrest
Possible influence of alcohol or drugs
Illegal level of intoxication
Actions/words/demeanor during
detention
Self-incrimination, contraband
Erratic driving behaviors
DUI, contraband
Pat search for weapons
Possession of illegal weapons or

contraband
Possible connection to burglary
Discovery of stolen property
Peace officers expertise is part of the equation for determining probable

cause. For officers versed in a specific field of law enforcement, an activity
which might otherwise appear innocent may provide probable cause to a
trained eye.
4-5
Probable Cause for Arrest, Continued

Examples
An individual was in a park where marijuana sales often took place. A stranger
drove up and approached the individual. The officer observed the stranger give
the individual money in return for two small, thin, white, unfiltered cigarettes,
and then drive away. The officer's training and experience in narcotics,
combined with the specifics of what he had seen exchange hands, and the
location of the incident, may constitute probable cause to justify an arrest.
An officer stopped Smiths car for a traffic violation and as he approaches the
car, observes a card board box in the back seat. The box contained glass
beakers and flasks with a white residue. The officers training and experience
enable him to recognize the contents of the box as items commonly used to
manufacture methamphetamine and the officer makes an arrest.
4-6

[15.04.EO3, 15.04.EO4]
Introduction
An arrest is considered a full seizure of a person under the Fourth Amendment

because it takes away a persons liberty. Federal and California law
establishes the authority to arrest and the information that must be provided to
a person being arrested.
Elements
of a lawful
arrest
The following chart lists the elements of a lawful arrest and the appropriate
California Penal Code Sections.
Elements of a lawful arrest
Difference
between an
arrest and a
detention
Penal Code
Section
An arrest may be made by a peace officer or private person.
834
The arrested person must be taken into custody, in a case and

in the manner authorized by law.
834
An arrest may be made by actual restraint of the person, or

by the persons submission to the officers authority.
835
Reasonable force may be used to make an arrest, prevent

escape, or overcome resistance.
835a
An arrest is the taking of a person into custody, in a case and in the manner
authorized by law. Custody is the key word; it implies the person making the
arrest has full control.
A detention or stop is an assertion of authority that would cause a reasonable
person to believe they are not free to leave. A detention is limited in scope,
intensity, and duration.
4-7
Elements of a Lawful Arrest, Continued

Peace
officer
authority
to arrest
Penal Code Section 836 establishes the legal basis for an arrest by peace
officers. Officers may make an arrest:
pursuant to a warrant
without a warrant
-
In the
officers
presence
whenever they have probable cause to believe the person to be arrested

has committed a public offense (felony or misdemeanor) in their
presence;
when the person arrested has committed a felony, although not in the
officers presence;
whenever they have probable cause to believe the person to be arrested
has committed a felony, whether or not a felony has in fact been
committed.
In the officers presence is liberally construed by the courts to include what is

apparent to the officers senses, such as hearing, sight, and smell.
Also, the officer can enhance his or her senses by using certain devices or
objects, such as binoculars, a flashlight, a dog, a telephone, etc. However, the
United States Supreme court has ruled the warrantless use of some thermal
imaging devices constitutes a search.
4-8
Information Given to an Arrestee

[15.04.EO5]
Information
required at
time of
arrest
California Penal Code Section 841 requires that any person making an arrest
must convey certain information to the individual arrested at the time of the
arrest. The three things that must be explained are:
intent
cause
authority
Item
Description
Intent
The arresting person must tell the individual that he or she is

being arrested.
Cause
The arresting person must state the reason for the arrest (e.g.,
an outstanding warrant, or the name of the offense).
Authority
- A non-uniformed officer must show identification.

- A uniformed officer and/or marked car satisfies this
requirement (no ID required).
- A private person must state his or her authority to make the
arrest.
NOTE:
A peace officer arresting or detaining a foreign national for more

than two hours must advise the individual that they have the
right to contact their consulate (except as specified); and the
officers agency must notify the consulate of the arrest or
detention. (Penal Code Section 834(c))
4-9
Information Given to an Arrestee, Continued

Exceptions
There are two situations when the arresting person is not required to provide
the individual with the intent, cause, and authority of the arrest. These are
when the individual to be arrested is:
Examples
actually committing the offense

attempting to escape
Upon serving an arrest warrant, the uniformed officer stated the individual
was under arrest for sexual assault. The officer did not need to state his
authority since he was in uniform.
A store owner caught a young woman shoplifting perfume. He held her arm
and stated under the authority of the California Penal Code he was making a
private persons arrest for shoplifting.
4-10

[15.04.EO6, 15.04.EO7]
Introduction
A warrantless arrest is a violation of the Fourth Amendment unless it is

supported by probable cause. Peace officers must comply with numerous
statutory requirements.
Conditions for
warrantless
felony arrests
Peace officers may make a warrantless felony arrest whenever they have
probable cause to believe the person to be arrested has:
Conditions for
warrantless
misdemeanor
arrests
committed a felony in the officers presence (Penal Code Section

836(a)(1))
committed a felony, although not in the officers presence (Penal Code
Section 836(a)(2))
committed a felony, regardless of whether or not the felony was, in fact,
committed (Penal Code Section 836(a)(3))
Peace officers may make a warrantless misdemeanor arrest whenever they have
probable cause to believe the person to be arrested committed the misdemeanor
in their presence. (Penal Code Section 836(a)(1))
The officer may make a warrantless arrest if there is probable cause even
though a misdemeanor was not committed in the officers presence in the
following circumstances:
committed by a juvenile (Welfare and Institutions Code Section 625)

4-11
Warrantless Arrests for Misdemeanors and Felonies,

Continued
Conditions for
warrantless
misdemeanor
arrests
(continued)
any of the following seven violations:

-
driving while under the influence (Vehicle Code Sections 40300.5 and
40600)
carrying a loaded firearm on an individuals person or in a vehicle while

in any public place or on any public street (Penal Code Section
12031(a)
violating a domestic protective or restraining order, when the officer

was responding to a call alleging the same (Penal Code Section 836(c))
(Mandatory arrest)
committing an assault or battery on a spouse, cohabitant, or a parent of

their child (Penal Code Section 836(d))
committing an assault or battery on school property while school is in

session (Penal Code Section 243.5)
committing an assault or battery against a working firefighter,

emergency medical technician, or mobile intensive care paramedic
(Penal Code Section 836.1)
carrying a concealed firearm at an airport (Penal Code Section

836(e)(1)(2))
4-12

Continued
Examples
An officer received a radio dispatch of drug activity in front of an apartment

complex. The officer arrived within two minutes and, from a nearby alley,
surreptitiously watched the people in front of the complex. When a backup unit
came into view, the officer observed an individual watch it approach, then walk
in the opposite direction, take a baggie of white powder and three hypodermic
syringes from his person and hide them in a bush. The officer had probable
cause for a warrantless felony arrest.
An officer responded to a domestic violence call and found a woman whose exboyfriend admitted hitting her. The woman did not want to press charges and
was unwilling to make a citizens arrest. The officer could make a valid arrest
for misdemeanor battery because of probable cause, and Penal Code Section
836(c) provides an exception to the in your presence requirement.
4-13

