At Blue to Gold Academy, we know that search and seizure can be one of the most intimidating topics for new officers. That’s why we’ve built a powerful, easy-to-follow online course designed to give you a solid foundation—and the confidence—you need to get it right from Day One.
Our course is broken down into manageable units, each with clear objectives, reading materials from our Search and Seizure Survival Guide, and tons of real-world examples. We start with the basics and build up to the more complex stuff, so you’re never overwhelmed.
We Keep It Simple: C.R.E.W. + The Three Golden Rules
We teach you our proven C.R.E.W. method—Consent, Recognized Exception, Warrant—to help you make quick, legally sound decisions. You’ll also learn the Three Golden Rules of Search and Seizure, designed to keep you on the right side of the law and the courtroom.
Videos, Case Law, and Real-World Advice
This isn’t just theory. We break down actual case law, provide practical tips, and include video breakdowns to make sure everything clicks. It’s the kind of training that sticks with you when the pressure’s on.
Walk In With Confidence. Walk Out Street-Ready.
Our mission is simple: to prepare you to act reasonably, legally, and confidently in every situation. At Blue to Gold, we’re here to help you get it right—every time.
Course coverage
You’ll Learn It All—And Remember It
From 4th Amendment fundamentals to advanced topics like warrantless vehicle searches and K-9 deployments, this course covers everything you need to know, including:
Levels of police-citizen contact
Probable cause & arrests
Consent searches
Investigative detentions
Plain view doctrine
Vehicle inventories
Community caretaking
Hot pursuit, and more!
What you'll study
Course curriculum
01I. Welcome To Your Course
Welcome to Blue to Gold University
Course Introduction
Meet Your Instructor
Questions and Technical Support
02II. Introduction and the Fourth Amendment
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Fourth Amendment
1.3 Three Golden Rules
2.1 Warrantless Presumption
3.1 Two Types of Searches
4.1 Two Types of Seizures
5.1 Burdens of Proof
03III. Introduction and the Fourth Amendment
5.2 Concensual Encounters
5.3 Reasonable Suspicion
5.4 Probable Cause
5.5 Arrests
6.1 Consent to Search
7.1 Search Incident to Arrest
8.1 Patdowns
8.11 Plain Feel Seizures
9.1 Plain View
10.1 Private Citizen Searches
11.1 Abandonment
12.1 Unprovoked Flight
04IV. Dealing with Homes
13.1 Curtilage
13.11 Curtilage Paradise
14.1 Warrantless Entries into Homes
15.1 Emergency Aid
16.1 Community Caretaking
17.1 Protective Sweeps
05V. Vehicles
18.1 Traffic Stops
19.1 Controlling Passengers
20.1 Identifying Passengers
21.1 Patdowns of Occupants
22.1 Major Cases
23.1 Warrantless Search for Weapons
24.1 Warrantless Search Incident to Arrest
25.1 Warrantless Search for Evidence
26.1 Warrantless Vehicle Inventories
27.1 Warrantless K9 Searches
28.1 Warrantless Search with PC
29.1 Searching Passengers
06VI. Closing
Closing
Resources for the field
Course Includes:
Certificate of Completion
Workbook
State-Specific Search and Seizure Survival Guide
Start with confidence
Get Started with a Free Trial
Still not sure? We get it. That’s why we offer a 100% free trial —so you can experience the quality of our training before committing. You’ll get immediate access to the first portion of the course, including video lessons, case law breakdowns, and practical tools you can use right away.