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LATEST REVISIONS
Sourcebook #231 – March 2025
California Codes – March 2025
July 2025 Update – Periodically, when the courts publish only a limited number of cases that affect chapters in the Sourcebook, we issue a Bulletin in lieu of a full Revision Packet. Click to view
CopWare proudly supports the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund
and the California Peace Officers’ Memorial Foundation
California Peace Officers Legal Sourcebook
Written and updated by the Criminal Division of the California Attorney General’s Office, the California Peace Officers Legal Sourcebook has been the primary teaching and training manual for all California Peace Officers since first published in 1984.
The law you need to know–law that is constantly changing–is difficult to learn and apply by straight memorization. This Sourcebook sets forth legal principles that, combined with good faith and good judgment, will guide you through your duties.
Digital Sourcebook and Codes
for Windows, iOS, Android and Web Browser
New Subscriptions AND Renewals
Arm yourself with the most comprehensive information about the law available. Including both the Sourcebook and the California Codes, your most important research tools are available to you all in one place, all of the time.
Digital Sourcebook Only
for Windows, iOS, Android and Web Browser
New Subscriptions AND Renewals
Only need the Sourcebook right now? This option is for you and includes all updates for one year.
Site Licenses
Unlimited Digital Access
Provide unlimited access to your entire department on all devices (issued and personal) at significant price savings.
Hardcopy Sourcebook
New Printed Book plus
One Year Revision Packet Subscription
Prefer a printed book? Purchase the current hardcopy version of the Sourcebook along with a Revision Packet Subscription to receive important new court decisions and new legislation for an entire year.
plus tax and shipping
Hardcopy Sourcebook
New Printed Book
Studying for an exam and prefer a printed book? Purchase the current hardcopy version of the Sourcebook.
**Revision Packet Subscription not included**
plus tax and shipping
Hardcopy Sourcebook
Revision Packet Subscription
Renewals and New Subscriptions
Renew your existing Revision Packet Subscription. If you have an up-to-date book, you may also add this subscription service.
You must own a current copy of the Sourcebook or have an active subscription. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Increasing Your Professionalism
Through Knowledge
Of The Law
Purpose of the Sourcebook
The Sourcebook is intended primarily to be used as an educational and training text–an explanation of how the law relates to the many different aspects of your job–that will help you keep up with all the major changes in criminal law and procedure. It is written to increase your professionalism through knowledge of the law and lawful protocols that will result in obtaining and upholding convictions.
Application of The Law
The Sourcebook gives you the basic legal principles and information–often with specific examples–to help you best exercise that good judgment. Organized into 17 substantive chapters, it discusses the primary areas of the law affecting your duties. Some subject areas (such as search and seizure) change much more quickly than others (such as report writing or testifying), but all are important aspects of your profession.
Staying Up to Date
The Sourcebook attempts to keep officers up to date on changes in the law by issuing an update every 60 days to incorporate important new court decisions and new legislation.
Site Licensing
Join the more than 300 law enforcement agencies in the State of California that provide access to CopWare to all of their officers.
Volume Discounts
Digital PlatformsAccess the Sourcebook and Codes on most digital platforms:
Additional Benefits
- Email notifications of all Revision Updates for command staff and IT
- Onboarding assistance
- Easy self-sign up for new users
- Access to CopWare technical support
Request a Free Estimate
To receive a free estimate for your department, please fill out and submit this form.
SOURCEBOOK
CHAPTERS
The Sourcebook is organized into 17 substantive chapters discussing the primary areas of the law affecting your duties.
Each update also includes two special sections, an “In Brief and Pending Cases” summary and a set of “Revision Pages” describing where content has changed.