Continued
Time of
arrest
Warrantless arrests for felonies may take place at any time of day or night on
any day of the week. (Penal Code Section 840)
Warrantless arrests for misdemeanors or infractions must be made between the
hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. (Penal Code Section 836), unless the person:
commits the crime in the officers presence

is arrested in a public place
is already in custody pursuant to another lawful arrest
NOTE:
Exemption
from
prosecution
4-14
A public place is a location readily accessible to all those who

wish to go there including law enforcement. A key
consideration is whether a member of the public can access the
place without challenge. Thus, a property with a locked fence
is not readily accessible. Other things, such as, dogs in yard
show public is not welcome.
Officers acting within agency policy and lawful scope of their authority are
protected from prosecution for false arrest or imprisonment for both warrant
and warrantless arrests.
Warrant Arrests
[15.04.EO8]
Introduction
Arrest warrants are generally required to arrest an individual inside their

residence. Arrest warrants permit any officer to make the arrest, since
probable cause has already been established. However, there may be
exceptions depending on whether the warrant is for a felony or a
misdemeanor.
Definition
An arrest warrant is a written order signed by a magistrate which directs and

commands a peace officer to arrest the person named in the warrant for the
offense named in the warrant.
In order to obtain an arrest warrant, the officer must establish probable cause.
This is usually done through a sworn statement (affidavit) filed as part of the
formal complaint process.
Arrest
warrant
contents
Arrest warrants are required by Penal Code Section 815 to contain the
following information:
name of the defendant

crime the defendant is suspected of committing
time the warrant is issued
city or county where the warrant is issued
signature of the issuing authority with the title of office
name of the court or other issuing agency
amount of bail
Absent consent, exigencies, parole, or searchable probation, an arrest warrant

is necessary to lawfully enter a dwelling to make an arrest.
4-15
Warrant Arrests, Continued

Pre-complaint
warrants
Penal Code Section 817 allows a peace officer to obtain an arrest warrant
before a criminal complaint has been filed.
Pre-complaint warrants (also known as Ramey warrants) are an alternative
to the complaint/warrant procedure. Pre-complaint warrants contain the same
information as other arrest warrants and are also issued based on sworn
statements (affidavits) establishing probable cause.
Obtaining a
pre-complaint
warrant
The process for obtaining a pre-complaint warrant includes the following

actions:
Time of
arrest
the peace officer makes a written or oral statement of probable cause

(affidavit)
a magistrate evaluates the information in the affidavit to assess whether
probable cause for arrest exists
upon the magistrates finding of probable cause, an arrest warrant is issued
the subject named in the warrant is arrested
a criminal complaint may subsequently be filed pursuant to Penal Code
Section 849
Warrant arrests for felonies may be made at any time of day or night on any
day of the week. (Penal Code Section 840)
Warrant arrests for misdemeanors must be made between the hours of 6 a.m.
and 10 p.m. unless the warrant is endorsed for nighttime service. (Penal Code
Section 840)
4-16
Entry into a Dwelling to Make an Arrest

[15.04.EO9]
Knock
and
notice
Before entering a private dwelling to make an arrest, an officer needs lawful

access.
Simply because an officer can see an object in plain view from a lawful
location does not automatically mean the officer may legally enter private
property without a warrant to seize it, even if the object is obviously
contraband or evidence of a crime.
Lawful access to private property is most commonly obtained when the:
officers entry is based on consent
officers entry is based on exigent circumstances, for example, a

reasonable belief that the evidence will be destroyed if entry is delayed in
order to obtain a warrant
an officer has lawfully entered the area for some other purpose (e.g., to
conduct a parole or probation search, or an administrative or regulatory
search, etc.)
Knock and notice means that before entering a dwelling to make an arrest,
with or without a warrant, officers must give notice to the person inside.
(Penal Code Section 844). A private dwelling can be any place the person
resides (not just houses or apartments) or areas of a business not open to the
general public.
4-17
Entry into a Dwelling to Make an Arrest, Continued

Knock and
notice
procedure
Peace officers must follow the prescribed procedure for knock and notice:
Knock and
notice
exceptions
Under certain circumstances, an officer may enter a dwelling without

complying with knock and notice requirements. These circumstances are:
announce their presence

identify themselves as peace officers
state their purpose
demand entry
wait a reasonable amount of time (based on circumstances)
if necessary, forcibly enter premises
at the scene the officer is given consent to enter

when exigent circumstances exist
the officer possesses a no knock warrant
Exigent circumstances exist when there is:
hot pursuit
an imminent threat
to life (including the officers)
to property (e.g., smell of natural gas)
of the suspects escape
of the destruction of evidence or contraband
4-18
Entry into a Dwelling to Make an Arrest, Continued

Examples
An officer identified a car as stolen. When a man approached it, the officer
recognized him as someone the officer had previously arrested for car theft.
When the officer approached, the man ran into a private residence and slammed
the door in the officer's face. The officer immediately pursued and followed
him into the house. This is an example of hot pursuit, an exigent circumstance
which excuses knock and notice.
Peace officers responded to a domestic violence call and found a woman on the
floor covered with bruises and cuts. She told the officers her husband was
drunk and had threatened to shoot her son. The officers drove to the sons
apartment where the husbands car was found parked outside. They heard
shouting and then shots from the apartment. They immediately entered the
apartment. This is an example of exigent circumstances; the continued violent
behavior and imminent threat to life excuses compliance with knock and notice
requirements.
NOTE:
If the person to be arrested is on parole or searchable probation,

officers may enter, with or without a warrant, to make the arrest,
although they would still need to comply with the knock and
notice requirement.
4-19

[15.04.EO10]
Introduction
A private person may arrest an individual for any public offense (felony,
misdemeanor, or infraction) committed in their presence. In addition, a
private person may arrest an individual if a felony actually has been
committed and the arresting person has probable cause to believe the
individual committed the felony.
Conditions
A private person is authorized to make both felony and misdemeanor arrests.

(Penal Code Sections 834 and 837). The conditions under which private
person arrests can be made are similar to peace officer arrests regarding the
use of force and the information that must be supplied to the arrested person.
(Penal Code Section 841)
Required
actions
According to Penal Code Section 847, when making a private person arrest,
the person is, without unnecessary delay, required to:
Private
searches
and
seizures
take the person before a magistrate

deliver the arrested person to a peace officer
The Fourth Amendment protects citizens from unreasonable searches and

seizures by government personnel or their agents. The Fourth Amendment
does not apply to a private person. Evidence obtained as a result of searches
and seizures by a private person will not normally be suppressed.
NOTE:
A private person can make warrantless entries only for felonies.

4-20
Private Person Arrests, Continued

Examples
A peace officer arrived at the scene where two shopkeepers were confronting a
young man whom they saw spray-painting their alley windows. The
shopkeepers informed the man he was under arrest for vandalism. The peace
officer then assisted in the physical apprehension of the young man and took
custody of him.
A man saw a woman breaking into a car in a shopping mall parking lot. He
confronted the woman and told her he wanted her to accompany him to the
mall security station. The woman tried to run off; the man grabbed her,
confiscated her belongings, and took her to the security office where she was
handcuffed, and the police were called.
4-21

Officer refusing
to receive or
arrest person
charged with
offense
Penal Code Section 142(c) states: This section shall not apply to arrests made
pursuant to section 837, (arrests by private persons).
Disposition
After an officer receives someone who has been arrested by a private

person, the private person has no further say in the matter. The officer has
three different ways to proceed, as indicated in the table below.
Option
Release
Explanation
Release the person, unconditionally, if the officer is satisfied
there are insufficient grounds for filing a criminal complaint.
(Penal Code Section 849(b)(1))
NOTE:
Issue a
citation
A release under this section must be documented

with a signed certificate indicating the arrest will be
deemed to have been a detention. (Penal Code
Sections 849(c) and 851.6)
The officer can issue a citation (signed promise to appear) if the

arrest was for a misdemeanor, if the arrestee does not demand to
be taken before a magistrate, and none of the statutory reasons for
denying release exist. (Penal Code Section 853.6(i))
NOTE:
Depending on agency policy, the private person may

be required to sign as the arresting party.
4-22
Disposition
(continued)
Exemption
from
prosecution
Option
Explanation
Take the
arrested
person to a
magistrate
The officer can take the person to the nearest or most

accessible magistrate, (Penal Code Section 849(a)), if one is
available. Otherwise, the officer can take the person to jail for
booking and either bail or arraignment and then file a criminal
complaint.
An officer who receives an arrested person may not be held civilly liable for
false arrest or imprisonment. (Penal Code Section 836.5)
4-23
Use of Force/Physical Restraint During an Arrest

