Blue to Gold | University

Knowing how to handle search and seizure issues in Colorado requires a solid grasp of both federal and state law. This course gives Colorado officers the knowledge and skills to navigate those challenges confidently—and do it in a way that holds up in court.

Starting with a review of the Fourth Amendment’s key principles, the course digs into how constitutional protections apply on the street. You’ll explore when state action triggers Fourth Amendment rights, and how to recognize what counts as a search or seizure. From there, you’ll look at the most common investigative situations—like citizen encounters, consent searches, and investigative stops—and how to handle them lawfully. Case studies and practical exercises help bring the legal principles to life so you can apply them effectively in the field.

What You’ll Learn

• Fourth Amendment Fundamentals
  Understand the basics of constitutional protections and how they work in Colorado’s legal system.
  
  

• Consent, Exceptions, and Warrants
  Learn how to explain and justify searches, whether you have consent, an exception, or a warrant.
  
  

• State Action Requirements
  Know when constitutional protections come into play based on state action.
  
  

• Real-World Case Law
  Break down relevant Colorado and federal cases so you can make confident decisions on the street.
  
  

• Building Legally Sound Cases
  Make choices that help your cases hold up in court, reduce the risk of lawsuits, and build trust in the community.

By the end of the course, officers will be prepared to make solid decisions that are both effective in the field and defensible in court. You’ll leave with the confidence to handle tough search and seizure situations while protecting yourself, your department, and the integrity of your investigations.

Certificate: 8 Hour

Credit: In-service credit available in many states