This chapter covers the concepts of reasonable suspicion and probable cause and what actions by law enforcement officers and courts follow. Please answer these questions with consideration of the text materials and your understanding of the concepts involved.
1. In your own words, what are reasonable suspicion and probable cause and how are they different?
2. What is trustworthy information and how can it be established?
3. Police officers are advised to obtain a warrant whenever possible for two basic reasons, what are they and do you think they are justified?
4. What if you really knew a suspect was guilty of some crime and you have no doubts. You don’t have a warrant to search his house but see his front door is open. Would you enter – why or why not?
No APA formalities are required and, if you use no sources beyond the text and class materials, no citations or references are required (there is no set minimum or maximum page count). ONLY if you use sources beyond the text do you need to provide citations and references.