Developing & Defending Probable Cause

Learn how to properly develop, articulate, and document probable cause in a way that stands up to legal scrutiny, suppression hearings, and courtroom challenges.

Search Warrant Execution & Evidence Handling

Understand the legal and tactical considerations involved in executing search warrants, managing crime scenes, collecting evidence, and completing accurate warrant returns.

From Investigation to the Courtroom

Gain insight into how search warrants impact criminal and civil proceedings, including suppression hearings and trial testimony, ensuring your cases are prepared from day one.

About the Course

This course provides law enforcement officers with a comprehensive, practical understanding of search warrants as a critical investigative tool. From the development and articulation of probable cause to the execution of warrants and presentation of evidence in court, students will gain the legal, tactical, and procedural knowledge necessary to confidently obtain and defend search warrants throughout the criminal justice process. Students will learn the legal foundations of search warrants, including Fourth Amendment considerations, current Search and Seizure court rulings, and recognized warrant exceptions. The course walks officers through understanding and completing search warrant documents and addresses challenges associated with different warrant types, including vehicles, dwellings, persons, and social media or digital evidence. The training also covers agency policy and procedures related to the search warrant approval process, including working with the State Attorney’s Office during review and signing. Legal and tactical considerations during warrant execution are discussed, along with crime scene management, evidence collection, warrant returns, and the coordination and completion of case reports. Finally, students will examine how search warrants are evaluated during suppression hearings and how they impact both criminal and civil trial proceedings, helping officers prepare cases that withstand courtroom scrutiny from investigation through adjudication.

Meet Your Instructor: Rob Vitaliano

Rob Vitaliano brings extensive operational and instructional experience to this course. His law enforcement career includes service as a member of the FBI / JTTF Joint Terrorism Task Force, SWAT Team Assistant Commander, Homicide Agent, Patrol Sergeant, Investigative Sergeant, and Investigative Lieutenant. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Business and Organizational Security Management from Webster University and a Bachelor’s degree from Columbia College. Major Vitaliano is an adjunct instructor at Eastern Florida State College and Daytona State College. He also serves as a guest lecturer at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and is a member of the Operations Advisory Board for the Children’s Advocacy Center, as well as the Child Death Review Committee within his jurisdiction.

Course Curriculum

4 Chapters · 5 Lessons

  1. 1

    Introduction to Search Warrants

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Understanding Search Warrants

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Course PowerPoint

  2. 2

    Part 2

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Types of Search Warrants and Elements

  3. 3

    Part 3

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Legal Considerations

  4. 4

    Part 4

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Execution of the Warrant

Ready to Dive In?

Take the next step in mastering search warrants. Enroll now to gain valuable insights and practical knowledge for your law enforcement career.

$199.00

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