by Brian MacMaster | Jan 29, 2026 | Police Law in a Nutshell
By Brian MacMaster The creation of the Deadly Force Review Panel was the result of legislation passed in 2019. The original bill, introduced by Rep. Jeffrey Evangelos of Friendship, called for an independent board to review investigations of all officer-involved...
by Brian MacMaster | Jan 5, 2026 | Police Law in a Nutshell
While the tools and procedures have evolved, the principles of diligent, thoughtful policing and the importance of clear communication have remained constant. Having been in law enforcement for 55 years, I have often been asked about the differences in policing...
by Brian MacMaster | Dec 3, 2025 | Police Law in a Nutshell
By Brian MacMaster Vehicle Stops Constitute Seizures Vehicle stops make up a significant part of any patrol officer’s duties. The law surrounding vehicle stops, especially the extent of an officer’s permissible actions and the authorized duration of a stop, is not...
by Brian MacMaster | Oct 28, 2025 | Police Law in a Nutshell
GUIDELINES FOR THE PUBLIC RELEASE OF INFORMATION IN CONNECTION WITH AN INVESTIGATION, INCIDENT, OR CRIME The release of intelligence and investigative information is governed by the limitations outlined in 16 M.R.S. § 804. Releasing such information requires...
by Brian MacMaster | Oct 2, 2025 | Police Law in a Nutshell
There are only three lawful ways to enter a home: with consent, exigent circumstances, or with a warrant. This installment of Police Law in a Nutshell offers a brief explanation of warrant searches. Previous installments covered consent and exigent circumstances...
by Brian MacMaster | Aug 28, 2025 | Police Law in a Nutshell
There are only three lawful ways to enter a home: consent, exigent circumstances, or a warrant. This installment of Police Law in a Nutshell will briefly explain exigent circumstances. A previous installment covered consent searches, and a future post will discuss...
