Citizens Police Academy, week four

Special to the Daily Mail

The week four session of the Nevada Police Department’s Citizen’s Police Academy on April 26 featured guest speakers Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Lynn Ewing and Nevada’s Animal Control Officer Ben Douglas.

Ewing went over the requirements of our police officer’s training in criminal procedure and the extent to which they had to comply when making an arrest or obtaining a warrant.

He explained how police officers are like lawyers on the street. Making split second decisions as to what can and can’t be done according to criminal law and our Fourth Amendment rights. The Fourth Amendment is the linchpin in making an arrest. He went on to tell us when a warrant is necessary and that they can only be issued by a judge.

We learned that if a report is made by a witness or citizen and too much time passes before a warrant is requested that it is not usable information anymore because many things may have changed since the report was made. So time is of the essence in reporting a crime.

Ewing explained probable cause and the degree of probability.

We were told where and when an officer is allowed by law to search or seize a person or property.

He explained that a stop and frisk is not an arrest, but can escalate into one.

Ewing told us how inspections and regulatory searches could result in evidence being passed on to police for a warrant. If the inspector or person supervising a group of children or persons sees something suspicious or harmful to the group that they can be considered mandatory reporters.

He talked about consent searches and what is allowed in this type of search.

We learned about wiretaps and the “exclusionary rule” of the Fourth Amendment. This takes a warrant by a federal judge.

He covered the interrogation and confession, when it is allowed and the privilege against self-incrimination as well as a waiver of rights.

We were told the difference between a person working for the police or someone volunteering information in a specific incident, referred to as “Color of Law.”

He went over the Miranda rights and when it is necessary. First, a person has to be in custody and second, is being questioned by the police. Voluntary information is admissible without the Miranda being read.

City, county, state, and federal officers are all governed by the same Constitutional rights and laws.

We all have a right to due process of the law.

The second speaker was Ben Douglas, the animal control officer for the city of Nevada. He has been Nevada’s Animal Control Officer for nine years.

You should know that he doesn’t like being called the “Dog Catcher.”

Officer Douglas’ qualifications and training are extensive. Animal control association, Certified Humane Investigator/ACO, member of the National Animal Control Association, chemical immobilization certified, collapsible baton certified, euthanasia certified, Taser qualified, OC (pepper spray) certified. He is a member of Missouri Animal ASPCA training in blood sports investigation and cruelty investigation.

The position of Animal Control Officer is a division of the police department. He has a variety of duties:

• Handling all animal calls .

• Pick up large animals.

• Trap nuisance animals.

• Issue citations.

• Assist vets in euthanizing animals.

• Ensure compliance state and federal.

• Provide mutual aid to county if requested.

• Supervise city animal shelter and employees.

• Adoptions.

• Reclaims.

• Surrenders.

• Administer and en-force chapter five of the city code.

• License, stray, livestock in town, animal noise.

In addition to his regular duties, Douglas procures supplies for and maintains the animal shelter and oversees the employees and the budget.

The animal shelter is considered a “kill shelter.” After 15 days it is OK to euthanize an animal. But here they try to keep them healthy if they can and pass them on either to homes or facilities that can care for them.

In the state of Missouri, animals are considered “property,” therefore, it is difficult to do more than fine offenders. There is a leash law in Nevada and owners are responsible for the animal’s actions when not on a leash.

Every animal bite (which breaks the skin) has to be reported to the state.

The biggest problems they deal with are neglect, abandonment, and abuse. The second is puppy mills. We found out that you only have to be licensed if there are three breedable females and you are breeding them and selling the babies.

Four hundred forty two animals were brought into the shelter in 2016. The live release rate for that same year was 84 percent.

All animals over six months old are spayed or neutered, treated and given shots and exercise.

In 2016 there were, 945 calls for service, 25 of which were for animal bites.

So far in 2017 there are only 14 bites.

If you are interested in finding out about the animals at the shelter, you can go by and visit or you can go to www.petfinder.com or Facebook.