Getting search and seizure right is one of the most important parts of good police work—and it starts at the academy. This course gives recruits a strong foundation in the Fourth Amendment and related legal principles so they can make sound decisions from day one on the job.

You’ll learn what counts as a search or seizure, when the Fourth Amendment kicks in, and what role state action plays in protecting people’s rights. We’ll also cover the nuts and bolts of protective sweeps, exigent circumstances, and consent-based searches. Throughout the course, you’ll get to apply what you’ve learned through real-life scenarios that mirror the challenges you’ll face on the street.

What You’ll Learn

  • Search and Seizure Fundamentals
    Know the difference between searches and seizures and when the Fourth Amendment applies.

  • Legal Justifications and Exceptions
    Master the C.R.E.W. framework—Consent, Recognized Exceptions, or a Warrant—for explaining why your search or seizure is legal.

  • State Action Requirements
    Understand when the Fourth Amendment applies based on state action.

  • Protective Sweeps and Exigent Circumstances
    Learn when it’s okay to act immediately, like in protective sweeps or emergency entries.

  • Consent-Based Searches
    Know how to properly get consent and document it the right way.

  • Real-World Application
    Put your knowledge to the test with case studies and hands-on exercises.

  • Building Legally Sound Cases
    Make solid decisions that stand up in court and build trust with the community.

By the end of the course, recruits will be ready to handle searches and seizures the right way—protecting people’s rights while still getting the job done. You’ll leave with the knowledge and confidence to start your career on the right foot.


Certificate: 2 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
    • 1.1 Introduction

    • 1.2 Fourth Amendment

    • 1.3 Three Golden Rules

    • 2.1 Warrantless Presumption

    • 3.1 Two Types of Searches

    • 4.1 Two Types of Seizures

    • 5.1 Burdens of Proof

  3. 3
    • Final Test

  4. 4
    • Enroll into the Full Version of Search and Seizure for Police Academies Today and Graduate with Legal Confidence!

  5. 5
    • Case Law Downloads

    • Search & Seizure Survival Guide eBook

  • 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.

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

Complicated Topic made Easier to Understand

Mark Hatz

The title says it all. This information is presented in a way that makes the information easy to understand and put into practice.

The title says it all. This information is presented in a way that makes the information easy to understand and put into practice.

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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.

Read Less