Search Warrants in Michigan: From Probable Cause to Courtroom Presentation
Topic:
This course is designed to teach Michigan law enforcement officers the legal and practical fundamentals of search warrants as a critical tool in criminal investigations. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the Michigan-specific requirements for drafting, obtaining, and executing search warrants from establishing probable cause to the presentation of evidence in court proceedings.
Training Highlights:
• Legal aspects of Michigan search warrant law under the U.S. and Michigan Constitutions
• Understanding the Fourth Amendment and Article I, Section 11 of the Michigan Constitution
• Review of recent Michigan and federal search & seizure rulings affecting law enforcement
• Exceptions to the search warrant requirement under Michigan law
• Components of a valid Michigan search warrant and affidavit
• Challenges and case law involving vehicle, dwelling, person, and digital/social media searches
• Developing and articulating probable cause in compliance with Michigan statutes and court standards
• Agency policies and procedures related to search warrant drafting and approval
• The review and authorization process — working with Michigan prosecuting attorneys and judges
• Legal and tactical considerations in executing search warrants safely and effectively
• Evidence collection, documentation, and search warrant returns in compliance with Michigan Court Rules
• Preparing for suppression hearings and addressing challenges to warrant validity
• Criminal and civil trial proceedings — presenting search warrant evidence in Michigan courts
INSTRUCTOR:
Gerald Ladwig retired as Chief of the Midland Michigan Police Department with over 16 years in supervision including road patrol and investigations.
His 28 year Criminal Justice career now continues as the Magistrate for the 75th District Court. He has many years of experience testifying in court, and he directed several trials and hearings during his time as an assistant prosecutor a position he held after retiring from the police department.
Gerald is a licensed attorney with a JD from Michigan State University College of Law. He has received numerous training certificates throughout his career, including graduating from LEELI, the Eastern Michigan University School of Staff and Command, as well as the FBI Michigan Police Executive Development Program, and the Northwestern University Traffic Enforcement Course. Gerald has served as an instructor for the Northeastern Police Academy at Delta College and as an adjunct faculty member at Delta College specializing in Search and Seizure 4th Amendment and 5th Amendment issues.
Gerald resides in Midland County with his wife, Kathy, and their three children.
TARGET AUDIENCE: All members of the criminal justice community and law enforcement community.
DATES & TIMES:
Friday, January 30,2026
Class starts at 12:00 Noon Sharp – and ends at 4:00 PM (Eastern Time)
COST: $224.00 per person (plus $3 registration fee + credit card fee if applicable)
LOCATION: THIS IS AN ONLINE CLASS!
• You will be sent a Zoom Link one week prior to the class
• We will send out the class materials electronically (via e-mail)
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
• Check made payable to:
TRAINING FORCE USA, 7769 McClure Dr. Tallahassee, Fl 32312
• Purchase Order
• Credit Card payment made online
Cancellations, Substitutions and Notices:
• Upon submission of this registration, participants are responsible for payment of this course. Please note that if you do not attend, you are still responsible for payment.
• Substitutions may be made at any time by phone, e-mail or online at the registration site.
- Online classes are recorded and kept for a maximum of 15 days. The recording is only available to those participants who missed some (or all) of the training.
QUESTIONS: Phone: 850-556-4544 E-mail: he***@**************sa.com