Interview+(2-6)

home Period 2 Amendment 6 (2) Interview of Andrew Selby (former police officer)

The 6th Amendment of the United States Constitution says: In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.

Questions: 1. What was your exact position in your work?

I was a Lancaster County Police Officer

2. How was your job affected by the 6th amendment? (details)

It was affected in many ways, the amendment forced me to get search warrants and follow certain procedures.

3. Give a situation at work where the 6th amendment specifically came into play.

I received a unanimous call about a suspected drug dealing in a house near by. I went to the house and didn’t notice any suspicious activity or anything different than normal. I knocked on the door but got no answer. Although the call came in, I was not able to enter the house unless a search warrant was obtained. There was not enough evidence to get a warrant so the house went unsearched.

4. If you had the power to change the amendment, would you?

Yes, I would make a few minor changes.

5. (If yes to 4) How would you change it?

I feel that the amendment protects the rights of the individuals but as a cop, there have been numerous times when I have wished that search warrants were more easily obtainable and less needed.

6. Describe how search warrants affected your work.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">They have kept houses, cars, and other possessions from being searched by me and the other police officers. Therefore, the search warrants have probably prevented a few arrests from happening.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">7. Any other thoughts or comments

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">No

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Thank you for your time