Searching Cars and Occupants - Mini Course

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.