Class of 15-18 Week #2
INTRODUCTION TO CONSTITUTIONAL LAW: How this huge area of law impacts the daily activities of law enforcement officers.
Week #2 of the Citizens Police Academy introduced the basics of Constitutional Law, which is the foundation for all aspects of police work. Officers have to have a thorough knowledge of the laws governing Search and Seizure, Interrogation, Identification, Use of Force--everything involved in their day-to-day activities. Sgt. Lawrence covered "the Stairway" in detail--ranging from Mere Suspicion (a hunch or gut feeling), to Reasonable Suspicion (specific and articulable facts), to Probable Cause (which could trigger an arrest), to Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt (which triggers conviction in a court of law). Class learned about the Exclusionary Rule--any evidence obtained in violation of a person's constitutional rights is excluded in the criminal trial; and what triggers a Miranda warning--custody and interrogation. Deputy Chief Nurse commented that the regular Police Academy spends 40 hours on Constitutional Law during the 22-week training period compared with the 3 hours that the Citizens Academy devotes to it. Students met Lt. Josh Bound, who is in charge of Training and Community Services.
Next week: Introduction to Criminal Law
Week #2 of the Citizens Police Academy introduced the basics of Constitutional Law, which is the foundation for all aspects of police work. Officers have to have a thorough knowledge of the laws governing Search and Seizure, Interrogation, Identification, Use of Force--everything involved in their day-to-day activities. Sgt. Lawrence covered "the Stairway" in detail--ranging from Mere Suspicion (a hunch or gut feeling), to Reasonable Suspicion (specific and articulable facts), to Probable Cause (which could trigger an arrest), to Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt (which triggers conviction in a court of law). Class learned about the Exclusionary Rule--any evidence obtained in violation of a person's constitutional rights is excluded in the criminal trial; and what triggers a Miranda warning--custody and interrogation. Deputy Chief Nurse commented that the regular Police Academy spends 40 hours on Constitutional Law during the 22-week training period compared with the 3 hours that the Citizens Academy devotes to it. Students met Lt. Josh Bound, who is in charge of Training and Community Services.
Next week: Introduction to Criminal Law
Contributing Editor, Donna Leiss
Photos courtesy of Bob Nichols and Pauline Fortin
|
Sandwich Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, Inc. (SCPAAA Inc.)
PO Box 753 Sandwich MA 02563 scpaainc@yahoo.com |