The Fourth Amendment only prohibits one type of search or seizure, the unreasonable one. Therefore, if you’re being “reasonable,” you’re being lawful. Yet, what does it mean to be reasonable? Ask most officers if they are “reasonable,” and the replies will assuredly be a resounding “yes.”
So why do we need this book? Because courts do not determine the constitutionality of a search or seizure issue on what officers think. Instead, the courts want officers to articulate certain key factors depending on what type of intrusion occurred. Then, when those factors have been satisfied, the courts, more often than not, will find the intrusion reasonable under the Fourth Amendment.
This book explains those factors and is updated to include the latest U.S. Supreme Court decisions. In addition, the author uses a checklist format to help officers articulate reasonable cause. Officers around the country have expressed their appreciation for its down-to-earth writing style and easy-to-use format. Use this book as a training tool, reference while writing reports or studying for exams.