In this clip from our Motor Vehicle Search & Seizure Masterclass, Instructor Lt. Joey Sperlazza breaks down the legality of pretextual motor-vehicle stops through the lens of Whren v. United States and State v. Bacome. He also explains how the 14th Amendment, Equal Protection, and 42 U.S.C. § 1983 factor into evaluating an officer’s actions and decision-making in the field. Our training is built around one core principle: do the job the right way — legally, ethically, and professionally. We teach officers how to conduct lawful stops, searches, and seizures, and we reinforce that violating someone’s constitutional rights carries real consequences, including civil exposure and potential loss of qualified immunity. We don’t justify or excuse poor policing — we work to prevent it. Every course we deliver is designed to ensure officers know the law, follow the law, and protect the communities they serve with integrity. Disclaimer: This material is for training and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Officers should always follow agency policy and consult their legal advisors or prosecutors/district attorneys for guidance on specific incidents.