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Expert: - 11/1/2005


Question
i was out side working on my friends car.  2 cop cars(under cover car and van) came to my drive way and told every one to sit on the curb(all 4 of us)we did every thing as told.  he searches my buddys car because he said he was on probation.  finds nuthing. then tells me is this your house.  he tells me that he is doing a probatin check because he has got a lot of calls from neighbors complaining about trafic (drug trafic).  but im on probation for stolen property.  he also came with out my probation officer.  then he tells me to open my door i said why he said a probation search open it. ok i opened it.  then he says where is your room. we walk up to my room and he starts surching. he found a scale no drugs at all.then he says your a grower because he found some lights and that was really it.  did not take any thing left every thing a mess thrashed.  then he says that he is going to search the backyard and the garage also did not find any thing.  they take me out of hand cufs and then search my car (find nothing once again) and tell me that there going to be watching me and that their going to come back when ever they want. i also was wondering if they can do this because they got a couple phone calls from people.  i just want to know if that is how a probation search is.

Answer
   I am not a probabtion officer and have never participated in a probabtion search because in my state the police very rarely get involved in probation matters.  But you asked "if they can do this".  I don't want to sound smart but I guess they can do it if they did it.  

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Jack Toomey

Expertise

Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. Only a judge could answer a question like that. I am also NOT a probation officer or parole officer so I cannot answer questions that relate to parole or probation. Also please keep in mind that every state has different laws. If you are planning to ask a question about a specific law or criminal charge that pertains to your state only it could be difficult to answer. I also cannot give you legal advice on what to do or what not to do in court. Retired police officer with 26 years experience. Worked in the patrol division as well as over 14 years in the detective bureau. Investigated a wide range of crime such as murder, rape, robbery, theft, fraud, missing persons, and other very sensitive crimes. I am available to answer your questions about criminal law and especially as it applies to police work. I taught at the police academy for several years and am especially knowledgeable about search and seizure. Any question about criminal law is welcome! Please don't ask me to do your homework or ask me questions that obviously come from your teachers or professors. I also do not do online interviews or surveys. Young people need to gain face to face interviewing skills. Local police officers usually are very agreeable to assist in these assignments.

Experience

I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience. I investigated almost every type of crime including murder, rape, theft, missing persons, fraud, and domestic abuse. I am very knowledgeable about search and seizure and taught at the police academy for several years on a variety of subjects. I can answer questions that a lot of attorneys cannot since they do not have "street experience".

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Science degree in Criminolgy from the University of Maryland.

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