Cadet - Help Sheet
Reasonable Suspicion
Reasonable suspicion is the belief that a person has committed, is committing, or is about to commit a crime based on specific, articulable facts.
Example: You observe an individual running from a jewellery store immediately following a reported robbery.
Authority Under Reasonable Suspicion:
You may detain the individual for questioning.
You may conduct a GSR (Gunshot Residue) test if it assists in gathering evidence.
You may conduct a frisk (pat-down for weapons) only if you reasonably believe the individual is armed and dangerous.
Probable Cause
Probable cause is a higher legal threshold than reasonable suspicion. It exists when there is clear, factual evidence indicating a person has committed a crime. It does not require absolute certainty.
Example: You observe an individual actively smashing display cases and placing jewellery into a bag following a robbery report.
Authority Under Probable Cause:
You may conduct a search.
You may make an arrest.
Search Authority
You may conduct a search under the following circumstances:
When probable cause exists.
When valid consent has been given.
In extreme, emergency circumstances (e.g., immediate need to preserve life or prevent serious harm).
Vehicle Searches
A vehicle may be searched when:
Probable cause exists that the vehicle was used in a crime.
Probable cause exists that the vehicle contains contraband or evidence.
The owner provides consent.
The vehicle is being impounded due to abandonment.
Impounding Vehicles
Vehicles should not be impounded roadside unless operationally unavoidable.
Vehicles must be transported to the designated impound facility.
A vehicle may be impounded if:
It has been involved in a crime.
It is abandoned.
The owner requests impound.
Traffic Stops
Traffic stops are conducted when a traffic offence has occurred.
During a traffic stop:
You may order the driver or passengers out of the vehicle for officer safety.
The occupants are not free to leave until instructed otherwise.
Professional communication must be maintained at all times.
Felony Stops
A felony stop is used when:
The vehicle is suspected to contain an individual involved in a serious crime.
The registered owner has an active warrant.
Requirements:
Minimum of three units.
Conducted in a safe and controlled location.
Clear communication and coordinated positioning required.
Use of Force Continuum
Officers must apply force proportionately and reasonably. Force should match the level of resistance but may escalate one level above the suspect when necessary to maintain safety.
1. Officer Presence
Uniformed presence
Marked patrol vehicle
Visible authority
2. Verbal Commands
Requests: “Please leave the area.”
Orders: “Leave now or you will be arrested.”
3. Physical Control (Low-Level Force)
Guiding or moving individuals
Physical restraint
Tackling or striking if actively aggressive
4. Less-Lethal Force
Baton
Taser
Pepper spray
5. Lethal Force
Firearms (Class 1 or Class 2)
Any force likely to cause serious bodily harm or death
Key Case Law
Terry v. Ohio
If an officer has reasonable suspicion that a suspect has committed, is committing, or is about to commit a crime, and believes the suspect is armed and dangerous, the officer may conduct a stop and frisk.
Tennessee v. Garner
Deadly force may be used to prevent escape if the officer reasonably believes the suspect poses a threat of serious harm or death to others.
Carroll v. United States
If an officer has probable cause to believe a vehicle has been used in a crime or contains contraband or evidence, it may be searched without a warrant.
10 Codes Reference
10-2
Loud and clear
10-4
Acknowledgement
10-7
Out of service
10-8
Back in service
10-9
Repeat
10-13A
Officer down (emergency)
10-13B
Officer down (non-emergency)
10-20
Location
10-23
Arrived on scene
10-31
Crime in progress
10-38
Traffic stop
10-41
On duty
10-42
Off duty
10-71
Shots fired
10-76
En route
10-77
Additionals required
10-78
Additionals (emergency)
10-80
Pursuit in progress
10-90
Robbery in progress
10-95
Suspect in custody
Code 4
All clear
Code 6
Investigating area
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