Drug trafficking is a pervasive and dangerous crime that involves the illegal production, distribution, and sale of drugs. From small street-level operations to expansive international networks, drug trafficking can take on many forms. Dispatchers play an important role in identifying and relaying crucial information about suspicious activities, potentially preventing harm, and aiding first responders in ... Read more

Congratulations! You’ve made it through the grueling testing process, passed the background check, mastered the CAD system, memorized the geography quirks, and absorbed the policies, ordinances, and rules to join the Dispatchers Club. That’s no small feat! But now that you’re in the chair, you might find yourself wondering, “What’s next for me?” It’s a ... Read more

Law enforcement officers are regularly called on to aid people found in dangerous situations caused by extreme weather conditions. However, officers must also have enough information to protect themselves from harm. The better prepared officers are to stay safe, the better able they are to protect the public, both by using the information they know ... Read more

Correctional officers are responsible for the conditions inmates experience during incarceration. But when do these conditions cross the line into unlawfulness? The case Olivier v. Baca, 913 F.3d 852 (9th Cir. 2019) discusses when jail officials may be held liable for subjecting inmates to unlawful conditions of confinement, particularly under the protections provided by the ... Read more

The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) was enacted in 2000 to protect the religious rights of individuals confined to institutions. Under RLUIPA, jail rules and policies may violate an inmate’s rights when the rule or policy substantially burdens the inmate’s ability to practice his or her religion. In such a scenario, a ... Read more

As we head into the political season this fall, it’s important to remember that the decisions made in Washington can have a direct impact on our emergency communication centers (ECCs). As someone involved in this field, here are a few key areas I’ll be keeping an eye on that could affect how we operate. One ... Read more

Accessible grievance procedures are essential for every correctional facility. A recent ruling in Carr v. El Paso Cty. Jail, No. 23-1104, 2023 U.S. App. LEXIS 23491 (10th Cir. Sep. 5, 2023) highlights the legal necessity for clear and functional processes, particularly in the light of the Prison Litigation Reform Act (PLRA). The PLRA requires inmates ... Read more

Having worked both on the floor and in management in a 911 center, I have a unique perspective on the use of personal electronics in such a critical environment. The debate over allowing personal devices like cell phones, tablets, or the like has intensified in recent years, fueled by high-profile incidents where things went horribly ... Read more

A vital responsibility of law enforcement is to enforce the drug laws through diligent, often dangerous, investigation of those who break these laws. Many of those involved in illegal drugs, especially those who commit violent crimes in the course of their criminal activity, need to be incarcerated in order to protect the safety of the ... Read more

One of the fundamental powers of law enforcement officers is the power to make arrests. The better that officers understand and appreciate the origin and scope of their arrest powers, the better they will be able to appropriately exercise those powers. Because the arrest power directly impacts individual liberty, it is controlled by different types ... Read more

A dispatcher’s salutation is the first impression a caller gets of the dispatcher and their agency.  A good salutation can help establish rapport, build trust, and encourage cooperation, which are essential for a successful interview.  In contrast, a poor salutation can have the opposite effect on a caller creating confusion, frustration, or reluctance to cooperate.  ... Read more

Two types of thinking human beings use in everyday life are “System 1” and “System 2.” Implicit bias is subconscious feelings, perceptions, attitudes, and stereotypes that create automatic positive or negative preferences. Some biases are inborn—for example, an infant’s fear of loud noises. Other biases arise from external influences, such as exposure to media and ... Read more

Federal law requires every vehicle “manufactured in one stage” (e.g., where one manufacturer makes the parts and assembles them into a completed vehicle) to have a unique VIN consisting of seventeen alphanumeric characters. VINs help the government regulate vehicles in important ways, including: To make VINs as useful as possible, federal regulations require the VIN ... Read more

Drunk and drugged drivers kill tens of thousands of people in the United States each year, including hundreds in Missouri. Missouri’s Implied Consent law helps patrol officers immediately remove these dangerous drivers from the streets. The following is a brief overview of a few of the law’s many requirements and procedures. Under this law, anyone ... Read more

Communication is the lifeblood that keeps the operation running smoothly in the emergency communications center (ECC). Every word exchanged can significantly influence not only the immediate outcomes of critical situations but also the morale and effectiveness of the team. There’s no denying the power our voices and words have on the outcome of emergency calls ... Read more

To be effective, law enforcement officers must keep current with changes in the criminal laws. In this year’s session, many criminal offenses were amended and new ones added. Some amendments to existing criminal offenses include: Aiding a juvenile to commit a weapons offense is a violation of the crime of endangering the welfare of a ... Read more

Chapter 610, Missouri Revised Statutes, is called the “Sunshine Law.” It governs what materials governmental agencies must disclose to the public upon request. The law is designed to foster a healthy democracy by increasing transparency in government, limiting corruption, creating a better-informed public, and improving public trust. The Sunshine Law applies to “public governmental bodies.” ... Read more

