Test 5 Flashcards
What are the five (5) essential elements in executing a Search Warrant? Describe each:
Which ones are flexible?
Which ones are constant and always remain?”
Safety - the most important element (constant)
Legality- prevent evidence from being suppressed (constant)
Surprise- for safety & preserve evidence. Timing is key. (flexible)
Speed- fluid, methodical, continuous entry w/ immediate and total control over occupants (flexible)
Simplicity- procedures which are flexible & easy to understand (flexible)
What information is critical in operational planning for Search Warrants?
Pre-Search & Seizure Briefing - conducted by team leader/Sr. Agent
Pre-Search & Seizure Investigation - Violator Background of criminal info & vehicles, Surveillance of violators, the neighborhood, the location itself, any hazards/dangers
Selection of Team Members - those that are experienced and have ability & not rank/seniority, utilization of local LEO’s
The Mission - discuss what you are after during execution
The Type & Nature - premises, individuals, or items to searched and seized
The Location - discuss the address, description of the place/persons, photographs, blueprints, maps and/or directions
Violators - names, descriptions, photos, CCH
Special Instructions - instructions of there are children, elderly, etc.
Time of Execution
Contraband/Evidence - description, samples or photos to be shown to team
Approach Method - balancing the value of a quick approach for surprise vs. deliberate movements for officer safety
Equipment Needed
Identification - badge, caps, raid jackets, armbands, headbands
Use of Force Policy - give details in Op Plan and discuss it in the Pre-brief
Team Assignments - who is doing what
What equipment should you always have when conducting a Search Warrant?
Vests & First Aid (always) Entry tools Flashlights Special Weapons (rifles, shotguns) Back-up weapons Radios Transportation
What are some advantages & disadvantages of utilizing Local/State LEOs for Search Warrants?
Advantages - they know the area, better communications with Fire/EMS, identification for onlookers and crowd control, can arrest for state/local violations
Disadvantages - not subject to your agency’s policies, not familiar with search or evidence procedures, marked cars can draw unwanted attention
What are the duties of the Entry Team? How do they carry out these duties?
Pre-Entry Procedure: Knock & Announce (know it)
Entry
Forced Entry - consider alternate entry points, try doorknobs first before ramming
Action Upon Entry - the most dangerous time of the SW. Gain control of people and weapons
Security/Protective Sweep - minimum of two (2) officers, looking anywhere people can hide
If No One is Present - execute it anyway, secure building, leave a copy of the SW & Inventory
If Other LEO Present - work it out to benefit both agencies
What are the duties of the Cover Team? How do they carry out these duties?
Three (3) Primary Responsibilities:
Prevent Flight
Provide Protection - 360 degrees
Control Arrivals
What are the duties of the Search Team? How do they carry out these duties?
Enters with the Entry Team and aids in securing
Searching - in pairs, picking a pattern (crime scenes require sketches, SW’s only require documentation on a memo or evidence receipt)
A) Premises - clockwise/counter method, photograph before removing, tag for ID, don’t stop if evidence is found but continue until whole premises is completed, call out any missed items to other LEO’s
B) People - can only search if listed in SW, or exceptions apply, factors courts will look at: concealable nature of evidence, scope of original SW, actions of individual involved
C) Vehicles - on curtilage and connected to those inside, double-search method every part of vehicle
D) Length of Search - continue until completed
When should a LEO conduct a Frisk during the execution of a SW?
Reasonable Suspicion that person is possibly armed. Each suspect must be considered separately and justified.
How should a Frisk be conducted during the execution of a SW?
Weapons ONLY. Outside Garments ONLY
“LFCT” everywhere a weapon might be hid (from top of head to ankles)
What are some methods for controlling occupants during the execution of a SW?
Select a location to put them (after free of weapons, contraband)
Straight chairs w/o padding (also checked) or on floor
Consider separating if they become hostile
Handcuff anyone that is belligerent, ignoring commands, or poses a danger until search is complete
How should a LEO handle an Occupant wanting to ENTER during a SW?
