A search for weapons on a suspect can prevent harm to officers and suspect. Automobile or vehicular searches are important and time sensitive. As they are mobile they can leave the area before a warrant can be filed, obtained, and executed. These are performed when a vehicle is suspected to be containing contraband or a suspect could be involved in criminal activity. Plain view searches occur when an officer is on a location legally. The officer can conduct a search if responding to a domestic call and they find drugs on the table for example. They need not file an affidavit for a warrant as the contraband is in full sight. Terry stops or stop and frisk are a warrantless search officers can perform when a suspect is stopped based on reasonable suspicion. If a person is fleeing from the direction of a crime an officer may stop a person and pat down looking for …show more content…
Arizona was the next case that established the police must inform a suspect of their right to legal counsel. This established that the police must inform all persons of their rights and allow people to exercise their constitutional rights. Intelligence collection of criminal information is essential to the safety of the public. Police can use intelligence gathered to track terrorism, gangs, and criminal bosses. It may not lead to arrests but they can work off intelligence to prevent crime. The need for intelligence on possible criminal activity was put in the public eye as a result of the Federal Bombing in Oklahoma City. Local agencies can keep tabs on unusual activities to prevent crime. Undercover operations are valuable tools in intelligence gathering, validating evidence, and identifying key witnesses, identifying key suspects, and preventing crime. Informants can provide key information without the need of risking an undercover officer. Usually they already have gained the trust of their fellow criminals and have an understanding in the operations of the criminal activities. Problems can arise from the press if they expose a highly visible crime. It can put the informant at risk, undercover officers, end an investigation, and put the spot light on the departments