NCJ Number
18757
Date Published
1967
Length
0 pages
Annotation
EXAMINATION OF THE CONTROVERSY OVER THE NEED OF THE POLICE TO CATCH CRIMINALS AND THE NEED TO SAFEGUARD INDIVIDUALS AGAINST UNREASONABLE INVASION BY POLICE.
Abstract
AFTER INTRODUCING THE FOURTH AMENDMENT THREE ENACTED SEQUENCES ARE PRESENTED WITH PROVISION TO STOP THE PROJECTOR BETWEEN EACH SEQUENCE FOR DISCUSSION OF THE QUESTIONS PRESENTED. THE FIRST ENACTED SEQUENCE SHOWS TWO NARCOTICS OFFICERS GAINING ENTRANCE AND SEARCHING THE HOME OF A FORMER DOPE PUSHER, EDDIE, ON THE BASIS OF AN ANONYMOUS TIP. ALTERNATE ENDINGS ARE PRESENTED IN WHICH NARCOTICS ARE FOUND, AND AGAIN WHERE THEY ARE NOT FOUND. AT THE FILM-STOP THE NARRATOR ASKS WHETHER THE SEARCH WAS REASONABLE, AND WHAT PROTECTION A PERSON SHOULD HAVE IF THE POLICE SEARCH UNLAWFULLY. IN THE SECOND SEQUENCE THE OFFICERS HAVE RECEIVED A RELIABLE TIP ABOUT EDDIE. THEY FOLLOW THE CAR OF A NEGRO COUPLE AND SEARCH THEM AFTER THE COUPLE HAS BEEN SEEN TALKING WITH EDDIE. THE QUESTION OF THE REASONABLENESS OF THIS SEARCH IS RAISED. THE THIRD SEQUENCE DEALS WITH THE PROBLEM OF ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE. THE OFFICERS 'BUG' A PUBLIC TELEPHONE USED BY EDDIE AND GET INFORMATION WHICH LEADS TO AN ARREST. THE STUDENTS ARE LEFT TO WEIGH THE ARGUMENTS OF THE POLICE WHO SAY THEY NEED ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE TO COMBAT CRIME, AND OTHERS WHO MAINTAIN THAT OFFICIALS WILL GET TOO MUCH POWER TO INVADE PRIVACY IF THERE ARE NOT LIMITS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT)