POLICE Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Supreme Court Limits Detention Powers In Searches

Suffolk County (N.Y.) Police detectives who detained two suspects, while officers searched a dwelling exceeded the scope of their search warrant, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday.

February 19, 2013
Supreme Court Limits Detention Powers In Searches

Photo: POLICE file

Suffolk County (N.Y.) Police detectives who detained two suspects, while officers searched a dwelling exceeded the scope of their search warrant, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday.

The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the search was not reasonable. Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote the majority opinion  in Bailey v. United States.

Ad Loading...

The detectives obtained a search warrant in July 2005, after getting a tip that a heavyset black man named "Polo" had a gun and drugs in his basement apartment, reports Courthouse News .

Detectives arrived at the Wyandanch location and saw two men matching the description of Polo leaving the residence in a black Lexus. Detectives followed the men for about a mile and pulled them over, while other officers began searching the apartment.

One of the men, Chunon Bailey, told the detectives he was coming from his home at the location listed in the warrant. Bailey, who was unaware of the search, had a key for the apartment and his driver's license showed an address identified by the confidential informant as Polo's former address.

Police placed Bailey and the other man, Bryant Middleton, in handcuffs and revealed that officers were searching the location. Bailey then told the detectives that he didn't live at the address.

After officers at the location found a firearm and 5 grams of cocaine, Bailey was arrested and charged. His attorneys argued that his statements and the key were obtained from an unreasonable search that violated his Fourth Amendment rights.

Related:

Warrantless Detention Case Heads to Supreme Court

Ad Loading...

More Patrol

Thumbnail for video series POLICE From the Show Floor, with headline text featuring Axon
Patrolby Wayne ParhamNovember 16, 2025

From the Show Floor: Axon

Join POLICE as we visit with Abi Stock, of Axon, to learn about the company’s latest technology offerings, such as Axon Assistant, Form One, and the DFR integration with Skydio.

Read More →
side view of a ballistic helmet in studio setting, black background, with sparks and smoke
PatrolNovember 16, 2025

Back Face Deformation, Brain Injury and Ballistic Helmets – Why the “Dent Doesn’t Matter” Claim Ignores Science

Alex Poythress, co-founder and CEO of Ballistic Armor Co., explains why ballistic helmet buyers should insist on full test data, including BFD measurements, standoff distance, and padding configuration, rather than rely solely on penetration ratings.

Read More →
Pink Streamlight Wedge XT flashlight.
PatrolNovember 13, 2025

Streamlight Marks 15 Years of Support for Breast Cancer Research Foundation With $20k Donation

In its 15th year of supporting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Streamlight donated $20,000 to help in the fight against cancer. Donations were generated through the sale of special Wedge XT models and other pink flashlights.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
center circle image of PTSD Help Expanded surrounded by military and first responder images
PatrolNovember 11, 2025

Police-Led Mental Health Charity Expands to Include Veterans

Talk To Me Post Tour (TTMPT), a non-profit organization that has been providing peer-support programs and professional psychological support for first responders, is now expanding services to military veterans.

Read More →
police officer holding a folded flag and headline for Officer Killed
PatrolNovember 10, 2025

WakeMed Campus Police Officer Killed in Hospital Shooting

A WakeMed Campus Police Officer died after being shot in the lobby of the emergency department at a North Carolina hospital over the weekend.

Read More →
Black background with blue graphic outline of state of Florida and headline Video Released: barricaded Suspect Falls Through Ceiling and Into SWAT Custody.
PatrolNovember 10, 2025

Video Shows Barricaded Suspect Fall Through Ceiling and Into SWAT Custody

Deputies in Indian River County, Florida, apprehended a suspect after he fell through the ceiling with SWAT members waiting below. The sheriff’s department released video of the apprehension.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
thumbnail for video series POLICE From the Show Floor featuring T2 Systems.
Patrolby Wayne ParhamNovember 10, 2025

From the Show Floor: T2 Systems

Learn about T2 Systems and its electronic parking enforcement solutions. Retired Chief John Holland outlines the benefits of using such a system to manage parking enforcement.

Read More →
view of a mobile observation trailer deployed in a parking lot against a blue sky
Patrolby Wayne ParhamNovember 10, 2025

Texas Police Department Adds Reconview Tower

A Texas police chief shares how the Decatur Police Department will use its new Reconview observation tower.

Read More →
Thumbnail for POLICE video From theShow Floor: Traka
Patrolby Wayne ParhamOctober 30, 2025

From the Show Floor: Traka

Join POLICE as we visit with Steve Atkinson of Traka and learn about the company’s asset management cabinets and key lockers.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
image of conference stage top left, inset image of two men standing at right, and lower left logo for Team Wendy
PatrolOctober 29, 2025

Team Wendy Shares New DREW Data During Personal Armour Systems Symposium

Team Wendy shared data about DREW, a biofidelic helmet-test rig built to simulate real head-to-ground falls and capture both linear and rotational head motion, during the recent Personal Armour Systems Symposium in Belgium.

Read More →