[15.04.EO11]
Introduction
Individuals are not permitted to resist arrest by peace officers because they can
take legal and/or civil action for a false arrest. Some individuals do resist
arrest, and peace officers may have to use physical restraints.
Penal
code
authority
Penal Code Section 835a authorizes peace officers to use force that is
reasonable and necessary to make an arrest, prevent escape, or overcome
resistance.
Examples
Two officers observed a robbery suspect flee the store. The officers chased
him, wrestled with him for five minutes before subduing him, handcuffed him,
and walked him back to their police car. This is reasonable force.
While being arrested for bank robbery, the individual tried to flee. The officer
lightly touched him, causing the individual to lose his balance and fall; the
individual broke his wrist during the fall. The amount of force applied by the
officer was still considered within reason. It is the officers conduct, not the
injury itself, that must be considered.
4-24
Disposition of the Arrestees

[15.04.EO12]
Introduction
Upon arresting a person, peace officers must follow statutory requirements to

ensure the arrestees rights are not violated. The nature of the offense and the
presence or the absence of a warrant dictate how peace officers handle the
arrestee.
Disposition
of arrestees
Statutes provide different means of handling or disposing of arrestees,

depending on the nature of their offenses (infraction, misdemeanor, or felony)
and the manner of arrest (warrant or warrantless).
Compliance
with
warrant
If the arrest is made pursuant to a warrant (felony or misdemeanor), the

arresting officer must proceed with the arrestee as commanded in the warrant.
(Penal Code Section 848). For misdemeanors only, this may include cite and
release or transport to jail. (Penal Code Section 827.1)
Infractions
A person arrested for an infraction is normally cited and released, although

the arrestee must sign a written promise to appear. (Penal Code Section
853.5)
A person arrested for an infraction may be taken into custody if he or she fails
to present satisfactory identification, refuses to sign the written promise to
appear, or if any of the exceptions listed in Penal Code Section 853.6 exist.
Warrantless
misdemeanor
arrests and
release
Penal Code Section 853.6 requires, with some exception, that a person
arrested without a warrant for misdemeanor offenses be cited and released in
lieu of custody. Once arrestees sign a written promise to appear or post a bail
bond, they are released.
4-25
Disposition of the Arrestees, Continued

Exceptions to
misdemeanor
cite and
release
Whenever any person is arrested by a peace officer for a misdemeanor, that

person shall be released according to the procedures set forth by this chapter
unless one of the following is a reason for non-release, in which case the
arresting officer may release the person, or the arresting officer shall indicate,
on a form to be established by his or her employing law enforcement agency,
which of the following was a reason for non-release: (Penal Code Section
853.6(i)):
the person arrested was so intoxicated that he or she could have been a
danger to himself or herself or to others
the person arrested required medical examination or medical care or was
otherwise unable to care for his or her own safety
the person was arrested under one or more of the circumstances listed in
Sections 40302 and 40303 of the Vehicle Code
there was one or more outstanding arrest warrants for the person
the person could not provide satisfactory evidence of personal
identification
the prosecution of the offense or offenses for which the person was
arrested, or the prosecution of any other offense or offenses, would be
jeopardized by immediate release of the person arrested
there was a reasonable likelihood that the offense or offenses would
continue or resume, or that the safety of persons or property would be
imminently endangered by release of the person arrested
the person arrested demanded to be taken before a magistrate or refused to
sign the notice to appear
There is reason to believe that the person would not appear at the time and
place specified in the notice. The basis for this determination shall be
specifically stated
the person was subject to Section 1270.1
4-26

Domestic
violence/
abuse
exceptions
Officers are required to take the person before a magistrate, rather than cite
and release, if the arrest:
Warrantless
arrest
releases
is for a misdemeanor violation of a protective court order involving

domestic violence as defined in Penal Code Section 13700
is pursuant to agency policy for responding to domestic violence calls per
Penal Code Section 13701
When officers arrest a person without a warrant for a felony or misdemeanor

and the person is not otherwise released, the officers must take the person to
the nearest or most accessible magistrate, (Penal Code Section 849(a)), if one
is available. Otherwise, the officers must take the person to jail for booking
and either bail or arraignment and the filing of a criminal complaint.
However, Penal Code Section 849(b) lists three situations where an officer
may release a person who was arrested without a warrant. Those situations
exist:
Probable
cause
determination
when there are insufficient grounds for criminal complaint

when the person was arrested for intoxication only and no further
proceedings are desirable
when the person was arrested only for being under the influence of a
controlled substance or drug, is delivered to a treatment facility or hospital,
and no further proceedings are desirable
Individuals arrested without a warrant must be given a judicial determination

of probable cause within 48 hours after the arrest, including weekends and
holidays.
4-27

Phone
calls
After being booked, and within three hours of being arrested, an arrested adult
must be allowed to make at least three completed phone calls. (Penal Code
Section 851.5)
Juveniles shall, immediately after being taken to a place of confinement and,
except where physically impossible, no later than one hour after being taken
into custody, be advised of their right to make at least two telephone calls.
(Welfare and Institutions Code 627 (b))
Any officer who deprives an arrested person of the right to make telephone
calls is guilty of a misdemeanor. (Penal Code Section 851.5(f))
Visitation
privileges
After a person has been arrested, any attorney licensed to practice law in
California, upon the request of the arrested person or the arrested persons
relatives may visit any time of the day or night. Any officer who willfully
refuses to allow an attorney to visit can be charged with a misdemeanor and
shall forfeit $500 to the aggrieved party. (Penal Code Section 825(b))
A physician, surgeon, or an attorney who is employed by the arrested person
in preparation for the defense is allowed to visit at any time. (Penal Code
Section 825.5)
4-28
Immunity and Statute of Limitations

[15.04.EO13]
Introductions
There are circumstances when a person has committed a crime and cannot be
arrested. These exemptions are based on case law and statutory law.
Related
terms
Immunity is an exemption from a duty or penalty.

A diplomatic agent is an official appointed by a government to reside in a
foreign country to represent the political interests of citizens of the appointing
country.
A consular officer is an official appointed by a government to reside in a
foreign country to represent the commercial interests of citizens of the
appointing country.
The consular service staff are people who work for the consular officer in a
foreign country.
NOTE:
Stale
misdemeanor
There are various levels of diplomatic immunity for foreign

diplomats in the United States. Those with full diplomatic
immunity may not be prosecuted for any crimes they commit.
Those without full immunity may be arrested and prosecuted.
A stale misdemeanor exists when an adult commits a misdemeanor in

another persons presence (including a peace officer) and the person fails to
arrest the adult within a reasonable time thereafter.
4-29
Immunity and Statute of Limitations, Continued

Stale
misdemeanor
(continued)
A reasonable time thereafter normally means the person must have been in
continuous fresh pursuit of the individual until the arrest is made. If no arrest
is made during that time, the individual can no longer be arrested without an
arrest warrant.
If an officer sees an individual after that time, the officer may detain the
individual and gather information for a warrant. A private person can make a
complaint to a peace officer which may result in a warrant.
Examples
An officer saw a young man painting graffiti on the side of a building. The
man saw the officer and ran. The officer pursued the man, but lost him after a
few blocks. Two days later, the officer saw the man again. The officer may not
arrest him but can detain him for warrant information.
A man got into an argument with his neighbor, and the neighbor shoved him.
The following day, the man thought about the incident and decided to arrest his
neighbor. At this point, the man can file a complaint against his neighbor, but
he cannot arrest him.
4-30
Immunity and Statute of Limitations, Continued

