0
Should police officers be allowed to conduct vehicle searches during a traffic stop?
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Police can do almost what ever they want. Very few people have the means. legal resources time and energy to combat injustice. When the Colonies were subject to British rule political activist and any other person seen as a threat to British rule could easily be arrested for possession of a firearm or any anything deemed contraband . They could be tried for treason or at the least incarcerated. Firearms and other contraband could easily be placed in the possession of anyone deemed an adversary to the Crown. Probable cause did not exist. Without it today we are just accelerating the time when corrupt authorities will institute a totalitarianism where justice has know recourse. To many Citizens and law enforcement of the US have know understanding of the origin and the value of our constitutional rights.
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoUnless they have a good reason to, have a warrant, or have been chasing a suspected criminal, they aren't allowed to by law.
Added: The above answer requires amplification: If an officer conducts a stop for a traffic violation and then, during the course of conducting the stop, develops probable cause that unlawful activity is taking place in the vehicle (e.g.: the distinctive smell of marijuana smoke), or that contraband is present in the vehicle (e.g.: visible syringes, foil packets, pill bottles, visible firearm, etc) he can then conduct a PC search.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoFor their safety, and without a warrant, they may search the immediate area of the driver, or any passengers for weapons.
ALSO: PROVIDING that REASONABLE SUSPICION exists that an offense or criminal act is, or has, taken place, they may expand their search (e.g.: smelling the distinctive odor of marijuana when the they approach the vehicle - seeing narcotics paraphernalia in plain view as they look into the vehicle - etc).
ALSO: A "hit" by a canine trained in narcotics detection has been ruled by the courts to be "probable cause" that narcotics are present, giving the officer(s) the lawful basis on which to conduct a complete search of the vehicle for the contraband.
Other than these instances, if an officer 'suspects' that the vehicle 'needs' to be searched for any reason, they must apply for a warrant to do so.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoYes they have full authority to do so.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What are the roles of the police?
Generally speaking, police officers investigate crimes, direct traffic, enforce traffic laws, protect crime scenes, serve warrants, make arrests, write reports, conduct searches, respond to 911 or other police emergency calls, and assist citizens when applicable.
Do you have to become a police officer first to become a traffic cop?
No, usually not. Ordinarily, Traffic Officers are not Police Officers-- although they can be in some jurisdictions. In most jurisdictions, some people who are Traffic Officers choose to advance themselves by becoming Police Officers, but this is not a necessary pursuit. The majority of Traffic Officers probably remain with that force for many years.
Which group of officers is more likely to be in a position to engage in corruption?
traffic officers
What can you do to improve the flow of traffic on highways?
See Highways Agency Traffic Officers.
What was used before traffic light was invented?
Police officers giving traffic signals.
What training would you receive in the traffic police?
In the traffic police, you would learn how to conduct a traffic stop.
If an officer violates a traffic law while issuing you your ticked ie J walking is the ticket then void?
Police officers are allowed to violate all kinds of traffic laws if they have their flashing lights on. If they didn't have the liberty to do this, they would never catch anyone.
Do Sacramento police officers issue traffic citations?
Yes.
How was traffic controlled before the stop light was invented?
At first it wasn't. It was every car for itself. Next, came officers in the street controlling traffic. You see this when there is an accident today. In some cities in Europe officers are still in the street controlling traffic.
Why are traffic wardens in London called civil enforcement officers (CEO)?
Because traffic wardens had such a bad name.
Where do traffic cops stand on top of a box to direct traffic?
There are many countries throughout the world where traffic officers stand atop a podium or box in order to direct traffic.
Is traffic a conjunction?
No, it is not a conjunction. It can be a nun, or a verb meaning to conduct commerce or trade (sometimes metaphorically, as to traffic in lies).