- THIS SOURCEBOOK AND THE LAW
- SEARCH AND SEIZURE – PERSONS
- SEARCH AND SEIZURE – PREMISES
- SEARCH AND SEIZURE – VEHICLES
- SEARCH AND SEIZURE – MISCELLANEOUS
- SEARCH WARRANTS
- STATEMENTS
- LINEUPS AND SHOWUPS
- REPORT WRITING AND INVESTIGATIVE EVIDENCE
- CRIMINAL PROCESS
- EVIDENCE
- TESTIMONY
- CRIMINAL LAW
- JUVENILE LAW
- CIVIL DISPUTES
- TRAFFIC LAW
- DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Digital
Edition
Arm yourself with the most comprehensive information about the law available. Your most important research tools are available to you all in one place, all of the time. Search on your computer or mobile device and get instant answers.
Access the Sourcebook on and Windows, iOS or Android Device and any Web Browser
Install the Sourcebook on any of your devices and stay up to date with the most essential information regarding changes in the law. Windows, iOS and Android versions allow you to keep a local copy on your device(s) so you can access the Sourcebook even when you do not have internet connectivity. There is no restriction on the number of devices you may use.
If you don’t want to install the app, you may also log in from almost any web browser. Just go to www.copware.com and enter your email and password.
Advanced Search and Navigation
Perform a simple keyword or advanced boolean search to find what you need quickly. Add the California Codes to your subscription and receive search results across both documents simultaneously. The Codes also provide hyperlinks between documents; if you see a statute citation in the Sourcebook, just click on it.
California Codes
By adding the California Codes to your subscription, search results will include all references from both books – no need to search separately on the web. Additionally, the Sourcebook is hyperlinked to all statute references.
Compiled annually and sourced directly from the California Legislation, the CopWare California Codes include both complete versions and annotated sections about law enforcement. Complete unabridged codes include:
- California Penal Code
- Vehicle Code
- Evidence Code
- Fish & Game Code
- Insurance Code
- Welfare & Institutions Code
- Division 10 of the Health and Safety Code
Abridged codes with selected statutes impacting law enforcement include:
- Business & Professions
- Civil Codes
- Code of Civil Procedures
- Education
- Elections
- Family
- Food & Agriculture
- Government
- Harbors & Navigation
- Health & Safety
- Labor
- Public Resources
- Public Utilities
- Revenue & Taxation
- Streets & Highways
UPDATES AND
DOWNLOADS
Please make sure you are using the latest versions of our products. The version number and release date of the Sourcebook and Codes is displayed on the first page of the application and/or web page.
Current Versions
Sourcebook: Revision #231,
March 2025
Codes: March 2025
CopWare, Inc.
CopWare Inc. was founded in 1992. Providing digital and print editions of the most important legal publications used by California law enforcement officers in their daily work protecting our communities, CopWare is the sole authorized publisher and distributor of the unabridged California Peace Officers Legal Sourcebook.
The CopWare team is dedicated to providing law enforcement professionals with the highest quality, accurate, state-of-the art electronic publications. Please be aware that unauthorized versions and outdated Reprints of the Sourcebook are being marketed.
The Department of Justice has not authorized the publication or use of the Sourcebook by anyone other than CopWare, Inc. and the CDAA. The Department of Justice can only guarantee the accuracy of editions published and sold by these vendors.
© CopWare, Inc. 2022
COPWARE, INC.
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Simi Valley, CA 93063
SALES AND SUPPORT
877-COPWARE (877) 267-9273
(805) 578-6800
support@copware.com
MONDAY – FRIDAY
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The California
Department of Justice
The California Peace Officers Legal Sourcebook is revised every two months. If you have questions about the material or any other content, please contact the Editor:
Deputy Attorney General Clara Levers
1300 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 210-7773
(916) 324-2960 (FAX)
First published in 1984, the Sourcebook was written by Deputy Attorney General Joel Carey, whose “CPOLS Road Shows” on Search and Seizure and Interrogation Law provided consistent, invaluable training for California officers and law enforcement agencies throughout the state.© Copyright, California Department of JusticeJuly 2022
California District
Attorneys Association
The California District Attorneys Association Field Guide includes abridged chapters of the California Peace Officers Legal Sourcebook with the approval of the California Department of Justice.
(916) 443-2017
www.cdaa.org
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