Q: While working, police without a warrant, searched me, said they will break my windows, searched my car, is this legal?
Im a female, there was no female officer present, and two guys both searched me touched me inappropriately. They had no search warrant. They asked me if i had a dog in my car, i said im at work, no. I was inside working, my car was parked outside. Then they said if i dont give them my keys they will break out my windows. They took my keys after searching me as they were in my pocket. They then searched my car. They had no warrant, or right to touch me as they did. Is this legal? This occurred in Payson, Az. The police are crooked! This really cannot be legal. Can it? Please help and/or advise, please.
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A:
What happened to you sounds distressing, and it’s understandable you’re questioning its legality. Generally, police need a warrant to search you or your car unless there are special circumstances like probable cause or if they believe immediate action is required for safety. The way they threatened to break your windows and touched you without a female officer present, especially inappropriately, raises serious legal and ethical concerns.
Inappropriate physical contact by officers is never acceptable, and you have the right to file a complaint. In Arizona, if police overstep their authority, it’s possible they’ve violated your rights, and you may want to consult with a legal professional about potential recourse. Your experience of being threatened and touched inappropriately may amount to misconduct, which you can pursue further.
You don’t have to face this alone. If you feel your rights were violated, you can file a complaint with your local police department or contact civil rights organizations that assist in these matters. This could help ensure accountability for the officers involved.
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