Police Searches

RagtimeEmily · Jul 9, 2013

Hi, everybody! I'm progressing towards vandwelling in the next month or two.  I've been having garage sales and getting rid of my stuff right and left.  It's both exhilarating and a little scary.  I'm renting my place to a "roommate" who is hardly ever going to see me, since my trailer park doesn't allow me to just rent it outright.  That gives me a home address so that I don't get accused of being homeless.  I put an ad on Craigslist and I'm flooded with folks who are dying to pay my rent and mortgage.  Me, I can't wait to get out from under those things! I was reading a thread from a while back in this forum, "Were you scared to start?," which eventually led to a discussion of police searches.  For many years, I worked in the court system.  It's my understanding officers can ask to search your vehicle, but they can't force a search unless they have probable cause that there's evidence or contraband in there.  Like Bob Wells always suggests -- Bob, you're my hero, by the way! -- I plan on being very nice and friendly to these hard working folks.  But if anyone asks to search my vehicle, the answer is no, sorry.  I won't be hiding anything, as I am quite law abiding and don't have a drug problem, but it burns me to think of my rights being violated. So....all of my vehicle search feelings come from listening to testimony in courtrooms and discussions with judges and whatnot.  In real life, is this attitude going to get me in trouble?   I'm hoping to avoid trouble too by dressing well and conservatively (when I'm on my off time and not performing) and keeping my van looking nice and clean.  I bet you all know about spray painting your car to make it look nice. <a href="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> </a>I was so happy to see that video.  It really makes van shopping a lot easier knowing that I can fix the paint with some effort on my part. Anyway, I've got to get to work.  Folks are lining up to see my place today and take over my bills, for whatever reason.  <img src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">

VanLifeCrisis · Jul 9, 2013

Ive struggled with this myself and still not sure how i will fall.  I know im within my rights to refuse, but it may be better to give them a look to smooth things over, afterall i am not traveling.  Alleviating a cops suspicions who may see me everyday might do me good.  It depends on how the interaction is going i think.  If he seems like a jerk that will use the opportunity to teach me a lesson and tear my van out onto the street then no.  If i think hell just shine a light in and glance around..maybe.

dominique21 · Jul 10, 2013

If I'm in a new town and planning on being there awhile, I'll sign up for police ride-alongs. Not only do you get to have a action packed day, but the police get to know you. Of course, if you despise the police, or are a wanted fugitive, disregard.

user 423 · Jul 10, 2013

Is this thread in the Matters of the Heart section because a police search might cause one's heart to skip a beat? <img src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">

Van-Tramp · Jul 10, 2013

Obviously it is smart to be polite to any officer that comes up to you, but you are not required to answer any questions or give permission for him/her to search your vehicle. It would be poor advice to give permission for a police to search your vehicle, even if you *think* you have nothing to hide. You do not know all the state laws and city ordinances... you don't. You could be carrying something in your car that is legal in every other county across the country, but in the one you are in it is a felony to have. It could be as simple as a knife, or a can of paint, or a bottle of fuel for your camp-stove, or something your buddy left behind last year by accident. NEVER, EVER give permission for the police to search your vehicle... EVER, no matter what. He/She may search it anyway, saying he has a warrant or probable cause... it doesn't matter, continue to tell him that you do not give him/her permission. He/She may do it anyway, but you will have good reason to have the search (and anything found) thrown out in court if it comes to that. If they are asking, it is because they REQUIRE your permission to make a legal search. If they had probable cause, they will not ask your permission, they will cuff you and begin the search. No matter what, say nothing and give no permissions, ever.

Ziggy Moon · Jul 10, 2013

^ Ditto, says I.

Pikachu711 · Jul 10, 2013

I'll echo Van Tramp's comment that you should NEVER, EVER allow any law enforcement officer (LEO) to search your vehicle. The only reason the LEO is requesting your permission is that he lacks "probable cause" to search your vehicle. Allowing a LEO search your vehicle is something you should never allow to occur. I've used this example before in another thread and it's worth repeating. Here's the scenario: You've just had your vehicle serviced and you're driving away. A LEO pulls you over has checked your driver's license, registration and proof of insurance. He/she is now requesting to search your vehicle. If you allow the LEO to search you vehicle ANYTHING he finds in your vehicle is now YOUR property. What you don't know is that the mechanic who was working on your van may have dropped some of his illegal drugs (pot joint, etc.) into your vehicle. If you had allowed the LEO to search your vehicle he/she would have found what is now YOUR illegal substance. Once the LEO finds the illegal drugs in your car what do you think this will do to your credibility as the owner of the vehicle. The LEO now thinks you may have more narcotics in your vehicle. This a worst case scenario. This is an example of why you should NEVER allow a LEO to search your vehicle. If he continues to pressure you to search your vehicle you should say something similiar to this statement. You: "Pardon me officer. I know you have a difficult job to do but I'm opposed to warrantly searches." If the LEO is still insistent on searching your vehicle and requests you exit your vehicle follow his/her request. BUT, as you exit your vehicle remove the keys from your ignition and lock the door as you exit the vehicle. This advice I received from a retired LEO whom I got to know very well. He was a good guy and I asked him if he allows LEO's to search his vehicle. His reply was quick and to the point. He replied, "HELL NO!" And this is from a retired LEO who spent over 24 years as a police officer. Keep in mind that I'm NOT an attorney. But I know that I never allow LEO's to search any vehicle I'm operating. JMHO!