• Live chat
Youtube Facebook Instagram Tiktok Linkedin Microphone-alt
LOGIN
$0.00
0

Advanced Law Enforcement Legal Training

Train Smart. Stay Sharp. Serve Better.

  • No legal jargon
  • No courtroom lectures
  • Clear, high-energy training
  • Connects legal principles to real-life police work
See Training Calendar
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
--- EVENT HAS ENDED ---

Government Employee Searches

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 6:00 PM Pacific

Join hundreds of your fellow officers from around the country as we dive into this fascinating topic.

Stay tuned for the Search & Seizure Show for a live Q&A with Anthony Bandiero and special guest.

Register Now

Train with the best

Our Training Programs

Comprehensive training solutions designed specifically for law enforcement professionals

In-Person Training

Hands-on, real-world instruction delivered directly to your agency. Equip your officers with practical legal knowledge, scenario-based learning, and the confidence to make the right decisions in the field.
LEARN MORE

On Demand

Flexible, self-paced courses your officers can access anytime, anywhere. Deliver consistent, high-quality legal training that keeps your team sharp, informed, and ready for real-world situations.
LEARN MORE
legal roll call

Legal Roll Call

Keep officers informed with the latest legal standards and best practices for complicated search & seizure encounters.
LEARN MORE

Real-World Training for Cops — Anytime, Anywhere.

From the Classroom to the Street — We’ve Got You Covered

in-person training

In-Person

Face-to-face mentorship & hands-on instructions.

See Training Calendar

Live Online

Interactive live online sessions. Train without leaving your desk.

See Training Calendar

On-Demand

Flexible learning courses, on your terms, at your pace.

Online University

free webinar

Free Webinar

Live, no-cost weekly webinar Learn from seasoned experts

See Training Calendar

UPCOMING

In-Person Training

View all in Training Calendar
05/12/2026

 – 

05/14/2026

Stuart, Florida

Martin County Sheriff’s Office

Advanced Search & Seizure
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Mastering Interdiction Case Law: The Ultimate Case Law Class for Interdiction Officers
Wed. – Thurs, May 13 – 14, 2026 | Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tickets

The numbers below include tickets for this event already in your cart. Clicking "Get Tickets" will allow you to edit any existing attendee information as well as change ticket quantities.
Stuart, FL - Advanced Search & Seizure - 05-12-2026
$ 225.00
21 available
Stuart, FL - Mastering Interdiction Case Law - 05-13/14-2026
$ 425.00
23 available
Quantity: 0
Total: $ 0.00
Learn more
Register
05/12/2026

 – 

05/14/2026

Dothan, Alabama

Wiregrasss Public Safety Center

Advanced Search & Seizure
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Advanced Traffic Stops
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Bulletproof Courtroom Testimony
Thursday, May 14, 2026 | Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tickets

The numbers below include tickets for this event already in your cart. Clicking "Get Tickets" will allow you to edit any existing attendee information as well as change ticket quantities.
Dothan, Alabama - Advanced Search & Seizure - 05-12-2026
$ 225.00
23 available
Dothan, Alabama - Advanced Traffic Stops - 05-13-2026
$ 225.00
20 available
Dothan, Alabama - Bulletproof Courtroom Testimony - 05-14-2026
$ 225.00
32 available
Quantity: 0
Total: $ 0.00
Learn more
Register
05/12/2026

 – 

05/14/2026

Silverthorne, Colorado (CLOSED Training)

Silverthorne Pavilion

Advanced Search & Seizure
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Advanced Traffic Stops
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Advanced Criminal Investigations
Thursday, May 14, 2026 | Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Learn more
Register
05/12/2026

 – 

05/13/2026

Portage, Wisconsin (CLOSED Training)

Columbia County Sheriff’s Office

Advanced Search & Seizure
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Advanced Traffic Stops
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Learn more
Register
UPCOMING

Live Online Training

View all in Training Calendar
05/13/2026

 – 

05/13/2026

Live Online (CLOSED Training)

LIVE via Zoom | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST

Bulletproof Report Writing
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM MST
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM CST
11:00 AM – 8:00 PM EST

Learn more
Register
06/01/2026

 – 

06/02/2026

Live Online

LIVE via Zoom | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST

Advanced Search & Seizure
Monday, June 1, 2026 | Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST
Bulletproof Report Writing
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 | Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST

