Court decisions have established that police dogs that sniff luggage in public places are not conducting searches and therefore are not subject to the requirements of the Fourth Amendment.

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This statement is true. The United States Supreme Court has held that the use of trained dogs to sniff for drugs or other contraband in public places does not constitute a search within the meaning of the Fourth Amendment, and therefore does not require a warrant or probable cause. This rule applies to luggage, as well as to other items such as cars and packages. However, if the dog goes beyond an initial sniff and starts scratching or alerting to a particular piece of luggage or other item, that may be considered a search and could require additional justification.

Court Decisions Have Established That Police Dogs That Sniff Luggage