Florida V. Jardines: A Case Study

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The initial cost to start a K-9 unit is $20,000-$29,000 (Bullington). This figure doesn’t include the maintenance training and general living expenses for the dog, including food and vet care. If there isn’t a spare vehicle that can be converted to accommodate the needs of a K-9 unit, a special one must be purchased. Proper equipment is essential as well. The canine is an investment and must be carefully thought out. It’s not just the material essentials that are expensive; being accountable for a dog could cost a significant amount of money. Having a police dog implements a huge risk of injury which would lead to even more costly settlements. Agencies cannot afford to waste money since they are on a tight budget. Some are willing to make …show more content…
The Fourth Amendment prohibits unreasonable search and seizure and requires a warrant for searches that are supported by probable cause. The use of dogs may feel like a violation of the Fourth Amendment guarantee when used in a private home. In 2013 the Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision that police drug-sniffing dog picking up a scent outside of a private home constitutes a search for which law enforcement would have to obtain a warrant. The case that brought this to be was Florida v. Jardines. Jardines’ front door was closed and Franky the chocolate Labrador got a good enough whiff of what was inside. He sat down at the front door, which indicated he smelled drugs. Police felt that provided enough ground to obtain a search warrant, and they arrested Jardines with more than $700,000 worth of marijuana (Gray). Jardines’ attorney argued Franky’s sniff was unreasonable and does not constitute with the protection guaranteed in the fourth amendment. Since the court sided with Jardine, it was ruled that the sniff was an “unreasonable government intrusion into the sanctity of the home.” (Gray). A search technically took place since Franky’s nose is considered to be a detection device. The police use dogs to find drugs but they cannot be used in private homes without a warrant. Police dogs within law enforcement are confusing to the average person. Oftentimes they aren’t aware of their rights so they could be violated. The …show more content…
Some may think they are an essential asset to law enforcement agencies, while others think they are expensive and dangerous. The heightened senses of a dog provide great opportunity for searches that would be difficult if it was up to humans alone. Going beyond searches, they are also able to stop suspects who are on the run. They go through what seems like endless hours of training with their officer, ensuring they will get the job done. Since they are such a great benefit, they come at a cost. Maintaining the K-9 unit is initially costly and may not fit into some departments’ budget. Also, they have a potential to be dangerous because of how strong they are. Police canines could also feel like a violation of privacy since they are able to sniff inside of private property without actually going inside. Though there are some risks, the good outweighs the bad. Cutting police dogs from a budget is an expedient solution that does not recognize a dog 's full potential. Community fundraisers can be used to help with funding the unit. Dogs are more than happy to work for humans and they are simply good at what we want them to do. It is essential for dogs to help humans with the aspects they cannot do for themselves. From personal experience, I know the K-9 accomplishes tasks that would be difficult to do if the responsibility was left to the officers alone. Their senses are truly incredible; they have brought a

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