Statute of
limitations
Suspects for most crimes must be arrested within a certain time limit called the
statute of limitation, as shown in the chart below.
Crime
Statute of Limitation
most misdemeanors
one year
most felonies
three years
crimes punishable by death or life imprisonment
no limit
sex crimes, crimes against children, and others
can vary according to

the crime
NOTE:
Even though the statute of limitation has expired, this does not
preclude the officer from conducting an investigation, notifying
detectives, or seeking advice from a district attorney.
4-31
Chapter Synopsis
Learning need
Peace officers must know and comply with the statutory rules of arrest in
order to properly exercise their authority and responsibility while avoiding
liability when making arrests.
Arrest,
detention
and
probable
cause
[15.04.EO2,
15.04.EO4]
An arrest is the taking of a person into custody, in a case and in the manner
authorized by law.
Probable cause to arrest is a set of facts that would cause a person of ordinary
care and prudence to entertain an honest and strong belief that the person to be
arrested is guilty of a crime.
A detention or stop is an assertion of authority that would cause reasonable
individuals to believe they are not free to leave. A detention is limited in
scope, intensity, and duration. A detention is not an arrest.
Elements
of a lawful
arrest
[15.04.EO3]
Penal Code Sections 834 and 835 authorize peace officers and private persons
to make arrests. The elements of an arrest are:
Information
that must be
given to
arrested
person
[15.04.EO5]
The arrested person must be taken into custody, for a crime and in the
manner prescribed by law.
An arrest may be made by actual restraint of the person or by the persons
submission to the officers authority.
Reasonable force may be used to make an arrest, prevent escape, or
overcome resistance.
Penal Code Section 841 requires that any person making an arrest must
convey certain information to the person arrested at the time of the arrest. The
three things that must be explained are, intent, cause, and authority.
4-32

Warrantless
arrests for
misdemeanors
[15.04.EO6]
Peace officers may make warrantless arrests for certain misdemeanors.
Warrantless
arrests for
felonies
[15.04.EO7]
Peace officers may make warrantless arrests for felonies.
Warrant
arrests
[15.04.EO8]
An arrest warrant is a written order signed by a magistrate which directs and

commands a peace officer to arrest the person named in the warrant for the
offense named in the warrant.
Entry to
make
arrest
[15.04.EO9]
Knock and notice means that before entering a dwelling to make an arrest,
with or without a warrant, officers must give notice to the person inside.
(Penal Code Section 844)
Private
person
arrests
[15.04.EO10]
A private person may arrest an individual for any public offense that has been
committed in the private persons presence.
Use of
force
[15.04.EO11]
Penal Code Section 835(a) authorizes peace officers to use force that is
reasonable and necessary to make an arrest, prevent his escape, or overcome
resistance.
4-33

Disposition
of arrested
persons
[15.04.EO12]
If the arrest is made pursuant to a warrant, the arresting officer must proceed
with the arrestee as commanded in the warrant. (Penal Code Section 848)
Exceptions
to the
power
of arrest
[15.04.EO13]
There are circumstances when a person who has committed a crime and
cannot be arrested.
4-34

Introduction
Activity
questions
1. Describe an instance in which a peace officer may enter a dwelling

without knock and notice.
2. Name four circumstances under which an officer can make a warrantless

arrest.
4-35

Activity
questions
(continued)
3. A person commits a misdemeanor trespass in an officers presence. The

person flees the scene, and the officer pursues, but loses track of the
person after about five blocks. After about 15 minutes, the officer stops
the search and continues on patrol. Later that evening, the officer spots
the person. What action should the officer take and why?
4. What is the difference between probable cause and reasonable suspicion?
4-36

Activity
questions
(continued)
5. Uniformed peace officers on patrol spot a woman whom they recognize

from a bulletin. The woman has an outstanding warrant for kidnapping.
They approach and arrest the woman. Outline precisely what the officers
should say to the woman at the time of arrest. How would this differ if the
officers were out of uniform?
4-37

Student notes
4-38
Chapter 5
Administration of the Miranda Warning
Overview
Learning need
When conducting a custodial interrogation, peace officers must follow

Miranda procedures to ensure that any answers they obtain will be admissible
in court.
Learning
objectives
able to . . .
E.O. Code
identify the purpose of the Miranda warning(s)
15.05.EO1
recognize when Miranda warnings must be given
15.05.EO2
identify the proper administration of Miranda warnings
15.05.EO3
recognize the impact of invoking:

- the right to remain silent
- the right to counsel
15.05.EO4
recognize the types of Miranda waivers
15.05.EO5
recognize the exception(s) to the Miranda rule
15.05.EO6
LD 15: Chapter 5 Administration of the Miranda Warning
5-1
Overview, Continued
In this chapter
This section focuses on when and how to administer Miranda warnings. Refer
to the chart below for a specific topic.
Topic
5-2
See Page
The Miranda Warning
5-3
5-4
5-8
Exception to the Miranda Rule
5-15
Chapter Synopsis
5-16
5-18
The Miranda Warning

[15.05.EO1]
Purpose of
Miranda
warning
The Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states that:

No person . . . shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness
against himself.
In Miranda vs. Arizona (1966), the United States Supreme Court ruled that
unless certain warnings are given to the suspect first, any statement made
during custodial interrogation will be viewed as compelled because of the
inherently coercive atmosphere that exists and that statement(s) would be
inadmissible in a court room proceeding.
The Supreme Court set forth four advisements known as the Miranda
warning, which a peace officer must give to a person at the start of custodial
interrogation.
Miranda
warning
Minimally, the following advisements must be provided to a person subjected

to custodial interrogations.
You have the right to remain silent.
Anything you say may be used against you in court.
You have the right to an attorney before and during questioning.
If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you free of
charge, before questioning, if you wish.
5-3

[15.05.EO2]
Introduction
The Miranda warning and a valid waiver of those rights are required before any
custodial interrogation. Custody and interrogation must both exist before the
Miranda warning is necessary.
Custody
Custody means a formal arrest or its functional equivalent. It is objectively

determined by the totality of circumstances. People are in custody for Miranda
purposes when they have been:
actually placed under arrest

subjected to the kinds of restraints associated with a formal arrest (e.g.,
handcuffs, guns, lockups, etc.)
NOTE:
Interrogation
Because there is no custody (actual arrest or equivalent

restraints), the Miranda warning is not required before
interrogating a person who has been detained, for example, during
a routine traffic stop, even though the person is not free to leave.
Interrogation occurs when a peace officer:
engages in direct/express questioning of a person about a crime

uses words or conduct reasonably likely to elicit an incriminating response
from a person
Not all questioning is interrogation. For example, routine booking questions

are not interrogation. Neither are casual comments by custodial officials.
5-4
When the Miranda Warning is Required, Continued

Miranda
not
required
The Miranda warning is not required unless both custody and interrogation exist
at the same time. In the absence of formal arrest or equivalent restraints,
Miranda custody does not exist.
Without interrogation, peace officers are not required to give a person their
Miranda rights, even if there is custody. Without custody, the officers need not
give the Miranda warning, even if they are about to interrogate the person.
CUSTODY + INTERROGATION = NEED FOR THE MIRANDA WARNING
Examples
After announcing themselves as peace officers, two officers entered a persons

room with their guns drawn. Because of the arrest-like restraints (drawn guns),
the person was considered to be in Miranda custody. Before the officers may
begin asking questions regarding the specific crime, they must give the person
the Miranda warning.
A man sold a stolen car to his friend. Later, an officer arrested the man. After
some remarks about what the man could expect in jail, the officer said to him,
That was sure a cold thing you did to your friend, selling him that hot car.
This was interrogation because the officers remark, though not strictly a
question, was likely to elicit an incriminating response.
5-5