Tickets

The numbers below include tickets for this event already in your cart. Clicking "Get Tickets" will allow you to edit any existing attendee information as well as change ticket quantities.
Live Online - Advanced Search & Seizure - 06-01-2026
$ 189.00
9999 available
Live Online - Bulletproof Report Writing - 06-02-2026
$ 189.00
9999 available
Quantity: 0
Total: $ 0.00
Learn more
Register
06/03/2026

 – 

06/03/2026

Live Online (CLOSED Training)

LIVE via Zoom | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST

Bulletproof Report Writing
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 | Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM MST
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM CST
11:00 AM – 8:00 PM EST

Learn more
Register
06/08/2026

 – 

06/08/2026

Live Online (CLOSED Training)

LIVE via Zoom | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST

Bulletproof Report Writing
Monday, June 8, 2026 | Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM MST
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM CST
11:00 AM – 8:00 PM EST

Learn more
Register
UPCOMING

Free Webinar

View all in Training Calendar
05/13/2026

Government Employee Searches

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 6:00 PM Pacific

 

Learn more
Register
05/18/2026

The Federal Courts

Monday, May 18, 2026 | 3:00 PM Pacific
Learn more
Register
05/27/2026

Interview & Interrogation

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | 4:00 PM Pacific

 

Learn more
Register
06/03/2026

The Search & Seizure Show

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 | 6:00 PM Pacific
Learn more
Register

Download

Free Webinar Schedule

with Course Descriptions

Click Here

You Have Questions

We Have Answers

Visit our Blog Page

Explore the Legal Edge of Policing—One Blog at a Time.
The Blue to Gold blog is your go-to resource for mastering the legal aspects of law enforcement. Dive into expert analysis, case law breakdowns, and actionable insights that help officers make legally defensible decisions in the field

Act Natural

Retired FBI Agent and Award-Winning Author Joe Navarro once said...

Read More

Books for LEOs

Cops Don’t Need Law School—They Need Clarity

Written in plain language, packed with real-world examples. From search and seizure to bulletproof reports.

Visit Our Store

Free ebook!

Search & Seizure Mini Survival Guide for your state

Get instant access to the abridged version of the best-selling search and seizure survival guide for your state!

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for weekly updates
1000 Videos and counting
Visit our YouTube Channel

Explore our curated library of law enforcement training videos—straight from our YouTube channel. From case law breakdowns and tactical tips to real-world scenarios and legal updates, these videos deliver fast, focused insights to help officers stay sharp and mission-ready.

