Vehicle and occupant searches are a routine part of patrol work, but they come with specific rules that officers need to understand. Knowing when and how you can search a car and its occupants helps you build strong cases and avoid legal pitfalls. This class breaks down the key principles so you can handle these searches with confidence.
In Searching Cars and Occupants, you’ll learn about the factors that justify vehicle searches, the rules for searching passengers, and special considerations like vehicles on curtilage or at impound lots. We’ll also cover when you can search for weapons to keep yourself and others safe.
What You’ll Learn
Motor Vehicle Exception
Learn the four key factors you need before searching a vehicle under the Motor Vehicle Exception.Probable Cause Searches at Impound Lots
Understand whether and how you can conduct warrantless PC searches of vehicles that have been impounded.Vehicles on Curtilage
Explore the special rules and legal considerations when a vehicle is parked on curtilage.Searching Passengers
Get clear on when and how you can search passengers during a vehicle search based on probable cause.Searches for Weapons
Know when you can search a vehicle or occupants for weapons to maintain safety and comply with the law.
By the end of this class, you’ll know how to conduct vehicle and occupant searches legally and effectively. You’ll be able to apply these principles in the field and build cases that stand up in court.
Certificate: 1 Hour
Credit: In-service credit available in many states
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Course curriculum
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1
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Welcome to Blue to Gold University
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Course Introduction
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Meet Your Instructor
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Questions and Technical Support
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2
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History of the Motor Vehicle Exception
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Four Requirements
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K9s and Cars
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Searching Occupants
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3
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Assessment
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4
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Course Outline
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Presentation PDF
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Case Law
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Search & Siezure Survival Guide eBook
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5
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Searching Cars & Occupants 04-16-2026
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Course Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Deeper Understanding is sometimes disappointing
Mark Hatz
This short course brings concepts concerning the motor vehicle exception into clear focus specially concerning passengers. Guess I've been lucky for years.....
Read MoreThis short course brings concepts concerning the motor vehicle exception into clear focus specially concerning passengers. Guess I've been lucky for years...... for a long time I thought passengers were fair game for no other reason than they were there.
Read LessGreat class
Scott Boling
Wish I would have had this at the beginning of my career!
Wish I would have had this at the beginning of my career!
Read LessThis 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
Read LessChief Jarvis
Mary Jarvis
Excellent
Excellent
Read Less-
Our courses are designed to be comprehensive, engaging, and well-structured delivered by a knowledgeable and passionate instructor.
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Up-to-date, practical content that reflects industry trends and is presented in an easy-to-understand manner.
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Collaborative opportunities, feedback, and assessment to facilitate student learning and progress tracking.
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Our courses provide practical skills and knowledge that can be applied in real-life situations, with relevant examples, case studies, and exercises.
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You will receive a certificate of completion.