A BUS RIDE TESTS LIMITS OF POLICE SEARCHES

Warren Richey- Christian Science Monitor (US)

Tue, 16 Apr 2002

High Court Hears Case Today on Whether Authorities Can Frisk Passengers for Drugs.

WASHINGTON - A Greyhound bus traveling from Fort Lauderdale to Detroit makes a scheduled stop in Tallahassee, Fla. When passengers reboard, they are not alone.

Two police officers dressed in civilian clothes move through the bus, asking riders about their travel plans and luggage. They say they're looking for drugs and illegal weapons. A third officer remains at the front, watching.

Near the back of the bus, the officers encounter two men wearing heavy jackets on a warm day. The police ask for permission to search their luggage and then ask to pat them down for weapons.

One says, "Sure." The other raises his hands a few inches to facilitate a frisk. That's when the officers discover packages taped to their thighs with more than a pound and a half of cocaine.

Does this operation amount to an unreasonable search in violation of the Fourth Amendment, or is it an acceptable tactic for police in the war on drugs?

snip-

Read Complete Article Here