Volunteered
statements
Statements volunteered by a person, and not as a direct result of interrogation

by the peace officer, are not affected by Miranda. Statements may be
volunteered in any setting, such as:
Examples
during a consensual encounter

during a detention
during an arrest
during the booking process
during forensic testing or transportation
after the person has invoked the Miranda right(s)
Volunteered statements are admissible as evidence. For example:
after a person asked for a lawyer, he said I just want to say, off the record,
I didnt mean to kill that dude.
an arrestee tells the jailer: Off the record, Im guilty as sin.
5-6

Privilege
against selfincrimination
The Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination applies to

testimonial communication only.
This privilege is not violated by requiring the person to provide:
handwriting samples
voice samples for analysis
body fluids or other samples for analysis
In addition, this privilege is not violated if the person is asked to:
Consequences
of not
administering
Miranda
model articles of clothing

participate in a lineup
submit to routine fingerprinting
repeat a statement for voice identification
Peace officers need to realize that if they fail to follow the Miranda
procedures, any statement they may obtain during custodial interrogation may
be inadmissible against the person at the criminal trial to prove guilt.
5-7

[15.05.EO3, 15.05.EO4, 15.05.EO5]
Introduction
Once officers read the Miranda warning and have ensured that the person
understands it, the person may either waive (give up) or invoke (assert) their
Miranda rights. A person has two rights he or she can waive or invoke under
Miranda: the right to remain silent and the right to have counsel present
during interrogation.
Elements
of Miranda
There are three elements in the Miranda process. They are:
The
Miranda
process
advisement of the Miranda warning by the officer

understanding of the warning by the person
waiver or invocation of the Miranda rights (silence and counsel) by the
person
The person must understand all four advisements of the Miranda warning. To
determine this, the officer can ask the person about understanding after each
advisement or ask one time after each advisement has been given. Once a
person has acknowledged their understanding of the warning, they must go on
to either waive (give up) their Miranda rights or invoke one or both of them.
Miranda Phase
Warning
Included in the Phase

Includes informing a person of:
-
the right to remain silent,

the fact that any statement made may be used against
them in court,
the right to have an attorney present before and during
any questioning, and
the fact that an attorney will be provided if the person
cannot afford one.
5-8
Waiving or Invoking Miranda Rights, Continued
The
Miranda
process
(continued)
Miranda Phase
Included in the Phase
Understanding
A person must understand the meaning of each

advisement.
Waiving or
invoking rights
A person must knowingly and voluntarily either waive

their rights to silence and counsel or must invoke one or
both of these rights.
Waivers
Only if a valid waiver is obtained will answers to questioning be admissible in

court. A waiver can be either expressed or implied, but must always be
knowing and voluntary.
Validity
of waiver
For a waiver to be knowing, the person must have fully comprehended the
four advisements, that is, must understand the nature of the rights he is giving
up and the consequences of waiving them. (Knowing and intelligent both
have this same definition and express a single concept.)
For a waiver to be voluntary, it must be the result of a free and deliberate
choice and not the result of coercion, i.e., any force, threats, or promises of
leniency (whether express or implied), or any kind of tricks, cajoling, or
softening up by the peace officers. If a waiver is ruled involuntary, any
statements obtained afterward will not be admissible at trial to prove guilt.
5-9

Types of
waivers
A valid waiver of rights may be either expressed, implied, or conditional. The

following chart explains the difference between these types of waivers.
Type of
Waiver
Persons Action
Example
Expressed
Answers yes/no question

about going forward with the
questioning.
After giving advisements and

ensuring understanding, the
peace officer asks, Can we talk
about what happened?
Implied
Acknowledges understanding
the advisements, and exhibits
conduct indicating waiver of
rights.
The peace officer starts asking

questions and the person
answers.
Conditional Acknowledges understanding

the advisements and is
willing to go forward, but
places a limitation/
qualification on answering
questions.
The person:
- refuses to give a written
statement,
- refuses to be tape recorded,
- answers some questions but
not others,
- refuses to speak to one
specific officer but not
others, or
- refuses to answer questions
until a specific amount of
time has lapsed, but
- will go forward if this
condition is met.
5-10

Examples
While talking to a murder suspect, after giving the Miranda warning, two
sheriff's deputies told the suspect they wanted to help prevent him "from getting
the death penalty." They also told him about a "hypothetical" case where the
individual who had cooperated with the police got charged with manslaughter
instead of murder. The suspect waived his rights and made a tape-recorded
confession. The waiver was invalid since it resulted from improper coercion,
threats, and promises of leniency.
A person, who was very drunk at the time he was informed of his rights and
waived them, gave an incriminating statement to officers. The court could
determine that the person did not have "the requisite free will and rational
intellect" to knowingly waive his rights.
Invoking
Miranda
rights
A person may invoke the right to silence or the right to counsel only at the time
of, or during, police custodial interrogation. Unless custody and interrogation
both exist at the same time, there are no Miranda rights to invoke.
However, if these conditions both exist and the person invokes either the right
to silence or the right to counsel, Miranda requires that all interrogation must
cease.
Some differences between these two rights exist concerning how they are
invoked and whether the peace officer may later try to reinitiate interrogation.
NOTE:
Miranda rights are personal to the person and may not be invoked
by anyone else on his or her behalf, including an attorney or a
parent.
5-11

Right to
remain
silent
The right to remain silent may be invoked by any words or conduct which
reflect an unwillingness to discuss the case.
Once a person invokes the right to silence, Miranda requires that all
interrogation must cease. However, there are circumstances where reinitiation
by the peace officer may produce an admissible statement. These
circumstances include:
a period of time has gone by, and

the officers have some new information, and/or
the officers want to ask about a different crime.
In any such try again situation, there would have to be full readvisement per
Miranda and a valid waiver, with no pressure from the officer.
Right to
counsel
Unlike the right to silence, a person's invocation of the Miranda right to have
an attorney present or to speak to an attorney can only be invoked by a clear
and express request for an attorney.
Once the Miranda right to counsel has been asserted, all interrogation must
cease. There are no circumstances, except for the actual presence of the
attorney, where reinitiation by the officer is proper for as long as the person
remains in custody. This is true even where officers from a different agency
wish to interrogate the person about a different crime.
5-12

Examples
When an officer asked the person if, having the Miranda advisements in mind,
he wanted to talk, the person said, "Not really." This amounted to an
invocation of the persons right to silence.
When an officer gave a jailed person the Miranda warning, the person stated he
wanted to talk to an attorney. Because the person had invoked his right to
counsel, officers could not interrogate him to obtain an admissible statement
without his lawyer being present.
5-13

When a
suspect
reinitiates
questioning
Because Miranda rights are personal, suspects may change their mind. For
example, suspects may reinitiate or express a desire to make a statement, even
though they earlier invoked the right to silence or counsel. Under such
circumstances, the officer should:
re-admonish the person with Miranda warnings

obtain a valid express waiver
then interrogate further
make a verbatim account of the reinitiation and any statement given
Documentation
Because of the different reinitiation rules, peace officers should always

document whether a person has waived or invoked their right to silence or
their right to counsel. This will protect other officers from inadvertently
reinitiating contact with the person and possibly violating Mirandas
requirements.
Juveniles
in custody
Miranda applies the same to minors as adults. The courts have found no
difference in application. A juvenile does not have the right to have an adult
present, and any request for one is not automatically either an invocation of
the right to silence or the right to an attorney.
However, California has a statute (Welfare and Institutions Code Section 625)
that requires an officer to give Miranda warnings in any case where a
juvenile is taken into temporary custody. This requirement exists even when
the juvenile is not going to be interrogated. If the minor is not going to be
interrogated, the statute does not require that the minor understands the
warnings or any waiver of rights, but rather just the advisements.
5-14
Exception to the Rule of Miranda

