Kansas City Police Search Warrants Guidelines

Questions and Answers

What is an affidavit in the context of search warrant procedures?

A document outlining the search strategy.

An informal report of criminal activity.

A sworn statement verified by oath or affirmation. (correct)

A summary of the court's ruling.

According to the procedural instruction, what may a search warrant command?

The search of a person, place, or thing. (correct)

Only the search of a person.

The arrest of individuals related to the search.

The seizing of individuals present at a location.

What is defined as 'contraband' in the guidelines?

Legal items restricted by law.

Items or property that are illegal to possess or transport. (correct)

Property obtained through lawful means.

Any items involved in the judicial process.

Which of the following best describes 'fruits of crime'?

Stolen money and other material objects acquired through crime. Signup and view all the answers

What must be shown for a search warrant to be issued?

Probable cause and meeting certain conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'Instruments of Crime'?

Anything commonly used for criminal purposes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of deconflicting related persons and locations before executing a search warrant?

To avoid unnecessary confrontations and complications. Signup and view all the answers

What does the RSMo 542 regulate in relation to search warrants?

Conditions under which warrants may be issued. Signup and view all the answers

What must be included in the affidavit when applying for a search warrant?

A complete address including county and state Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of providing probable cause in a search warrant application?

To persuade the judge that a search is warranted Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the review process for warrant applications?

A prosecuting attorney must be involved prior to submission Signup and view all the answers

Where should a search warrant be obtained?

In the county where the search is to occur Signup and view all the answers

What type of warrant requires a justification for the request?

No-Knock warrant Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the judge in the search warrant process?

To review evidence and approve or deny the warrant Signup and view all the answers

Which annex specifically addresses the process prior to executing a search warrant?

Annex B Signup and view all the answers

What information must an affidavit include regarding the items to be searched for?

Specific identification of the items sought Signup and view all the answers

What is the main responsibility of the Sworn Member-in-Charge during the execution of a warrant?

To supervise all matters related to the execution of the warrant Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the Sworn Member-in-Charge?

Conducting safety training for officers Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if a warrant is found to be unsigned?

Not execute the warrant since it is per se invalid Signup and view all the answers

Why are ‘Safetynet Deconflictions’ conducted before executing a warrant?

To check for case linkages or ongoing investigations Signup and view all the answers

What should be documented before executing a search warrant?

Photographs and diagrams of the area to be searched Signup and view all the answers

How should the number of sworn and non-sworn members to execute the warrant be determined?

By assessing the risk level of the operation Signup and view all the answers

When is it most appropriate to take photographs of the area to be searched?

When practical and prior to the execution of the search warrant Signup and view all the answers

What is required for the warrant to be considered valid for execution?

A signature from a judge Signup and view all the answers

What is the time frame within which a search warrant must be executed and returned to the issuing judge?

Within 10 days after the application Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an element that should be included in the pre-execution briefing of a search warrant?

List of potential witnesses Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to notify the Communications Unit personnel before executing a search warrant?

To ensure radio frequency clarity during operations Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to minimize public danger during the execution of a search warrant?

Evacuate nearby residences and stop traffic Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a search warrant if it is not executed within the specified time frame?

It becomes invalid and should not be executed Signup and view all the answers

What is one important piece of equipment that should be gathered before executing a search warrant?

Protective vests and flashlights Signup and view all the answers

In terms of operational safety, what is a key aspect to consider when developing a tactical plan for a search warrant execution?

Minimizing or eliminating danger to the public Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended action if the search warrant may require forced entry?

Request a special operations radio frequency through dispatch Signup and view all the answers

What must personnel provide before obtaining a 'No-Knock' warrant authorization?

Approval from their Bureau Commander or higher Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following circumstances allows for the authorization of a 'No-Knock' entry?

The likelihood of evidence being destroyed Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of conducting a protective sweep after gaining entry?

To bring under control all subjects present Signup and view all the answers

What justifies the detention of occupants during the execution of a search warrant?

Preventing unauthorized entry or exit Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a required condition for seizing evidence found during a search warrant execution?

Finding the property listed in the warrant Signup and view all the answers

During the execution of a search warrant, what is true about questioning detained subjects?

It can be done without reasonable suspicion Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the use of 'No-Knock' warrants?

They can be authorized without any exigent circumstances Signup and view all the answers

What must be documented during the execution of a search warrant?

All subjects encountered or located Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction

Guidelines for obtaining and executing search warrants by the Kansas City Police Department.
Issued on July 13, 2022, effective on the same date.

Terminology

Affidavit: A sworn statement verified by oath or affirmation.
Contraband: Items or property illegal to possess or transport.
Fruits of Crime: Material objects obtained as a result of a criminal act, such as stolen money.
Instruments of Crime: Items commonly used for criminal purposes, like weapons or burglary tools.
Search Warrant: A court order to search a person, location, or thing and seize or document found property (as defined in RSMo 542.266).

Guidelines for Obtaining Search Warrants

Requires a showing of probable cause.
Involves prior deconfliction of related persons and locations.
A written application must include:
- Detailed description of the location, including full address.
- Specification of items to be searched for.
- Justification of probable cause.
- Justification for a “No Knock” warrant, if applicable.

Warrant Application Process

Applications reviewed by a prosecuting attorney before submission to court.
Signed warrants are necessary; unsigned warrants are invalid.
Must be obtained in the county where the search will occur.

Execution of the Search Warrant

Must be executed within 10 days of application submission.
Expired warrants are invalid.
The officer in charge must ensure:
- Accurate details of the warrant match the physical address.
- All entries are clearly justified.
- Necessary deconflictions and checking for warrants are completed.

Pre-Execution Responsibilities

Conduct thorough briefings prior to search execution.
Identify and mitigate potential public dangers during the execution.
Assemble necessary equipment for a safe execution.
Notify Communications Unit of execution details.

Special Circumstances

“No-Knock” warrants require approval from a Bureau Commander or higher.
Immediate entry is allowed if exigent circumstances suggest knocking would be futile.
After entry, personnel must control the scene, ensuring no unauthorized access.

Documentation and Evidence Handling

All subjects encountered during search execution should be documented.
Any contraband or evidence found outside the warrant’s scope may still be seized under specific conditions.

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Description

This quiz covers the guidelines for obtaining and executing search warrants by the Kansas City Police Department, effective from July 13, 2022. It includes terminology related to search warrants and the required legal standards for issuing them, such as probable cause and detailed written applications.