In this year’s session, the Iowa Legislature passed many laws relevant to law enforcement and the justice system. These laws went into effect no later than this July. Officers are responsible for knowing and understanding the changes that relate to the execution of their duties. Some of these laws create new criminal offenses covering specific ... Read more

In the high-stress environment of an emergency communications center (ECC), burnout, compassion fatigue, and anxiety can take a heavy toll on the mental health and well-being of 911 professionals. It is a crisis of national proportions that is plaguing our ECCs today. Many telecommunicators are feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated, and uninspired, causing them to lose their ... Read more

With a focus on helping public safety professionals make effective and ethical decisions, Police Legal Sciences, Inc. (PLS) has been a trusted partner for public safety agencies and individuals for 25+ years. PLS online reality-based training takes a unique approach by using real court cases, lawsuits, and 911 calls as the foundation for our lessons. ... Read more

In the heart of emergency response lies the 911 center, a conduit of information where every second counts, and every call holds potential to save lives. Within this vital space, toxic negativity can seep in, corroding morale, and hindering effective operations. Combatting this toxicity demands more than just addressing behaviors; it requires a fundamental shift ... Read more

A serious problem in Britain’s history and in Colonial America was the practice of using torture or other coercion to force people to confess to crimes. The Fifth Amendment in the United States Constitution’s Bill of Rights addresses this through the right against self-incrimination: “No person . . . shall be compelled in any criminal ... Read more

Let’s start with a question. “What do you think of when you see or hear the term, ‘Next Generation 911?’” I imagine that your head is filled with images of emergency communications centers (ECCs) receiving video clips or still images of emergencies in real time, or a passerby pointing their iPhone in the direction of ... Read more

In recent years, transgender inmate rights have emerged as a critical issue within the realm of corrections. The complex intersection of gender identity and incarceration presents unique challenges for correctional facilities nationwide. Transgender individuals can find themselves faced with incidents of harassment and violence behind bars. Transgender inmates often present several questions within correctional settings, ... Read more

In moments of crisis when every second counts, the first point of contact with emergency services can significantly influence the outcome of the situation. Emergency dispatchers serve as the vital link between individuals in distress and the assistance they urgently require. Beyond merely relaying information, these unsung heroes possess the power to shape the entire ... Read more

Have you ever heard someone say, “I’m just a dispatcher,” or perhaps, “I’m just a call taker?” Maybe you’ve found yourself thinking these kinds of “I’m just…” thoughts. Long gone are the days of the “911 Operator” who sat fixed in their chair in front of rows of blinking lights indicating incoming calls, manually connecting ... Read more

Every 911 call presents a unique set of challenges for dispatchers, and many have complex psychological elements. Some calls may involve individuals grappling with mental illness or emotional distress, and having a keen understanding of these factors can help dispatchers effectively manage such situations.   Recognition of Mental Health Crisis It is not uncommon for ... Read more

As we return to election season, jail officials must be mindful that they may be required to provide inmates with a method of casting a ballot. Depending on the state, people convicted of a felony are often ineligible to vote. However, many jail inmates have not been convicted of a felony, and many states have ... Read more

Police Legal Sciences (PLS) is excited to announce our new partnership with the American Jail Association (AJA). This alliance aims to enhance the professional development and effectiveness of correctional officers by providing greater access to difficult-to-obtain legal education. In 2020, PLS released Jail Pro, our online reality-based corrections caselaw training, to provide regular legal updates ... Read more

Telecommunicator Week is a fantastic opportunity for agencies to recognize and appreciate the hard work and dedication of their telecommunicators.  Many agencies have implemented some great events and activities to celebrate their teams.  Here are some ideas that may help you show your appreciation: While you are making plans for Telecommunicator Week, DON’T FORGET YOUR ... Read more

Although the exact process and timeline varies between certifying bodies, most EMD-certified dispatchers are required to complete 24 hours of continuing dispatcher education (CDE) during every two-year recertification period. There are many reasons for this continuing education requirement. Regular training is important as it helps dispatchers stay up to date on protocols and guidelines, adapt ... Read more

Join Us on the Road: Police Legal Sciences’ Conference Exhibition Schedule for 2024 Police Legal Sciences is committed to staying at the forefront of the public safety industry and connecting with professionals like you. That’s why we are excited to announce our lineup of conferences and events for the year 2024! Here’s where you can ... Read more

A dispatcher’s salutation is the first impression a caller gets of the dispatcher and their agency.  A good salutation can help establish rapport, build trust, and encourage cooperation, which are essential for a successful interview.  In contrast, a poor salutation can have the opposite effect on a caller, creating confusion, frustration, or reluctance to cooperate.  ... Read more

When officers are called to a residence by a landlord or co-tenant and asked to remove someone from the property, what are they supposed to do? Should they immediately remove the person if he or she is trespassing? What if the person is a tenant at the residence? What if the landlord is requesting officers ... Read more

Officers are likely to encounter individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) while executing their duties. Officers can increase their effectiveness and avoid liability by being aware of the nature of autism, learning its indicators, and applying best practices when interacting with witnesses, victims, and suspects who may be “on the spectrum.”   What is Autism? ... Read more

