Kentucky Supreme Court Limits "Protective Sweeps" By Police
By: Michael C. Fehn
Updated: June 22, 2012
The Kentucky Supreme Court has limited how police can conduct "protective sweeps" of homes and vehicles.
The court ruled that officers cannot trick someone into allowing them access to areas where they don't have permission or a warrant to go.
The high court's unsigned ruling came during a drug possession case in Lexington. The court found that officers improperly told a woman that unless she granted permission for police to search her entire apartment, they would "freeze the scene" and return with a search warrant.
The decision overturned a conviction and sent the case back to court.
The court ruled that officers cannot trick someone into allowing them access to areas where they don't have permission or a warrant to go.
The high court's unsigned ruling came during a drug possession case in Lexington. The court found that officers improperly told a woman that unless she granted permission for police to search her entire apartment, they would "freeze the scene" and return with a search warrant.
The decision overturned a conviction and sent the case back to court.
