It is 1:00 a.m., and you are the senior East Arbor Police Department (EAPD) police officer on duty. Your dispatch clerk has advised you that two independent and anonymous "911" (emergency contact number) callers, referred to herein as "Anonymous Caller One" and "Anonymous Caller Two", reported that around 12:30 a.m., they heard gunshots coming from a home on 1941 Baker Street, after a heated argument involving several men.

"Anonymous Caller One" stated that he had been asleep in the basement of the house at 1941 Baker Street, which was owned and occupied by Omar Litteton, and he was woken by an argument. Anonymous Caller One said he heard two men threaten to kill Omar if he did not provide the "stuff" they "paid for." Anonymous Caller One said he then heard four gunshots, and a sound like someone crashing to the floor. Finally, Anonymous Caller One said, he heard the steps of probably two or more people running and then exiting the house via an aluminum side door. "Anonymous Caller One" provided no further information and abruptly ended the call.

"Anonymous Caller Two" refused to say where she was calling from or where she lived, other than it was in the same neighborhood as the house at 1941 Baker Street. Anonymous Caller Two said she heard an argument and three or four gunshots, and then she saw two white males, each about 24 or 25 years old, rush out of the house and disappear into the night. Anonymous Caller Two provided no further information and ended the call.

Based on your considerable law enforcement experience, you are aware that the area around 1941 Baker Street is a high-crime and drug gang area, and a multi-agency drug crimes task force has been investigating an influx of blue methamphetamine. Therefore, you have called for a team of detectives and other officers to meet you at the scene. a) Based on the facts of the Scenario above, advise if you need to obtain a search warrant before entering the house, or if not, explain why. (1 pt.)

b) Describe some supplies and equipment you will need to conduct a search. (1 pt.)

c) Advise how search personnel should handle and collect these three types of evidence: firearms, fingerprints, and items with suspected blood and other fluids. (1 pt.)

d) Regarding any evidence seized, explain: 1) why maintaining proper chain of custody of the evidence is so important; and 2) how investigators can maintain proper chain of custody of the evidence. (2 pts.)

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

a Based on the facts of the scenario it is likely that law enforcement officers would be justified in entering the house at 1941 Baker Street without ... View the full answer