Blue to Gold | University

Knowing when and how the Fourth Amendment applies is key to doing the job right—especially in Arizona, where state-specific case law sometimes shifts how things work on the street. This course helps Arizona officers get a handle on search and seizure laws as they apply both federally and under Arizona’s legal system.

You’ll start with the basics—what the Fourth Amendment really means and when it kicks in. Then, you’ll dig into how state action shapes what cops can and can’t do, and how to handle citizen encounters, consent, and investigative stops the right way. Through real-world case studies and discussion, you’ll learn to apply these principles confidently in the field.

What You’ll Learn

• Fourth Amendment Fundamentals
  Get a solid grip on constitutional principles and how they play out in Arizona’s legal landscape.
  
  

• Consent and Exceptions to Warrants
  Understand how to get consent that holds up in court and know the main exceptions to needing a warrant.
  
  

• State Action Requirements
  Learn when the Fourth Amendment applies—and when it doesn’t—based on state action.
  
  

• Common Search and Seizure Scenarios
  Apply the law to real-world situations, from citizen encounters to apparent authority and investigative detentions.
  
  

• Building Legally Sound Cases
  Make decisions that reduce the risk of lawsuits and evidence suppression, building cases that stand up in court.

By the end of the course, Arizona officers will have the confidence and know-how to handle search and seizure issues legally and effectively. You’ll leave better equipped to build cases that hold up in court—and protect your community—while staying within the bounds of the law.

Certificate: 8 Hour

Credit: In-service credit available in many states