Arkansas lawmakers are working to pin down exactly what police in this state can search without a warrant.
A bill that makes it more clear is on its way to the governor’s desk.
“A few years ago a warrantless search waiver was put in place,” says Dina Tyler, deputy director of Arkansas Community Corrections. “That language we thought was a little unclear as to what all everybody could search.”
Law enforcement officers are allowed to search areas where offenders on parole or probation live, even if the house isn’t theirs.
Some people felt that the law left room for interpretation.
“A lot of times those under supervision who don’t want to follow the rules and want to continue to break the law won’t hide their bad things inside the house,” says Tyler.
House Bill 1239 clarifies that law enforcement officers are also allowed to search outbuildings, such as detached garages, sheds and even old vehicles on the property.
“We’re already searching them because we think the law allows it but this way it just makes it clear,” says Tyler.
The bill passed the Senate without a single “no” vote and now is in the hands of the Governor.