[15.05.EO6]
Introduction
There is one exception to the general Rule of Miranda when a person is in

custody and about to be interrogated. It is known as the public safety or
emergency rescue exception, and it is based on exigent circumstances.
Public
safety
exception
No Miranda warning is necessary, even though a person is in custody, if the

officer who is about to ask incriminating questions (interrogate) is motivated
by a concern for someones safety.
The concern for safety can be for the victim, the defendant, some third person,
the public at large, or the officers own safety. Courts view this exception
rather narrowly.
Examples
Miranda did not apply to a hostage situation where the person was holding a
wounded hostage at gunpoint.
Miranda did not apply where an armed person, who had been apprehended
inside a busy supermarket and had apparently discarded his gun somewhere in
the store, was asked where the gun was located.
5-15
Chapter Synopsis
Learning need
When conducting a custodial interrogation, peace officers must follow

Miranda procedures to ensure that any answers they obtain will be admissible
in court.
The purpose
of the
Miranda
warning
[15.05.EO1]
Compliance with Miranda allows any statement the person makes to be

admitted against him at trial to prove guilt without violating the persons Fifth
Amendment right against self-incrimination.
When
Miranda
warning is
required
[15.05.EO2]
If an officer is about to interrogate a person who is in custody, the officer

must advise the person of the four Miranda advisements.
Administering
the Miranda
warning
[15.05.EO3]
Once the four Miranda advisements have been given and the person has
acknowledged understanding them, the person may either waive or invoke the
right to silence, the right to an attorney, or both.
Invoking
Miranda
rights
[15.05.EO4]
Under Miranda, a person may invoke the right to remain silent or the right to
counsel only at the time of, or during, police custodial interrogation.
5-16

Waiving
Miranda
rights
[15.05.EO5]
For any statement made after a waiver to be admissible in court, the waiver
must be knowing and voluntary.
Exception
to the
Miranda
rule
[15.05.EO6]
A peace officer is not required to give the Miranda warning if there is

imminent concern for the safety of a person or the public.
5-17

Introduction
Activity
questions
1. In connection with an arrest for robbery, at what point is an officer required

to provide the Miranda warning? Describe an occurrence that might cause
an exception to this requirement.
2. After being given the Miranda warning, a murder suspect invokes her right
to remain silent. When, and under what circumstances, can peace officers
try again to interrogate the person without violating Miranda? If the person
invokes her right to an attorney after about 10 minutes of interrogation,
under what circumstances can reinitiation of interrogation produce
admissible evidence?
5-18

Activity
questions
(continued)
3. Describe two situations in which a waiver of the right to remain silent

under Miranda would be considered invalid.
4. What is the basis for the Miranda warning? Why do they exist?
5-19

Student notes
5-20
Chapter 6
Crime Scene Interviews and
Overview
Learning need
To develop admissible evidence while ensuring the constitutional rights of all

individuals, peace officers must correctly follow standardized practices for
conducting crime scene interviews and interrogations.
Learning
objectives
The following table identifies the student learning objectives for this chapter.
able to...
E.O. Code
differentiate between an interview and interrogation
15.06.EO1
identify the purpose of an interrogation
15.06.EO2
differentiate between an admission and a confession
15.06.EO3
identify the conditions in which a confession or

admission may be inadmissible in a court
15.06.EO4
LD 15: Chapter 6 Crime Scene Interviews and Investigative Interrogations
6-1
Overview, Continued
In this chapter
This section focuses on gathering evidence from individuals at a crime scene

such as witnesses or the person who may have committed the crime. Refer to
the table below for a specific topic.
Topic
6-2
See Page
6-3
6-9
Chapter Synopsis
6-14
6-15

[15.06.EO1]
Introduction
Statements made by victims, witnesses, or suspects at a crime scene can be

critical in tying together the facts of a crime. Crime elements may be revealed
by the statements of victims, witnesses, or the suspects themselves.
Definition
An interview is the process of gathering information from a person who has

knowledge of the facts that an officer will need to conduct an investigation.
Purpose
Interviews are conducted at the scene of a crime in order to obtain and

document information needed to:
Interviews vs.
interrogations
determine if a crime has taken place

identify and locate victims and witnesses
identify possible suspects
generate a crime broadcast to dispatch
It is important for officers conducting interviews at a crime scene to recognize

the differences between an interview and an interrogation. The following
table illustrates a number of such differences.
Interviews
Interrogations
The process of questioning

The process of questioning suspects (who
non-suspects such as victims
often may be unwilling to provide
or witnesses (who typically
information to investigating officers).
are willing to cooperate).
Questions or conduct reasonably likely to
elicit an incriminating response.
Should take place at the
crime scene.
More than likely takes place as part of a

follow-up investigation.
6-3
Crime Scene Interviews, Continued

Preparation
Before beginning any crime scene interview, officers should properly prepare
themselves and the individual(s) to be interviewed.
Actions
Guidelines
Be physically and
mentally prepared.
Become well acquainted with the circumstances

surrounding the crime.
Determine the number, role, and priority of the
people who should be interviewed (i.e., victim,
witness, suspect, etc.).
Develop an interview plan of questions that
should be asked to establish the facts of the
incident (i.e., who, what, when, where, why,
how).
Organize equipment that will be needed to
document the interviewees statements (e.g.,
notebook and pencil, tape recorder with charged
batteries and blank cassettes).
Separate the involved

parties.
If possible, move the person, with his or her

consent, to a location where there will be no
interruptions or distractions.
Focus the persons attention on speaking with the
officer rather than on interacting with others.
Establish rapport.
Tell the interviewee why the interview is being

conducted.
Describe the interview process that will be
followed.
Assure the person that by using this process, the
officer will be able to gather that persons
statement accurately.
Be courteous, considerate, and patient.
Control the interview by remaining calm and
polite.
6-4

Listening
attentively
Initially, the officers focus should be strictly on the other person listening (not
taking notes) to what that individual has to say.
Actions
Guidelines
Ask the person to

recount what has
happened.
Allow the person to speak freely.

Have the person describe the incident just as that
person understands it, using that persons own
words.
Keep the person

focused.
If the person should begin to wander from the

specific topic, guide the person back to the
subject (e.g., You mentioned that.... Lets go
back to...).
Maintain eye contact and use nonverbal gestures
(e.g., nodding the head) to encourage the person.
Listen carefully to
what is being said.
Be particularly attentive to the essentials of the

incident as described by that person including,
but not limited to, the:
- role of the person being interviewed (victim,
witness, etc.)
- type of crime, if any, that has been committed
- time of the occurrence
- exact location of the person during the crime
or incident
6-5

Ask
questions
and take
notes
When the person has finished speaking initially, the interviewing officer can
begin to question the individual and capture information on paper as part of
that officers field notes.
Actions
Guidelines
Obtain identification
information.
Confirm the persons role in the event or incident

(e.g., victim, witness, possible suspect, etc.).
Note the persons:
- complete name
- address and phone number (home and work)
- any other information necessary for
identification purposes
Ask the interviewee to

repeat that persons
account of what
happened.
Guide the interview by asking questions that will

keep the person from becoming distracted and
wandering from the point.
Stop the person and ask questions when
necessary to clarify points.
Write down information in short statements.
If a statement is particularly important, have the
person repeat it until it is captured entirely in
field notes.
Ask additional
questions.
Obtain descriptions of property, suspects, etc.

