ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with specialized searches, which are making up a greater portion of warrantless search and seizure cases decided by the Supreme Court. It addresses early cases in use of technology by police. Beyond the ability to record voice communication, new technology can give law enforcement the ability to “search” in areas and ways that were previously unavailable. Searches related to vehicles also enjoy more freedom from Fourth Amendment restriction than any other type of search. The Supreme Court concluded that privacy expectations are reduced in automobiles, not only because some parts of the vehicle are open to plain view, but also because motor vehicles are heavily regulated. Police agencies are making greater use of dogs in police work, particularly searches. Testing bounds of the Fourth Amendment related to dogs is a growing line of cases from the Supreme Court. Drug dogs have been used extensively in examining mail and packages, and have been approved by lower courts.