In the fast-paced world of emergency dispatch, where every hall cold holds the weight of a potential life-altering event, the toll on a dispatcher’s mental and emotional health can be severe. Training strategies prioritizing stress management, mental health, and emotional wellness are essential in equipping 911 dispatchers with the resilience and skills needed to manage ... Read more

Officers have become increasingly likely to encounter opioids when responding to emergencies. In response to concerns that officers could often be near a potentially hazardous substance, many agencies previously issued strong warnings about the danger of opioids. In recent years however, law enforcement agencies have begun to recognize that the danger presented from being near ... Read more

In this year’s session, the Missouri Legislature passed many laws relevant to law enforcement and the justice system. These laws go into effect on August 28, 2023. Officers are responsible for knowing and understanding the changes that relate to the execution of their duties. Some of these laws relate to officer safety, well-being, and discipline. ... Read more

Every year the Iowa legislature agrees on new laws that are relevant to law enforcement officers throughout the state. These laws generally take effect on July 1, though some are effective earlier. This year, there are a number of new laws covering many different criminal offenses. Some of the highlights include: Officers are responsible for ... Read more

Cultural Competence in Corrections In the diverse and multicultural landscape of correctional facilities, cultural competence plays a pivotal role in promoting understanding, effective communication, and successful rehabilitation. Correctional officers who are trained in cultural competence are better equipped to navigate the complexities of diverse inmate populations, leading to improved safety, trust, and positive outcomes. Let’s ... Read more

Law enforcement officers and correctional officers face high-stress situations every day. The stress and trauma that result from working in a 24/7 profession that regularly requires officers to interact with people under some of the worst possible circumstances highlight the need for focusing on officer wellness. Stress can lead to poor performance and diminished physical ... Read more

We live in the Information Age, a time of technological advancement and increased access to digitized knowledge. With this enhanced availability, there are now hundreds of options when selecting public safety training for law enforcement, dispatchers, and correctional officers. Why should you choose reality-based training? Builds Decision Making Skills Reality-based training engages users in real-life ... Read more

The United States Constitution was designed to protect individual rights and liberties and to preserve the rule of law. But those principles and laws are powerless without someone to enforce them. Law enforcement officers are “the thin blue line” that protects individuals and preserves peace and freedom. Police officers’ training and equipment allows them to ... Read more

9-1-1 Dispatchers are unsung heroes, playing a critical role in emergency response. These dedicated professionals are the lifeline between callers in distress and the responders who come to their aid. Dispatchers handle various emergencies, from life-threatening medical emergencies to criminal incidents. They must remain calm and focused while quickly gathering information, making critical decisions, and ... Read more

April is sexual assault awareness month. According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2016/2017 approximately one in four women in the United States have experienced an attempted or completed rape, as well as 4.5 million men. One in two women and one in four men have experienced some form of unwanted sexual contact. Only ... Read more

Moving from traditional in-person training to an online program can feel intimidating, but the transition process is worth the long-term benefits. Online training is often customizable, heavily researched, and engaging. Agencies also love the flexibility it can provide, as lessons can be completed at each staff member’s own pace. So, if you’re ready to make ... Read more

The F.B.I. calls them domestic terrorists. They’ve killed dozens of peace officers and wounded scores more. Nearly half of the killings occurred during traffic stops or during process serving. Their beliefs are far-fetched, almost laughable, but the danger they pose to law enforcement is deadly serious. They call themselves “sovereign citizens.”   What Do Sovereign ... Read more

High-stress situations are the norm for law enforcement and correctional officers. Even in life-threatening or unclear circumstances, they are expected to maintain composure to protect themselves and others. Those in the profession are well aware that performing under this kind of pressure requires resilience and sound mental health. So, what happens when officers experience PTSD, ... Read more

Becoming a police officer typically requires several months of rigorous training and testing at an academy, covering physical fitness, defensive tactics, use of force, understanding the law, and other subjects. While basic training is critical, successful police officers are career-long learners. Here’s why officers need continued training:   To Satisfy Continuing Education Requirements Iowa and ... Read more

When we developed Jail Pro, we wanted to address the needs specific to jails and other correctional facilities. And while many training options exist, our training targets reducing lawsuits and refining skillsets. Jail Pro Helps Reduce Lawsuits Against Jailers, Jail Supervisors, and Correctional Officers In the realm of law enforcement, civil lawsuits are a constant ... Read more

When members of the public think of emergency situations, they may think of firefighters running into a burning home, ambulances speeding through city streets, or the distinctive red and blue flash of police lights. The term “emergency” encompasses a lot. However, what all of these scenarios have in common are the dispatchers behind the scenes ... Read more

Between emerging legislation and courtroom decisions, state and federal laws are everchanging. Meanwhile, police officers are expected to not only keep up with those changes, but to effectively enforce these laws in their communities. Falling behind can result in procedural mistakes, costly lawsuits, lengthy trials, inadmissible evidence, and poor reputations. The following cases from the ... Read more