This is an online legal update course for Missouri police officers. The lesson addresses recent court decisions providing guidance to law enforcement officers regarding the following questions:

• What must officers do to ensure that their questioning of a juvenile suspect does not violate the suspect’s rights under Missouri law?

• What are the consequences when law enforcement officers fail to properly serve process?

• Can officers violate a defendant’s Fourth Amendment rights merely by remaining an extended period at the scene of a traffic stop? And, what evidence is sufficient to establish that a person has voluntarily consented to a pat down search?

• When does a person have apparent common authority over a place or item so that he or she can consent to a search of the place or item?

• What constitutes an excessive use of force when apprehending a fleeing suspect?