Opinion ID: 2800718
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Police Report/Probable Cause

Text: Appellant also complains of Havens' testimony that upon speaking to Linda about her experience, he found probable cause to prepare a report so further investigation would ensue. Although ambiguous, Havens' testimony 6 Overruled on other grounds by Harp v. Commonwealth, 266 S.W.3d 813 (Ky. 2008). .16 could be readily understood to mean that he personally believed Linda's account. While it was certainly relevant and admissible for Havens to explain that he filed his report and further investigation followed, his characterization of the process as having found probable cause certainly expresses sufficient belief in the truthfulness of the victim to run afoul of the rule against vouching, and more importantly, the officer's belief that probable cause existed is absolutely irrelevant. Upon retrial, Officer Havens should not be permitted to testify as to his personal finding of probable cause.