CO Search & Seizure rights.

[Old Ironsights]

There is an argument going on on another Forum over a CO's Right/Ability to do warrantless searches for Regulatory violations.

This is coming from the new California F&G rule that expands the CA anti-lead-ammo law to include mere possession of a firearm and lead ammunition that fits it within a "condor zone" - regardless of whether you are hunting or not.

The contention is that COs have broader search & seizure discression for any Rule violation (as opposed to a PO & civil/criminal law).

Would you say that is a fair assessment?

[buster]

Yes. We are in a different classification (sort of) in many ways, especially in the manner in which we do our jobs, as it differs from traditional law enforcement situations. Most law enforcement officers practice 'reactive' law enforcement...taking calls for accidents, domestic disputes, barking dog complaints, noisy neighbors, etc. They do only a little 'proactive' law enforcement, such as running radar or conducting traffic stops. (for the most part). However, we as CO's, take only a small amount of calls for service (reactive law enf.) compared to traditional law enforcement. Most of our 'activity' is a result of 'proactive law enf.'....checking licenses, livewells, game bags, boats, hunters in the field, fishermen on the water. This is the concept that allows us to enter upon private property to do these types of checks due to the nature of our work. Hope that helps.