Law enforcement officers should consider five general areas before, during, and after investigations to limit the defense attorney's ability to question their findings during cross-examination. While they will develop a better understanding of a particular law as a case progresses, officers need a solid foundation from the start. They must know the elements that constitute the law in order to obtain the evidence required to convict the suspect. This may mean, for example, proving that a person accused of driving under the influence was impaired while operating the motor vehicle. In addition, officers should note the definition and understand the effect of key words found in the text of the law.
Some words change the interpretation of a statute.
For instance, the law says that officers can use deadly force when faced with an imminent threat. Sometimes, the legal definition of a word differs from its meaning in everyday context. In the law, however, it creates a duty for a law enforcement officer to act. Knowing the law goes hand in hand with understanding its application. Some important constitutional guidelines that dictate how the police gather evidence include search and seizure laws and the Miranda ruling.