A police officer comes to your home, knocks on the door, and asks to come inside. They are polite but firm. It is clear to you that they expect you to let them into your house, and you know that police officers do have a position of authority in modern society. Many...
There was a time when the police relied mostly on eyewitnesses and patrol cars to find suspects, but that is all in the past. In and around Valdosta, officers now use technology to find leads, confirm timelines and locate suspects. These innovations can move an...
Police officers generally conduct searches to find evidence of criminal activity and to prevent additional crimes. They may search vehicles, businesses and private residences when they suspect criminal activity. They may also want to search an individual’s person....
It’s easy to think parole violations only happen in person — missing a check-in, crossing county lines or breaking curfew. But today, much of life happens online. What you post, comment on or even who you message can become part of your parole record. Parole...
DNA evidence has transformed criminal law with its identification capabilities. It can offer high certainty, yet its use in trials often involves complex safeguards. How does using DNA evidence impact the pursuit of justice in Georgia? The benefits of DNA evidence DNA...
Most people think of social media as a harmless way to share life updates with friends and family, but did you know your online activity can become a powerful tool for law enforcement? Even if your posts don’t directly prove you committed a crime, they can still be...
The civil rights extended to criminal suspects and defendants are of the utmost importance. Both the Constitution and prior court rulings help establish legal protections for those subject to law enforcement scrutiny. Civil rights help ensure due process and protect...
Police chases with a vehicle are dangerous. Accidents can happen, potentially injuring suspects, officers or even innocent bystanders. Police chases using helicopters are safer, but they are also expensive. It may not be viable to follow every single suspect by...
You’re sitting in an interrogation room, heart pounding, and the officer across the table leans in, saying they’ve got your fingerprints on the crime scene or they have you on surveillance. But what if they’re bluffing? Can the police lie to you? The short answer is...
You've probably heard of the concept of "fight or flight" when someone is threatened. The "fight" response is also known as self-defense, and it is generally considered acceptable for protecting yourself or others. "Stand your ground" laws would fall under the...
