CourtSmart Officer Training Program
Unfortunately, 99% of officers still have no idea what the legal “theory” is that caused the case to be sent to the jury. Without knowing the legal theory underlying this enormous award, how can officers avoid the same trap?
Whether it’s obtaining confessions, towing vehicles, pursuit policies, underage drinking parties, dealing with mentally ill people, etc., etc., most administrators wonder what the “rules” are when these cases reach the courts. Their departments or supervisors or administrators understand these questions – and whether the officers have been trained in what to do.
When officers seek advice from state’s attorneys or city attorneys, they are often met with delay or poor advice as prosecutors and other counsel are hesitant to give advice, especially when they may not know the answers to officers’ questions and the questions require research.
Even when they issue formal advice, the memoranda are usually equivocal, and always filled with “legalese” that officers cannot understand — and are often wrong in their analysis. Recently, for example, I received a 13-page memo from corporate counsel discussing as its subject matter “Vehicle Seizure and Impoundment.” It was simply a lot of legal gobbledygook, didn’t answer the question asked by the department — and actually was wrong in its analysis.
I’m sure anyone reading this knows what I mean when I say you need advice that makes sense, that you understand, and you – and all the officers in your department — know how to implement. Look at the CourtSmart questionnaire below to see how your department would measure up if faced with legal action related to these questions.
If you, and your officers, are sure you know the answers to these types of questions, you may not need training. If you, or they, do not, you do need me to help you, and your department.
• What are your powers over – and what are the rights of — probationers? Parolees?
• Under what circumstances can you – or can you not — tow vehicles?
• When can you search cell phones? When can you not search cell phones?
• How can you stay safe while questioning suspects for whom you do not possess reasonable suspicion?
• When should you arrest someone during a civil dispute? (Are you sure?)
• Do you know the case law related to obstructing, resisting, disturbing, etc.? (If not, how do you know when to arrest for those offenses?)
• What is the difference between reasonable suspicion and probable cause?
• What is the difference between a detention and an arrest?
• When can an officer conduct a TERRY search?
• What legal theory is causing more murders to get “off” than all others combined?
• What legal theories allow you to search the passenger compartment of a car?
• What are the legal theories which allow you to search the trunk of a car?
• What are the legal theories which allow you to enter a home?
• If you are questioning a suspect and his attorney wants to talk to his client, what should you do?
• Can you stop a car if you determine the registered owner is suspended — always?
• If a passenger wants to leave during a traffic stop, what can / should you do?
• What level of force can you use when dealing with mentally ill people?
• What facts should you put in your report – and what should you leave out?
• What defense attorney tricks must you know – and how do you respond to them in court?
• What are the important differences between a Section 1983 action and a common law civil suit against you?
• What are the (civil liability) rules regarding force – both deadly and non-deadly?
• When may officers use tasers and when should they avoid using them?
• If an officer makes a constitutional mistake, can it be undone? (If so, how?)
• Can you be successfully sued for typos in a search warrant? (The answer is yes!)
• Can departmental rules, ordinances, or state statutes be used to defend against a Section 1983 action? (The answer is no!)
• Does someone in your department constantly update your policy manual to keep up with recent case law? (If not, why not?)
One of them is a free electronic copy and a hard copy of my book The Peace Officer’s Bible / The Illinois Officers Legal Source Book for every one of your officers for you to use for training and for reference (an $85 value each for a total of $170).
Finally, I guarantee my services and therefore give you a money-back guarantee.
Here are the training services you will receive that will more than answer the above questions:
The Illinois Officers Legal Source Book / The Peace Officers Bible – Hard Copy
The officers of all subscribing CourtSmart departments will receive the most recent edition (2012) of my Legal Source Book for FREE. The California version of this book (which I originally wrote) is used by every officer in California. I assure you that the officers who read this book will know the law better than the 99% of the attorneys in this state (Including Judges)
EBook versions of the Illinois Officers Legal Source
The electronic version of my legal source book will also be given FREE to every officer in CourtSmart subscribing departments. This can be viewed on computer, Smartphone, or tablet.
Responses to questions from officers in your department
I receive a number of e-mails every day from officers seeking advice about various issues. I want your officers to know that from now on those who are subscribing to my services will get a quick response to their inquiries. Usually I can give you the answer off the top of my head. But if I cannot, I will research it.
Appraisals of new important court decisions
Officers often ask me questions about cases they read from bulletins that relate the laws of various jurisdictions that are not applicable in Illinois. These cases and their rules are confusing for officers since they have never been taught what cases control their professional conduct. I will provide cases that are jurisdictional (precedents that control officers’ conduct) to all subscribing departments.
Training and assistance to officers from your department who have been sued
I would provide consulting to officers who have been sued and would assist the defense attorney involved if he / she ask for my review and consultation. I would further provide training to officers of the department related to the suit.
Access to premium content on my website where I will provide valuable training advice
Access to updated versions of the EBook, Premium articles where I will explain recent issues and other valuable information related to officer conduct, as well as relevant blog posts.
Publication of a bi-monthly newsletter
I will provide a valuable bi-monthly newsletter by e-mail to all subscribing departments which will include the most recent legal issues for training within the department. If you would like a sample of a previous newsletter please email me.
Training session
As a valuable aspect of your subscription, I will provide a one-day training session per year for officers from your department where I will address issues of concern for your department — and explain important recent case law.
I guarantee 100% satisfied with my services — or you get your money back. If, within 90 days of the signing of the agreement, you are not totally satisfied, I will return your money.
Finally, if you would like a certificate for your officers for the year’s training, I would be happy to provide that upon successful completion of a test at the end of the year.
If you are an officer and you like this plan, and would like to see it implemented in your department, would you encourage your Chief or boss, or whomever holds the purse strings to sign up — and / or respond to me with the contact information.
If you have any questions, please call me at 815-861-0320, email me at DAA2000@aol.com, or visit my website at LeoTraining.com