Detecting criminal activity on the highways is a critical component of policing. Routine traffic stops can often result in exposing illegal narcotics and other contraband, identifying stolen vehicles, or even capturing wanted persons. However, in every case, front line law enforcement officers must be aware of the legal requirements surrounding consent searches in relation to motor vehicle stops.

Referring to relevant sections of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Highway Criminal Interdiction - Consent to Search Requirements explores the various aspects of consent searches. In addition to reviewing requests for consent to search in voluntary encounters, post arrest and post detention, this course outlines case law related to informed consent.

This course provides a knowledge base that will assist officers in day to day operations and serves as a pre-course resource for highway criminal interdiction training.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course you will be able to:

• Explain section 8 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and describe what constitutes an unreasonable search and seizure
• Explain section 9 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and describe what constitutes an arbitrary detention or imprisonment
• Recall the elements of an informed consent to search
• Explain the importance of receiving written consent to search
• Explain your authority to search incidental to an arrest
• Explain your authority to search incidental to a detention
• Outline the steps you must follow in order to request consent to search post arrest or detention
• Explain the difference between reasonable and probable grounds, reasonable grounds to suspect an offence is being committed, and suspicion
• Outline the steps you must take to obtain informed consent in a voluntary encounter with a motorist

Subject Matter Experts

Content for this course was developed by the Ontario Provincial Police. For additional details, please view the Course Training Standard.

Course Details

Content Provider: Ontario Provincial Police Price: $50.00 + GST Languages: English Course Duration: 2 hours Release Date: November 25, 2008 Date of Last Revision/Review: November 2009