Only granted by Team Leader and NEVER during Entry or Sweep. Prevent interference of SW, force may be used, ALWAYS frisk and control should always be maintained
How should a LEO handle an Occupant wanting to handle a Telephone during a SW?
LEO’s should answer incoming, and NEVER allow outgoing by the suspect
How should a LEO handle an Occupant wanting to use the Bathroom during a SW?
Can be refused. Always search for weapons, contraband first, and then be accompanied by officers
How should a LEO handle an Occupant wanting Medicine or Medical Treatment during a SW?
Request advice from the medical profession, and make a decision. Take immediate action if needed (chest pains)
How should a LEO handle an Occupant wanting to see the Warrant?
Can wait to show after area is secured (Entry & Sweeps). Allow occupant to read.
When only should a Firearm be seized during the execution of a SW?
If listed in the SW Plain View (if evidence of a crime) Illegally possessed (owner is a Felon)
What are the five (5) categories of computer crimes? Who has the authority to investigate computer crime?
Internal Telecommunications Manipulation Support Criminal Enterprises Hardware/Software Theft -------------- The Secret Service
What is the definition of an Undercover Operation?
A legal, covert investigative technique involving the deception of, and association with the criminal element
What is an “impromptu” Undercover assignment?
A sudden shallow undercover role (ex: tourist performing surveillance)
What is a “penetration” Undercover assignment?
UC is removed from LEO surroundings and activities, and placed into a residence and job consistent with the operation. Designed to penetrate the upper echelon of the criminal element. Also the most difficult and dangerous type of assignment.
What is the primary objective of an Undercover Operation?
To obtain information or evidence that is not available through the use of other investigative techniques
What are some types of possible objectives of Undercover Ops?
Observe the planning of violations
Identify violators, violations, and violation sites
Identify conspirators, witnesses, victims, complainants
Locate and/or Purchase contraband and stolen property
Check reliability of Confidential Informants
Corroborate witness statements
Develop info of past crimes
Gather Intel
Obtain PC for SW/arrests
What is the FIRST (out of 5 phases) of an Undercover Op? Describe it.
Planning:
- review background info & objectives
- corroborate any CI info
- choose an UC (willingness is most important)
- pick statutes
- Equipment, meeting sites
- Discuss finances/expenses
What is the SECOND (out of 5 phases) of an Undercover Op? Describe it
Initiation:
- Hold a briefing (update everyone, comms, introduce UC)
- Prepare/test Equipment
- UC’s gov’t-issued property accounted for
What is the THIRD (out of 5 phases) of an Undercover Op? Describe it
Operational:
- Decide how to approach suspect and execute plan
- Gain suspect’s confidence “No I’m not a cop”
- Cover Team should be established
What is the FOURTH (out of 5 phases) of an Undercover Op?
Termination:
- May happen with (or without) accomplishing the objectives
- Successful terminations = violators identified, contraband purchased, intel gathered)
What is the FIFTH (out of 5 phases) of an Undercover Op?
Evaluation:
- case agent conducts a Post-Op briefing
What are some qualities of a good UC?
- Willingness for role (most important)
- must be a good roleplayer
- calm, confident, control emotions
- adaptable
- knowledge of criminal element
- knowledge of equipment
- criminal skills (rolling a joint)
- patience
What are some potential problems for UC’s?
- engaging in criminal activity
- consumption of alcohol
- sexual advances by suspects
- damage or unauthorized use of GOV’s
- offering to use drugs by suspects
- how/where to store contraband for evidence
What is a felony?
A crime with a maximum possible confinement of more than one year to include death (capital offense)
What is a Class A Misdemeanor?
A crime with a max confinement of 6 months -> 1 year
What is a Class B Misdemeanor?
A crime with a max confinement of 30 days -> 6 months
What is a Class C Misdemeanor?
A crime with a max confinement of 5-30 days
What is an Infraction?
A crime with a max confinement of 5 days or less
What is a Petty Offense?
Any crime within the B, C, or Infraction category
Name the federal courts from highest to lowest:
US Supreme Ct.
US Circuit Ct. of Appeals (Appellate)
US District Ct.
US Magistrate Ct.
Who appoints federal judges? How long do they serve?
