The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Do You Have Any Drugs or Weapons in the Car?

RR · August 12, 2002, 03:33 AM

"Just seems something happened that you're trying to "get off your chest," is all. I'd bet you had "a stop" & had somewhat of "an adventure" by the tone of your post."

Again, no I have not had such "a stop."

I assume from your post that you simply would not answer the question. Ok, the officer asks you again, and again-"Do you have any drugs or weapons in the vehicle?" Ok, one way to handle it is to simply refuse to respond. One result of the refusal to respond, and it does happen, is for the officer to detain you until the canine unit arrives. Why? The canine will then be walked around your vehicle, and if the canine "hits," i.e., paws at any portion of your vehicle-they now have probable cause to search your vehicle without a warrant.

But then your 10 year old asks you "Dad why didn't you answer the police officer's question?

I don't know the answer to this dilemma-that is the reason for this post.

August 12, 2002, 03:33 AM	#6
RR Member Join Date: June 29, 1999 Posts: 85	"Just seems something happened that you're trying to "get off your chest," is all. I'd bet you had "a stop" & had somewhat of "an adventure" by the tone of your post." Again, no I have not had such "a stop." I assume from your post that you simply would not answer the question. Ok, the officer asks you again, and again-"Do you have any drugs or weapons in the vehicle?" Ok, one way to handle it is to simply refuse to respond. One result of the refusal to respond, and it does happen, is for the officer to detain you until the canine unit arrives. Why? The canine will then be walked around your vehicle, and if the canine "hits," i.e., paws at any portion of your vehicle-they now have probable cause to search your vehicle without a warrant. But then your 10 year old asks you "Dad why didn't you answer the police officer's question? I don't know the answer to this dilemma-that is the reason for this post.