Ask the individual if that person would like to
add any additional information.
6-6

Recording
the
interview
Some officers may choose to use a small tape recorder while conducting an
interview. Officers should be aware that this may inhibit the person from
talking freely. Electronic equipment can also malfunction, leaving the officer
with little or no information.
Even if an officer is recording the interview, that officer should also take
thorough and complete notes of the interview.
Verify
information
Officers should review the individuals statements with the interviewee and
allow the interviewee to clarify points, if necessary.
Actions
Guidelines
Review information
with the person.
Repeat specific information to verify that the

information is accurate and complete.
Give the person an opportunity to add facts as
necessary.
Ask for confirmation.
Have the person confirm important details such as:

- direct quotes
- time relationships
- information regarding weapons
- physical descriptions
Make modifications
or corrections as
necessary.
Information may have been initially recorded

incorrectly because the officer:
- misunderstood the interviewees statement
- inadvertently wrote something down incorrectly
- may have incorrectly characterized the
interviewees statement
Verify changes.
Once any changes have been made, the information

that has been added or modified should be verified.
6-7

At the end of each interview, the interviewing officers should thank the
individual for that persons time and cooperation. Officers may also choose to
explain any further actions that may be taken during the investigative process.
Close the
interview
NOTE:
Additional
sources of
information
During the investigation of a crime, it is imperative that the investigating

officer gather as much relevant information as possible. To supplement crime
scene interviews or when conducting a follow-up investigation, additional
information may be obtained from:
6-8
For additional information regarding field interviews, note taking,

and report writing, refer to LD 18: Investigative Report Writing.
physical evidence
public and private records and other documents
informants
[15.06.EO2, 15.06.EO3, 15.06.EO4]
Introduction
An interrogation means any questioning or conduct that is reasonably likely to

elicit (produce) an incriminating response from a suspect (i.e., perpetrator or
accomplice). Although, it is possible to interrogate a suspect at the scene
before the suspect has been arrested, handcuffed, or otherwise placed in
custody, interrogation more commonly takes place after the suspect has been
taken into custody, typically as part of a follow-up investigation. When a
suspect is both in custody and about to undergo interrogation, then Miranda
comes into play.
Miranda
In the 1966 case of Miranda v. Arizona, the U. S. Supreme Court set forth a
series of procedural safeguards, now known as Miranda admonishments.
Before suspects who are in custody may be interrogated, they must be
informed of, and waive their rights to:
Purposes
remain silent
the presence of an attorney before and during questioning
An interrogation serves a number of different purposes:
obtaining an admission or confession

identifying individuals involved in a crime
establishing a persons guilt
corroborating the facts of a crime
obtaining information that could lead to the recovery of evidence or property
6-9
Investigative Interrogations, Continued

Confession vs.
admission
Inadmissible
statements
A peace officer who conducts an interrogation must have a clear

understanding of the difference between a confession and an admission.
A(n)...
involves acknowledging...
Confession
the commission of all of the elements of a crime.
Admission
certain facts that tend to incriminate the individual, but fall

short of a confession.
A confession is the most compelling evidence of a suspects guilt. However, a

confession or admission that violates the persons constitutional protections
and statutory requirements can be ruled inadmissible as evidence and greatly
jeopardize the states position.
The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the inadmissibility of statements (i.e.,
confessions, admissions) that were obtained in violation of the following four
amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
Amendment
Rights and
Freedoms
A confession or admission may be inadmissible

in a court of law if the...
Fourth
Freedom from arrest and statement was the result of an illegal

unreasonable search and seizure, such as an improper entry,
unreasonable detention, etc.
searches or
seizures
Fifth
Freedom from statement was obtained during custodial

interrogation carried out in violation of any
selfincrimination Miranda requirements, such as without a
complete advisement of rights, or without a
valid waiver of rights.
6-10
Inadmissible
statements
(continued)
Preparation
Sixth
Right to
counsel
statement was obtained in violation of charged

defendants right to be assisted by counsel, such
as by initiating interrogation about the charged
crime outside the presence of defense counsel
of a defendant who has already been to court
and obtained a lawyer to represent him or her.
Fourteenth
Right to due
process and
equal
protection of
the law
Statement was involuntary, i.e., was coerced by

the government as the result of:
- physical force or threats
- express or implied threats
- express or implied promises of leniency
- overbearing psychological pressure
Prior to conducting an interrogation, officers should take the time to prepare

themselves and form a strategy for obtaining incriminating information.
In the course of this preparation, officers should:
read all case reports so as to be thoroughly familiar with the:

- crime scene
- evidence collected
- earlier statements
learn as much as possible about the individual to be interrogated
6-11

Preparation
(continued)
decide on an interrogation technique to begin with (understanding that

other techniques may be used during the interrogation as well)
prepare a list of key questions that refer to the:
- elements of the specific crime
- actions taken by the individual
- intent and motive for those actions
To control all outside influences on the individual to be questioned, the

interrogation should take place in a room that is:
Location
Obtaining
a statement
soundproof
isolated from any other activity
well lit (but not with glaring lights)
furnished with a minimum of furniture and no distracting decorations
secure and protected from interruptions
connected to outside areas by a buzzer or intercom system
The goal of an interrogation is to obtain an incriminating statement from the

suspect.
When the interrogating officers detect that the suspect is ready to talk openly and
honestly, the officers should continue with the technique being applied along
with additional tactics to bring the interrogation to a successful conclusion.
The interrogating officers may:
increase the intensity of the questioning

sum up all lies or contradictions already expressed by the suspect
move closer to the suspect to gain his or her confidence
6-12

Obtaining
a statement
(continued)
Most importantly though, interrogating officers should never indicate in any

way that their attitude has been anything but sincere, no matter which
techniques have been employed.
Use of
subterfuge
Subterfuge is the use of deception or falsehoods as a tactic when interrogating

a suspect. In contrast, coercion is the use of force (mental or physical),
threats, or overbearing psychological pressure to deprive a suspects free
choice to admit, deny, or refuse to answer.
The use of subterfuge by an officer during an interrogation is permissible as
long it as does not cause an innocent person to confess.
Subterfuge may include:
falsely telling a suspect that he or she have been positively identified by a

witness and it does not cause a suspect to make a false confession. The
use of subterfuge may play on a suspects individual fear and sense of guilt
to the point of the suspect making a willing admission or confession.
Coercion may include:
Involuntary
confessions
falsely telling a suspect that members of his/her family will be held

accountable if he/she does not confess to a crime.
An involuntary confession or statement is one that results from the use of

coercion and therefore is not admissible in court for any purpose. Unlike
statements obtained in violation of Miranda, an involuntary confession may
not be used as evidence to impeach witnesses or in any other way against the
accused individual.
6-13
Chapter Synopsis
Learning need
To develop admissible evidence while ensuring the constitutional rights of all

individuals, peace officers must correctly follow standardized practices for
conducting crime scene interviews and interrogations.
Interviews vs.
interrogations
[15.06.EO1]
Interviewing is the process of questioning non-suspects such as victims or

witnesses (who typically are willing to cooperate).
Interrogation is the process of questioning suspects who often may be
unwilling to provide information to investigating officers.
Purpose of
interrogation
[15.06.EO2]
An interrogation serves a number of different purposes.
Confession vs.
admission
[15.06.EO3]
A peace officer who conducts an interrogation must have a clear

understanding of the difference between a confession and an admission.
Inadmissible
statements
[15.06.EO4]
A confession or admission may be inadmissible in a court of law if the arrest

was the result of an illegal search or seizure. If the statement was obtained in
violation of any of Mirandas requirements (when applicable). If the
statement was obtained in violation of the charged defendants right to be
assisted by counsel. If the individual was coerced into making involuntary
statements.
6-14

