Police Officers in Pennsylvania No Longer Need Warrants to Search Vehicle

Police officers in Pennsylvania no longer need a warrant to search a person’s car.   The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled this week that officers can perform vehicle searches if they have reasonable and probable cause.  Prior to the court’s decision only federal officials were allowed to search vehicles without warrants or the drivers’ consent.  Proponents say it will help officers find drivers who may have alcohol or drugs in the car.  Critics say the ruling gives too much power to police and will infringe on citizens’ privacy.