An officer asked: A subject under 21 admitted to having a vape device and alcohol — both illegal for his age. He denied consent to search his backpack. No custodial arrest was made. Based on training and experience that these items are often carried in quantities, does exigency exist to search the backpack? This is a special episode recorded live in Irving, Texas during Blue to Gold's Certified Search and Seizure Instructor (CSSI) program — the only certification in the nation that trains officers to become subject matter experts in search and seizure. John Wiehn puts one of the graduating student-instructors on the spot, having them answer real officer questions as a practical test of their expertise. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻: 📌 Why probable cause alone isn't enough to search a backpack — and how the CREW framework applies when consent is refused and no custodial arrest is made 📌 How the destruction of evidence exigency argument could justify the search, and why the balancing test between governmental interest and individual rights is the key question 📌 Why getting a search warrant may be the stronger play here, and how training and experience supports a fair probability that more contraband is in the bag 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘄 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱: 📌 United States v. Santana, 427 U.S. 38 (1976) — destruction of evidence is a recognized exigent circumstance Have a search and seizure question in mind? Submit them for instructors to answer or join the next Search & Seizure show and get your questions answered LIVE ON AIR. 🚨 https://www.bluetogold.com/show https://bluetogold.com/trainings/?attendance=webinar If you like this video, don’t forget to like and subscribe to our channel for more legal updates! -- Blue to Gold Training: ➜ Class Schedules - https://www.bluetogold.com/trainings ➜ On-demand Training - https://university.bluetogold.com/ ➜ Free Legal Training Webinar - https://bluetogold.com/trainings/?attendance=webinar ➜ Book Store and Training Materials - https://www.bluetogold.com/store CONNECT WITH US: 🌍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bluetogold 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bluetogold 🎥 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/bluetogoldtrai... 💌 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue... #LawEnforcementTraining #PoliceTraining #LegalEducation #bluetogold #searchandseizure #fourthamendment #caselawforcops #caselaw
EP#1016 Can You Search a Backpack for More Contraband Without an Arrest or Consent?
In this episode of the Blue to Gold Podcast, Anthony Bandiero sits down with Chris Butler — 34-year law enforcement veteran, use of force expert, and founder of Raptor Protection and Safety Services — for a deeply eye-opening conversation about what's broken in police training and what it's costing officers their lives. Chris breaks down the dangerous gap between how officers are trained and what they actually face on the street. From the illusion of learning in the academy, to the difference between primal and cognitive aggression, to the debate around body-worn cameras and memory — this episode is packed with insights every officer, trainer, and law enforcement leader needs to hear. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿: 00:00 – Introduction & Chris Butler's Background 04:30 – Why Law Enforcement Training Needs Reform 08:07 – The Articulation Problem: Why Officer Reports Fail 11:23 – The Academy-to-Street Disconnect 12:53 – Linear vs. Non-Linear Training Explained 20:15 – Barriers to Better Training & The Illusion of Learning 25:12 – Should the US Have a National Training Oversight Body? 29:59 – Primal Aggression vs. Cognitive Aggression 38:50 – Recognizing Cognitive Aggression: Signs Officers Must Know 45:26 – Can VR & Role Playing Fix the Training Gap? 49:20 – Body-Worn Camera: Before or After Writing Your Report? 55:00 – Chris's 3 Recommendations to Fix Law Enforcement Training Whether you're a frontline officer, a trainer, or a law enforcement executive, this conversation will challenge the way you think about officer safety, use of force, and what it truly means to be prepared. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀 𝗕𝘂𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗿: https://raptorprotection.com/chris-butler/ ------------------------ Have a search and seizure question in mind? Submit them for instructors to answer or join the next Search & Seizure show and get your questions answered LIVE ON AIR. 🚨 https://www.bluetogold.com/show https://bluetogold.com/trainings/?attendance=webinar If you like this video, don’t forget to like and subscribe to our channel for more legal updates! ------------------------ Blue to Gold Training: ➜ Class Schedules - https://www.bluetogold.com/trainings ➜ On-demand Training - https://university.bluetogold.com/ ➜ Free Legal Training Webinar - https://bluetogold.com/trainings/?attendance=webinar ➜ Book Store and Training Materials - https://www.bluetogold.com/store CONNECT WITH US: 🌍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bluetogold 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bluetogold 🎥 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/bluetogoldtrai... 💌 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue... #LawEnforcementTraining #PoliceTraining #LegalEducation #bluetogold #searchandseizure #fourthamendment #caselawforcops #caselaw
PODCAST: Reforming Police Training to Save Lives | With Use of Force Expert Chris Butler
