It’s a lot more difficult for police to search your car than it used to be

It’s a lot more difficult for police to search your car than it used to be. Action News is following up on the change requiring police to get a search warrant to see what's in your glove compartment or under your seats. We learned this new criteria has meant a lot fewer people are being busted for drug violations.

From coke to weed, State Police see it all on Washington highways.
But, troopers now need much more than their senses to make an arrest. They’re required to get a search warrant, or your consent, to look in a suspicious vehicle.
"We don't necessarily stumble across things like we used to,” said Trooper Paul Woodside. “Now, we have to put more effort into it."
And that additional effort of getting a warrant can take anywhere from ten minutes to well over an hour. That’s time that can keep a trooper off the road even longer while making a stop.
KIMA/KEPR learned the changes have severely impacted arrests in Yakima County and the Tri Cities.
As for the Yakima, back in 2009 when warrants weren't required, nearly 88 people were thrown in jail on felony drug charges. The following year, that number dropped a third to 60 arrests. And for just January and February of 2011, there have been only three.
We found a similar trend in the Tri-Cities. In 2009, WSP made nearly 60 felony drug arrests. By 2010, that number was down roughly 80% just 13. As for January and February of 2011, there have only been two.
Still, WSP told Action News the public doesn’t need to worry.
"I don't think there are more drugs on the streets necessarily,” said Woodside. “I think the same people are using drugs out there. I don't think the number has increased. It's just tougher to find it."
Tougher, but definitely still possible. State police rely heavily on drug dogs. They also undergo additional training to help detect suspicious behaviors. They’re committed to doing whatever they can to catching the bad guys.
"We aren't giving up. We're still doing out doing our jobs."
That job will just take a little longer.
State police must also suspend a search if they come across any illegal item not specified in the warrant. They have to call back a judge and get a new one. An entire case can get thrown out if the warrant is not executed correctly.

Posted in: It’s a lot more difficult for police to search your car than it used to be