Cops often get a gut feeling that something's not right during a traffic stop—but acting on that instinct without crossing legal lines is a real challenge. This course gives officers clear, practical ways to explore those hunches without violating the Fourth Amendment.

We break down five legally sound methods to dig deeper during a stop while staying within the bounds of case law. Officers will learn how to recognize when it’s okay to ask more questions, when to shift gears into a consensual encounter, and how to build reasonable suspicion without dragging out the stop unlawfully. Each method is backed by real-world court rulings that officers can rely on in the field.

What You’ll Learn

  • Pretext Stops
    Understand how the courts separate an officer’s intent from the legality of a stop, and how to use lawful traffic violations as a doorway to further investigation.

  • Five Ways to Pursue Hunches

    • Consent
      Learn how and when to ask for permission to search—and what courts look for to make sure that consent is voluntary and legal.

    • Unavoidable Downtime
      Understand what you can do during built-in delays, like waiting on a computer return, without violating the stop’s scope.

    • Multi-tasking
      Find out how to balance the traffic mission while asking unrelated questions at the same time—without extending the stop.

    • Backup Officer
      Use your partner wisely. Discover how backup can help lawfully extend the stop and ask questions you may not have time for yourself.

    • Conversion
      Master the “trooper two-step”: how to end a detention properly and shift to a consensual encounter so you can ask for consent without needing reasonable suspicion.

By the end of this course, officers will walk away with practical tools and tested tactics that allow them to trust their instincts—without risking the case in court. It’s all about being effective and legally solid on the roadside.


Certificate: 1 Hour

Credit: In-service credit available in many states

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Course curriculum

  1. 1

    • Welcome to Blue to Gold University

    • Course Introduction

    • Meet your Instructor

    • Questions and Technical Support
  2. 2

    • Search & Seizure Survival Guide ebook

Course Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

5 star rating

Great Class

Sigurd Sivertson

I believe every officer in the US should take this course. Officers need to know this stuff so we can stop bad case law from being made.

I believe every officer in the US should take this course. Officers need to know this stuff so we can stop bad case law from being made.

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5 star rating

Amazing!!

Steven Sentz

Highly useful information that can be used on every call for service

Highly useful information that can be used on every call for service

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4 star rating

This class was great

Humberto Martinez

i learned a lot. Its about the minor details, especially when it comes to our line of work

i learned a lot. Its about the minor details, especially when it comes to our line of work

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5 star rating

Solid

Troy Wylie

Helpful information, very well presented, in manageable portions.

Helpful information, very well presented, in manageable portions.

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  • Our courses are designed to be comprehensive, engaging, and well-structured delivered by a knowledgeable and passionate instructor.

  • Up-to-date, practical content that reflects industry trends and is presented in an easy-to-understand manner.

  • Collaborative opportunities, feedback, and assessment to facilitate student learning and progress tracking.

  • Our courses provide practical skills and knowledge that can be applied in real-life situations, with relevant examples, case studies, and exercises.

  • You will receive a certificate of completion.