An officer asked: A victim was stabbed 19 times and suffered a collapsed lung. Traffic cameras identified the truck and its registered owner. The victim's description matches — but she didn't pick him out of a photo lineup. How do you articulate probable cause when you have no positive ID? This is a special episode recorded live in Irving, Texas during Blue to Gold's Certified Search and Seizure Instructor (CSSI) program — the only certification in the nation that trains officers to become subject matter experts in search and seizure. John Wiehn puts one of the graduating student-instructors on the spot, having them answer real officer questions as a practical test of their expertise. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻: 📌 Why a negative photo lineup isn't fatal to probable cause — and how Illinois v. Gates' totality of the circumstances standard keeps the investigation alive 📌 How Kansas v. Glover's registered owner presumption supports the argument that the RO was the one driving the vehicle at the time of the attack 📌 What additional investigative steps — cell phone warrants, criminal history, vehicle stolen reports — can shore up your PC articulation when direct identification falls short 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘄 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱: 📌 Illinois v. Gates, 462 U.S. 213 (1983) — probable cause is based on the totality of the circumstances, not any single factor 📌 Kansas v. Glover, 589 U.S. 376 (2020) — there is reasonable suspicion to believe the registered owner of a vehicle is its driver absent contrary information Have a search and seizure question in mind? Submit them for instructors to answer or join the next Search & Seizure show and get your questions answered LIVE ON AIR. 🚨 https://www.bluetogold.com/show https://bluetogold.com/trainings/?attendance=webinar If you like this video, don’t forget to like and subscribe to our channel for more legal updates! -- Blue to Gold Training: ➜ Class Schedules - https://www.bluetogold.com/trainings ➜ On-demand Training - https://university.bluetogold.com/ ➜ Free Legal Training Webinar - https://bluetogold.com/trainings/?attendance=webinar ➜ Book Store and Training Materials - https://www.bluetogold.com/store CONNECT WITH US: 🌍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bluetogold 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bluetogold 🎥 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/bluetogoldtrai... 💌 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue... #LawEnforcementTraining #PoliceTraining #LegalEducation #bluetogold #searchandseizure #fourthamendment #caselawforcops #caselaw
EP#1015 How Do You Establish Probable Cause When the Victim Fails to ID the Suspect?
An officer asked: If a fugitive now lives at his girlfriend's residence, is it still considered a third-party residence — or can you enter and execute the arrest warrant without amending it? This is a special episode recorded live in Irving, Texas during Blue to Gold's Certified Search and Seizure Instructor (CSSI) program — the only certification in the nation that trains officers to become subject matter experts in search and seizure. Anthony puts one of the graduating student-instructors on the spot, having them answer real officer questions as a practical test of their expertise. In this Roadside Chat, Anthony walks through Payton v. New York and Steagald v. United States with a CSSI student to clarify exactly when an arrest warrant authorizes entry — and when it doesn't. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻: 📌 What Payton v. New York authorizes — and why the address listed on the warrant doesn't have to match the location of service as long as it's the suspect's current domicile 📌 Why Steagald v. United States requires a separate search warrant to enter a third-party residence — and whose rights are actually being violated when you push past the homeowner 📌 Why Pennsylvania is the only known exception to the Payton rule — and why best practice is to update the warrant address when you have the time 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘄 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱: 📌 Payton v. New York, 445 U.S. 573 (1980) — an arrest warrant authorizes entry into a suspect's domicile to effect the arrest 📌 Steagald v. United States, 451 U.S. 204 (1981) — a separate search warrant is required to enter a third-party residence to arrest a fugitive Have a search and seizure question in mind? Submit them for instructors to answer or join the next Search & Seizure show and get your questions answered LIVE ON AIR. 🚨 https://www.bluetogold.com/show https://bluetogold.com/trainings/?attendance=webinar If you like this video, don’t forget to like and subscribe to our channel for more legal updates! -- Blue to Gold Training: ➜ Class Schedules - https://www.bluetogold.com/trainings ➜ On-demand Training - https://university.bluetogold.com/ ➜ Free Legal Training Webinar - https://bluetogold.com/trainings/?attendance=webinar ➜ Book Store and Training Materials - https://www.bluetogold.com/store CONNECT WITH US: 🌍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bluetogold 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bluetogold 🎥 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/bluetogoldtrai... 💌 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue... #LawEnforcementTraining #PoliceTraining #LegalEducation #bluetogold #searchandseizure #fourthamendment #caselawforcops #caselaw
EP#1014 Does Your Arrest Warrant Cover a Fugitive Living at a Third-Party Residence?
