Members of the Montgomery County Fraternal Order of Police urged the county council to oppose its bill that would prohibit police consent searches during vehicle stops.
Tuesday, Councilmember Will Jawando introduced a bill that would stop police from asking if they could search a vehicle without probable cause.
Even though police ask for consent, Jawando called it against the Constitution’s 4th Amendment that prohibits unreasonable search and seizures, because too often drivers don’t understand they can say no to police.
“Councilmember Jawando has again introduced legislation that will impede officers’ abilities to do their duties proactively, particularly in the seizure of illegal guns and drugs. Choosing not to partner with law enforcement endangers both residents and officers of Montgomery County,” FOP Lodge 35 wrote in a statement.
This legislation will hurt Montgomery County police in its effort to retain officers, according to the FOP statement.
Currently, officers provide a note of a right of refusal, according to the FOP.
Please see our statement regarding the introduction of Council bill 2-24 which will prohibit Montgomery County police officers from conducting 4th amendment consent searches. pic.twitter.com/Zgbp8MMeo6
— FOP Lodge #35 (@MCLodge35) February 7, 2024
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