Officers execute a search warrant to search a dwelling for narcotics and find several persons on the premises. They find no illegal substances. The officers' most legally sound course of action is _____.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The officers should not search the people without additional probable cause that they have the drugs on them. However, if they acquire additional probable cause, they may legally search them for the drugs. Searching the owner without further justification would also be a violation of the Fourth Amendment. Searching everyone for weapons would also not be justified as finding a lack of narcotics does not provide justification for searching for weapons.

Officers Execute a Search Warrant to Search a Dwelling for Narcotics