Policy Text
Policy Delano Police Department
312 Delano PD Policy Manual
Search and Seizure
312.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Both the federal and state Constitutions provide every individual with the right to be free from
unreasonable searches and seizures. This policy provides general guidelines for Delano Police
Department personnel to consider when dealing with search and seizure issues.
312.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Delano Police Department to respect the fundamental privacy rights
of individuals. Members of this department will conduct searches in strict observance of the
constitutional rights of persons being searched. All seizures by this department will comply with
relevant federal and state law governing the seizure of persons and property.
The Department will provide relevant and current training to officers as guidance for the application
of current law, local community standards and prosecutorial considerations regarding specific
search and seizure situations, as appropriate.
312.3 SEARCHES
The U.S. Constitution generally provides that a valid warrant is required in order for a search to
be valid. There are, however, several exceptions that permit a warrantless search.
Examples of law enforcement activities that are exceptions to the general warrant requirement
include, but are not limited to, searches pursuant to the following:
• Valid consent
• Incident to a lawful arrest
• Legitimate community caretaking interests
• Vehicle searches under certain circumstances
• Exigent circumstances
Certain other activities are recognized by federal and state courts and by certain statutes as
legitimate law enforcement activities that also do not require a warrant. Such activities may include
seizure and examination of abandoned property, and observations of activities and property
located on open public areas.
Because case law regarding search and seizure is constantly changing and subject to
interpretation by the courts, each member of this department is expected to act in each situation
according to current training and his/her familiarity with clearly established rights as determined
by case law.
Whenever practicable, officers are encouraged to contact a supervisor to resolve questions
regarding search and seizure issues prior to electing a course of action.
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/12/06, All Rights Reserved. Search and Seizure - 1
Published with permission by Delano Police Department