Question

While working an undercover detail in a neighborhood known for drug activity, you notice a vehicle stopped at the intersection waiting for the light to change. The man in the vehicle makes eye contact with you. You approach his vehicle and begin carrying on a conversation with him. You ask him if he needs anything, and he responds by asking you, “What do you have?” You ask him what he is looking for, and he tells you he is looking to score. You show him a small bag containing a white powdery substance; he asks how much, and you respond, "20 dollars." He hands you a $20 bill, and you give him the bag and tip your hat to signal that the transaction was completed. At this time, the man drives off and is stopped a block away by a marked unit. The individual is placed under arrest for drug possession and purchasing drugs, and he is taken to jail.

Did you have probable cause to approach the defendant while he was parked at the traffic light? Why or why not? Defend your answer

Answer 1

As an undercover, one always has reason to look out for those who are signalling or trying to locate something. He was the only iIe among others in traffic who was curious about anything different. Tha car was parked in traffic but the person was interested in something as can be predicted from his eye contact with me. Non verbal communications sometimes prove to be very effective in judging the person in such situations.

He accepted the offer which finally proves my action as righteous.