Knock & Talk Investigation Techniques

Certification

This course is certified by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.

Training Mandates

This course meets state guidelines for the following mandated subject areas:

• Law Update  (annual)
• Civil Rights  (every 3 yrs.)
• Constitutional & Proper Use of Authority  (every 3 yrs.)
• Lead Homicide Recertification  (8 hrs. credit)

Description

This intense one-day course will provide in-depth information on the proper techniques and tactics for safely and effectively conducting Knock & Talk operations.  The course will be conducted by a veteran narcotics investigator who actively utilizes knock & talk techniques to gain entry into the residences of drug violators to seize large quantities of drugs, firearms, and U.S. currency.

Knock & Talk, when conducted properly, can be a very successful tactic to combat illegal narcotic trafficking.  Officers must receive proper training and understand the limitations of knock & talks in order for this tactic to be effective.  One of the most difficult aspects of conducting knock & talk operations is gaining voluntary consent to enter a residence and conduct a search.  Officers must put themselves in a position to win.  This starts with the initial approach to the residence, knocking on the door, and the tone and demeanor presented by the officers. There are numerous Supreme Court rulings that dictate proper ways officers should carry out knock & talks.  Officer must have a clear understanding of the 4th Amendment and current case law to legally conduct knock & talk operations that protect the constitutional rights of citizens and ensure that critical evidence will be admissible in court.  In many cases, the difference between reasonable suspicion and probable cause determines if a knock & talk violated the 4th Amendment.  Officers will be presented with material to clearly define those differences.

In recent years, several knock & talk operations have turned into deadly encounters.  Officers must conduct pre-operational briefings and cover all tactical considerations prior to initiating a knock & talk operation.  Sample policies and procedures will be provided during the course.  In an effort to prevent history from repeating itself, case studies supported by video surveillance will be presented where knock & talks turned deadly.

Topics

• Knock & Talk Operations
• Up-to-Date Case Law
• Obtaining Voluntary Consent
• Reasonable Suspicion vs. Probable Cause
• 4th Amendment Considerations
• Drug House Indicators
• Affirmative Links
• Multiple Arrests
• Tactical Considerations
• Violent Encounters
• Implementation of Policy & Procedures
• Proper Report Writing
• Successful Prosecution

Instructor