Assignment 2: Library Research—Training Police Recruits

Assignment 2: Library Research—Training Police Recruits Chief Draper has noticed that the behavior of many of his officers reflects a lack of understanding of many basic criminal justice concepts

Chief Draper has observed that several officers exhibit insufficient understanding of fundamental criminal justice principles, leading to inappropriate decision-making and potential legal violations. To address these deficiencies, comprehensive training on key topics such as discretion, ethics, probable cause, the plain view doctrine, the good faith exception, Miranda rights, reasonable suspicion, use of force, and racial profiling is essential. This paper provides targeted recommendations for each of these areas, supported by pertinent court cases, to enhance the knowledge and ethical standards of police recruits.

Paper For Above instruction

Discretion

Discretion refers to an officer’s authority to decide how to handle specific situations based on the circumstances and their judgment. Proper use of discretion ensures officers act fairly and lawfully while maintaining public trust. A landmark case, Terry v. Ohio (392 U.S. 1, 1968), established that police could stop and frisk a suspect based on reasonable suspicion, but overreach can lead to violations of civil rights. Training should emphasize the importance of exercising discretion within legal boundaries, recognizing when actions are justified, and avoiding arbitrary decisions that might infringe on individual rights.

Ethics

Ethical conduct is vital in policing to uphold integrity and public confidence. Officers often face situations requiring moral judgment, such as favoring personal relationships or making split-second decisions. The case of Brown v. City of Oneonta (2000) highlights how ethical lapses can lead to misconduct and legal repercussions. Recruits need training that underscores the importance of integrity, accountability, and adherence to professional standards, fostering a culture of honesty and responsibility in law enforcement.

Probable Cause

Probable cause is the legal standard required for arrests and search warrants, meaning there is a reasonable belief that a crime has been or is being committed. The seminal case Carroll v. United States (267 U.S. 132, 1925) established that probable cause is necessary for searches and seizures. Proper training should focus on how to evaluate evidence objectively to establish probable cause, thus ensuring lawful arrests and searches while preventing unlawful invasions of privacy.

The Plain View Doctrine

The plain view doctrine permits law enforcement to seize evidence without a warrant if it is in plain sight during a lawful observation. In Harris v. United States (390 U.S. 234, 1968), the Supreme Court clarified that law enforcement officers must be legally present and have probable cause to seize items in plain view. Recruits must understand the legal thresholds for this doctrine to prevent illegal searches and protect constitutional rights.

The Good Faith Exception

The good faith exception, established in United States v. Leon (468 U.S. 897, 1984), allows evidence obtained through a search warrant later deemed defective to be used in court if officers acted with honest belief that the warrant was valid. Training should emphasize the importance of proper procedure and documentation to mitigate errors, demonstrating that good faith does not excuse negligence or misconduct.

Miranda Rights

The landmark case Miranda v. Arizona (384 U.S. 436, 1966) mandated that law enforcement inform suspects of their rights before custodial interrogation. Proper understanding of when and how to administer Miranda warnings is crucial to prevent violations that can lead to inadmissibility of statements. Recruits need thorough training on the legal requirements and ethical considerations surrounding suspect interrogations.

Reasonable Suspicion

Reasonable suspicion is a lower standard than probable cause and justifies brief stops and investigative detentions. In Terry v. Ohio (392 U.S. 1, 1968), the Court held that reasonable suspicion must be based on specific, articulable facts. Recruits should be trained to recognize and articulate these facts accurately to make lawful stops and avoid violations of Fourth Amendment rights.

Use of Force

Use of force must be objectively reasonable, proportional, and necessary. The case Graham v. Connor (490 U.S. 386, 1989) emphasizes that courts evaluate force based on the perspective of a reasonable officer at the scene. Comprehensive training should include de-escalation techniques, accurate assessment of threat levels, and adherence to policies that prioritize minimal force, reducing liability and ensuring community trust.

Racial Profiling

Racial profiling involves targeting individuals based on race or ethnicity rather than behavior or evidence. The case of City of Indianapolis v. Edmond (531 U.S. 32, 2000) underscores the unconstitutional nature of profiling that lacks individualized suspicion. Training should focus on cultural competence, bias recognition, and adherence to constitutional protections to prevent discrimination and promote fair policing practices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, enhancing police training on these critical topics is essential for fostering lawful, ethical, and effective law enforcement. Emphasizing a thorough understanding of legal standards, ethical principles, and community relations will help officers make informed decisions, uphold citizens' rights, and maintain public trust. These recommendations, grounded in case law, provide a framework for developing comprehensive training programs that address current deficiencies and support professional growth among police recruits.

References

• Carroll v. United States, 267 U.S. 132 (1925).
• Graham v. Connor, 490 U.S. 386 (1989).
• Harris v. United States, 390 U.S. 234 (1968).
• Brown v. City of Oneonta, 2000 WL 328705 (N.D.N.Y. 2000).
• Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966).
• City of Indianapolis v. Edmond, 531 U.S. 32 (2000).
• United States v. Leon, 468 U.S. 897 (1984).
• Terry v. Ohio, 392 U.S. 1 (1968).
• United States v. Chavez, 834 F.3d 1140 (9th Cir. 2016).
• Williams, E. (2019). Police ethics and procedural law. Boston: Pearson.