- Appointed by the President of the United States, and approved by Senate (except Magistrates)
- Lifetime service
What is the jurisdiction of the US Supreme Ct.?
- The final authority of all federal law
- They have appellate and original jurisdiction
- Vast majority of cases are appeals from other courts (by discretion only)
- 9 judges, majority vote
Which courts would a US Circuit Ct. decision be binding on?
Decisions made are only bound within the courts of that circuit
- Appellate cases/jurisdiction ONLY
- Only 13 Circuit Ct. in US
- 3 judges
Which offenses are heard by the US District Ct.?
FELONY cases/trials (the only only ct. that does so)
- CAN hear Class A MM trials, but ONLY if defendant doesn’t consent to a Magistrate Ct.
- 94 Ct. in US
Which offenses are heard by the Magistrate Ct.?
- Class A MM trials (if Def. consents)
- Petty Offenses (B, C, Infractions)
- pre-trial hearings (I.A., detention, bond, etc.)
What are the three (3) ways to start a case?
Hint: same for obtaining an Arrest Warrant
1- LEO criminal complaint
2- Information (AUSA)
3- Indictment (Grand Jury finds PC)
What does a LEO need in order to bring a defendant to the judge after: a warrantless arrest?
Probable Cause
What does a LEO need in order to bring a defendant to the judge after: obtaining an Arrest Warrant?
- Probable Cause
- Command to be arrested, and brought to the judge
What does a LEO need in order to bring a defendant to the judge after: obtaining a Summons?
- Notice to the suspect to appear, and answer for the charges (used for persons, and corporations)
- DON’T get confused with Subpoenas: which are used for witnesses!
What is an Initial Appearance?
- It is the defendants first appearance after being arrested
- Def. is told the charges, and read their rights
- Bond is set (pre-trial release)
How much time after the arrest must you get the defendant to his Initial Appearance?
- Without any unnecessary delays (max of 48 hrs. from arrest)
- Only way out of this is RELEASING THEM!
- Congress DOES give a 6-hour window for obtaining documents from defendant, but that is it!
What happens immediately after an arrest?
- SIA
- LEO files a complaint before the IA (if warrantless)
- Transport defendant to jail facility
- Arrange for transport to the IA
What is Pre-Trial Release? Who decides it? What factors are looked at?
Also called “BOND.”
- A release while the Trial date is pending
- Judge determines it: based on nature of crimes, contacts with community, flight risk
- Federal release is preferred
What is the role of the Pretrial Services Office?
Services Officer interviews the defendant before the I.A. and makes a recommendation about bond to the Judge
- LEO will not get a copy
What is a Detention Hearing? When does it take place?
The decision is made to whether defendant should get bond. Allows opportunity for defendant to present evidence, call witnesses, etc.
- Usually takes place at the I.A. or within 10 days after
- Judge may make a Conditional Release: place restrictions on defendant
What are the sanctions for violating Pre-Trial Release, or “Bail Jumping?”
- Bail will be revoked
- Judge will issue a warrant for their arrest
- Criminal charges will be added
Where should the defendant be taken for his I.A. if he is arrested: in the district where the crime occurred?
Right there! In the district of arrest (and the crime)
Where should the defendant be taken for his I.A. if he is arrested: in a district OUTSIDE where the crime occurred (clear across the state)?
In the district of arrest, or an adjacent one (whichever is closest/fastest!)
Where should the defendant be taken for his I.A. if he is arrested: in a district adjacent to the crime (next door neighbor)?
If you can get them back to where the crime was committed (on the same day), do so! Otherwise, take them to the I.A. in the district of arrest.
What is a Removal Hearing?
The process of transferring the defendant to the district where the crime occurred to stand trial (note: if warrantless, you must obtain an AW from the district where the crime occurred)
What is an Identity Hearing?
Where the Judge determines the defendant’s identity before transferring them to another district (usually done as part of the Removal Hearing process)
What is diplomatic immunity?
Diplomats are reps. of foreign countries who work in the US
- Immunity means that these reps. are NOT responsible for official (and sometimes) personal activities, therefore cannot be arrested/prosecuted for any crime no matter how serious