Introduction
Activity
questions
1. Give two examples describing circumstances in which an officers

questioning of a person would not be considered interrogation.
2. Give an example of an interrogation tactic that would be considered to be

subterfuge. Give an example of a tactic that would be considered
coercive. Explain why the one tactic would be considered acceptable
while the other would violate the persons Fourteenth Amendment rights.
6-15

Activity
questions
(continued)
3. Complete the following table showing the similarities and differences

between a crime scene interview and an investigative interrogation.
Investigative
Interrogations
Mechanics of
the interview
process
Location and
physical
environment
Officer
actions/style
Types of
questions asked
6-16

Activity
questions
(continued)
4. An inmate was being transferred to another part of the county jail. While
searching her possessions, one deputy found what he believed was a
marijuana cigarette and told the accompanying officer, I believe I have
something here. When the inmate heard the deputys comment, she
commented Oh-oh. In your opinion, does the inmates comment
constitute a voluntary statement that could be used as incriminating
evidence? Explain the rationale for your answer.
5. You are an officer who has responded to a call involving a residential

burglary. The homeowner tells you that his sons computer, the familys
television, and three pieces of his wifes jewelry are missing. List possible
questions you might ask the homeowner during the initial portion of your
crime scene interview.
6-17

Student notes
6-18
Glossary
Introduction
The key vocabulary terms for LD 15: Laws of Arrest are listed below
with the definitions as they apply to this workbook.
admission
Certain facts that tend to incriminate the individual, but fall short of a
confession
arrest
Taking a person into custody, in a case and in the manner authorized by law
arrest
warrant
A written order signed by a magistrate, directed to and commanding a peace

officer to arrest the person named in the warrant for the offense cited on the
warrant
cited
A person is given a written notice to appear in court; it contains the time and
place where the person shall appear in court
coercion
The use of force, threats, or psychological pressure used to deprive a suspect

of free choice or refusal to answer
confession
The commission of all the elements of a crime
consensual
encounter
A face-to-face contact between a private individual and a peace officer under

circumstances that would cause a reasonable person to believe that they are
free to leave or otherwise not cooperate
consular
officer
An official appointed by a government to reside in a foreign country to

represent the commercial interests of citizens of the appointing country
LD 15: Glossary
G-1
Glossary, Continued
consular
service
staff
The consular service staff work for the consular officer in a foreign country
custody
A formal arrest or its functional equivalent
detention
An assertion of authority that would cause reasonable people to believe they

are not free to leave or otherwise disregard the police and go about their
business; a detention is limited in scope, intensity, and duration
diplomatic
agent
An official appointed by a government to reside in a foreign country to

represent the political interests of citizens of the appointing country
diplomatic
immunity
Those with full diplomatic immunity may not be prosecuted for the crimes
they commit; those without full immunity may be arrested and prosecuted
immunity
Exemption from a duty or penalty
interrogation
Direct/express questioning by a peace officer of a person about a crime, or

statements or actions by an officer that are reasonably likely to elicit an
incriminating response or the process of gathering information from a person
who has knowledge of the facts that an officer will need to conduct an
investigation
interview
The process of gathering information from a person who has knowledge of the
facts
G-2
LD 15: Glossary
Glossary, Continued
invoke
To assert a right, constitutional or otherwise
involuntary
confession
A statement that results from the use of coercion
knock
and
notice
A requirement that before entering a dwelling to make an arrest, with or

without a warrant, peace officers must give notice to the person inside
through certain actions
Miranda
warning
The four advisements which an officer must give a person at the start of
custodial interrogation
pre-complaint
warrant
Arrest warrant obtained before a complaint has been filed; sometimes referred
to as Ramey warrant
probable
cause
A set of facts that would cause a person of ordinary care and prudence to
entertain an honest and strong suspicion that the person to be arrested is guilty
of a crime
public
place
A public place is a location readily accessible to all those who wish to go there
including law enforcement. A key consideration is whether a member of the
public can access the place without challenge. Thus, a property with a
locked fence is not readily accessible. Other things, such as, dogs in a yard
show public is not welcome
reasonable
suspicion
Enough facts and information to make it reasonable to suspect that criminal

activity is occurring, and the person detained is connected to that activity;
reasonable suspicion is required to justify a detention
LD 15: Glossary
G-3
Glossary, Continued
search
Governmental infringement or intrusion upon an expectation of privacy that

society is prepared to consider reasonable
seizure of
a person
A peace officers physical application of force, or a persons voluntary

submission to a peace officers authority
seizure of
property
Some meaningful interference by the government with an individuals

possessory interest in that property
stale
misdemeanor
Commission of a misdemeanor by an adult in another persons presence

(including a peace officer), where the other person fails to arrest the adult
within a reasonable time thereafter
statute of
limitation
The time limit within which suspects for most crimes must be arrested
subterfuge
The use of deception or falsehoods as a tactic when interrogating a suspect
under
color
of law
An action that is carried out as if under the authority of the law, but that is
actually done in violation of law
waive
To give up a right, constitutional or otherwise
G-4
LD 15: Glossary

Workbook PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Workbook PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Workbook PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

CALIFORNIA COMMISSION ON PEACE OFFICER STANDARDS AND TRAINING

Basic Course Workbook Series

From POSTs Web Site:

Lai Lai Bui, Chair

Special Agent in Charge

Director of Division of Law

THE ACADEMY TRAINING MISSION

LD 15: Laws of Arrest

Constitutional Protections and the Role of a

Continued on next page

LD 15: Laws of Arrest

Table of Contents, Continued

Continued on next page

LD 15: Laws of Arrest

Table of Contents, Continued

Administration of Miranda Warnings

Crime Scene Interviews and Investigative

Continued on next page

LD 15: Laws of Arrest

Table of Contents, Continued

LD 15: Laws of Arrest

Completion of the Regular Basic Course is required, prior to exercising peace

The following elements are included in each workbook:

LD 15: Laws of Arrest

How to Use the Student Workbook

This workbook provides an introduction to the training requirements for this

Begin by reading the: Preface and How to Use the Student

Refer to the Chapter Synopsis section at the end of each chapter to

Begin reading the text.

Complete the Workbook Learning Activities Section at the end of

Refer to the Glossary section for a definition of important terms.

LD 15: Laws of Arrest

Peace officers must have an understanding of the amendments to the U.S.

recognize a peace officers responsibility in relation to

Continued on next page

LD 15: Chapter 1 Constitutional Protections and the Role of a Peace Officer

Overview of the U.S. and California Constitutions

Civil Rights Statutes

Workbook Learning Activities

LD 15: Chapter 1 Constitutional Protections and the Role of a Peace Officer

Overview of the U.S. and California Constitutions

A Constitution is a written document which embodies the basic laws of a

The U.S. Constitution became effective in March 1789. The authors

The first session of Congress proposed 10 amendments to the Constitution.

LD 15: Chapter 1 Constitutional Protections and the Role of a Peace Officer

Reasonable suspicion is the standard used to justify a detention. It exists

LD 15: Chapter 1 Constitutional Protections and the Role of a Peace Officer

Fourth Amendment, Continued

Peace officers have a responsibility to protect the Fourth Amendments rights

LD 15: Chapter 1 Constitutional Protections and the Role of a Peace Officer

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime,

The Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution provides that individuals

Peace officers need to understand the relationship between a persons right

The Miranda right to counsel was established by the United States

Peace officers have a responsibility to protect the Fifth Amendment rights of

LD 15: Chapter 1 Constitutional Protections and the Role of a Peace Officer

Fifth Amendment, Continued

LD 15: Chapter 1 Constitutional Protections and the Role of a Peace Officer

The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees people accused of a