The United States Second Circuit Court of Appeals decided the case of United States v. Andino on September 16, 2014. The case centered around the warrantless entry by law enforcement into a home based upon the belief by officers that exigent circumstances existed - the destruction of evidence. The subsequent seizure of evidence in plain view once inside the residence was … [Read more...]
Fighting Hallucinogens
Twice in two nights this week, my officers had to fight people who were out of control on hallucinogenic substances. These drugs are a serious cause for concern for law enforcement. In the first instance, an officer rolled up on an unknown situation in the middle of a large intersection. A Good Samaritan was trying to hold down an out-of-control girl who was screaming … [Read more...]
Kentucky v. King: Supreme Court on Exigent Circumstances
On May 16, 2011, the United States Supreme Court officially ruled on an exigent circumstances case brought forth in Kentucky v. King. The Court held that, “The exigent circumstances rule applies when the police do not create the exigency by engaging or threatening to engage in conduct that violates the Fourth Amendment.” The Lexington, KY Police Department set up a … [Read more...]
Meth Lab Dangers: Who Enters First?
I had an interesting call tonight. A woman calls from a residence stating that she thinks her roommate is trying to cook meth. She tells the 911 operator that he is heating acid on the kitchen stove, lots of noxious smoke is in the house, and she and/or someone else inside the residence is having problems breathing. Dispatch sends three units plus the fire department is also … [Read more...]
Meth Tweakers: Officer Safety Training Tips
Methamphetamine is one of the more dangerous drugs on the street. The manufacture of meth in clandestine labs uses acids, ammonias, and a host of other dangerous chemicals. During the process, things like phosphene gas and yellow phosphorus can be produced with deadly results. It is a nasty process. As dangerous as the meth lab operation is, for most police officers the danger … [Read more...]
Recognizing Emotionally Disturbed Persons
Emotionally Disturbed Persons, or EDPs, are common encounters for the street level police officer. EDPs fall into three general categories: chemical abusers, short term, and long term. Recognizing what category the EDP falls into may help you in how you deal with the subject. The first category is the chemical abuser. The folks in this category include your crack-heads, … [Read more...]