What does the Fourth Amendment really protect, and where did it come from? In this comprehensive deep dive, we cover the history, the text, and the evolution of America's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures—from colonial law enforcement through modern digital surveillance. You'll learn: • How law enforcement actually worked in colonial America • The cases that inspired the Fourth Amendment • What James Madison's original draft looked like • Why the Fourth Amendment didn't apply to states until the 20th century • How the Supreme Court adapts the Fourth Amendment to new technology • The Third Party Doctrine and its limits • The landmark Carpenter v. United States decision • How geofencing warrants challenge modern Fourth Amendment law This is essential viewing for police officers, legal professionals, and anyone interested in constitutional rights in the digital age. 00:00 - Introduction & Overview 01:10 - Law Enforcement in the Colonial Era 04:20 - Government Searches & Colonial Objections 07:30 - Influential English & American Cases 15:45 - State Constitutional Protections & Madison's Draft 22:10 - Fourth Amendment Text & Key Terms Defined 28:40 - Barron v. Baltimore & State Application 35:15 - Carroll Case & Technology Adaptation 45:30 - Modern Digital Age Searches 52:00 - Third Party Doctrine 58:50 - Carpenter v. United States & Cell Site Location 01:03:00 - Geofencing Warrants & Future Cases 01:05:00 - Closing Remarks & Contact Info Blue to Gold: Providing tactical training for patrol officers on search and seizure law, courtroom testimony, and constitutional police practices. If you like this video, don’t forget to like and subscribe to our channel for more legal updates! -- Blue to Gold Training: ➜ Class Schedules - https://www.bluetogold.com/trainings ➜ On-demand Training - https://university.bluetogold.com/ ➜ Free Legal Training Webinar - https://bluetogold.com/trainings/?attendance=webinar ➜ Book Store and Training Materials - https://www.bluetogold.com/store CONNECT WITH US: 🌍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bluetogold 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bluetogold 🎥 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/bluetogoldtrai... 💌 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue... #FourthAmendment #ConstitutionalLaw #PoliceTraining #SearchAndSeizure #LawEnforcement #DigitalPrivacy #SupremeCourtLaw #CarloMaierJr #BlueToGold #LegalEducation #CarpenterVUnitedStates #PrivacyRights #GeofencingWarrants #ConstitutionalRights #CriminalLaw #ThirdPartyDoctrine #CellSiteLocation #BarronVBaltimore #CarrollVUnitedStates #PoliceAccountability #LawEducation #PatrolOfficers #ConstitutionalHistory #PoliceGuidance #LawEnforcementTraining
Fourth Amendment History: From Colonial Law to Digital Age Surveillance
An officer asked: During a K9 free air scan, a passenger is ordered out of the vehicle but wants to take their purse. If the dog alerts after the purse is outside the car, can you search it? In this Roadside Chat, Anthony Bandiero breaks down why letting a passenger take their purse out of the vehicle creates a serious Fourth Amendment problem — and what officers should do instead. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻: 📌 Why a K9 alert only gives you PC to search containers associated with the vehicle at the time of the alert — and why a purse outside the car may no longer qualify under Wyoming v. Houghton 📌 How officer safety and Pennsylvania v. Mimms and Maryland v. Wilson support keeping passengers and their belongings in the vehicle during a K9 scan 📌 Why keeping the bag in the car is a de minimis intrusion — and how articulating that reasoning protects the search in court 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘄 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱: 📌 Illinois v. Caballes, 543 U.S. 405 (2005) — no reasonable suspicion required for a K9 free air scan during a lawful traffic stop 📌 Rodriguez v. United States, 575 U.S. 348 (2015) — the traffic stop must continue during a K9 scan; no unlawful extension 📌 Wyoming v. Houghton, 526 U.S. 295 (1999) — officers may search containers associated with a vehicle at the time of probable cause 📌 Pennsylvania v. Mimms, 434 U.S. 106 (1977) — officers may order drivers out of a vehicle as a matter of course 📌 Maryland v. Wilson, 519 U.S. 408 (1997) — officers may order passengers out of a vehicle during a traffic stop Have a search and seizure question in mind? Submit them for instructors to answer or join the next Search & Seizure show and get your questions answered LIVE ON AIR. 🚨 https://www.bluetogold.com/show https://bluetogold.com/trainings/?attendance=webinar If you like this video, don’t forget to like and subscribe to our channel for more legal updates! -- Blue to Gold Training: ➜ Class Schedules - https://www.bluetogold.com/trainings ➜ On-demand Training - https://university.bluetogold.com/ ➜ Free Legal Training Webinar - https://bluetogold.com/trainings/?attendance=webinar ➜ Book Store and Training Materials - https://www.bluetogold.com/store CONNECT WITH US: 🌍 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bluetogold 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bluetogold 🎥 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/bluetogoldtrai... 💌 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue... #LawEnforcementTraining #PoliceTraining #LegalEducation #bluetogold #searchandseizure #fourthamendment #caselawforcops #caselaw
EP#1013 Can Police Search a Passenger's Purse After a K9 Alert If It's Outside the Vehicle?
Subscribe

Trusted By Agencies Nationwide

Serving law enforcement agencies across the United States

Badge-1.png
Badge-2.png
Badge-3.png
Badge-4.png
Badge-5.png
Badge-6.png
Badge-7.png
Badge-8.png
Badge-9.png
Badge-10.png

When officers are confident in their understanding of the law, they are less likely to resort to failed “business-as-usual” methods and more likely to Get it Right, Every Time.

0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is emptySee Upcoming Training Events
    Add Another Student

    Send a message!