Legal Question in Criminal Law in Pennsylvania

Can the police lie and do anything they want?

I have two questions, Can anyone tell me if the PA. State Police have rules of conduct that they must follow, as in can they release information to the press regarding things that you have not been charged with, allegations that are not of public record, and slander a defendant with false and misleading statements? I believe false statements printed in the papers hinder the ability for a defendant to get a fair trial. Also, on the forth amendment issue, can they (SP) give misleading and false statements, and withhold crucial information that they know is true to persuade a magistrate into giving a search warrant which he may not have gave had he been given all the facts, and the truth.

Such as their ( SP) informant had been arrested and convicted of fileing a false police report in the past, and they knew this prior to requesting a search warrant, but never told the magistrate.

Thanks in advance for your assistance


Asked on 5/26/05, 9:00 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Mark Johns Mark Johns, Esquire

Re: Can the police lie and do anything they want?

In securing an arrest or search warrant the officers swere that the information is the truth. Therefore they may not lie to secure them. As to publishing false information, it may be a civil claim to bring. I offer free consultations.

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Answered on 5/26/05, 9:34 am


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