Parents Welcome Warrantless Searches of Boston's Youth; ACLU Uneasy
Police in Boston are experimenting with a “Safe Homes” program meant to ferret out guns. But there’s a civil liberties catch that has critics of the program on edge.
Police are asking parents in poor, high-crime areas for permission to search homes, without a warrant. The parents are so far for the searches, Time.com reports.
According to Time, police will begin working leads with teams of officers assigned to Boston public schools. They’ll then follow up by heading to the homes of students to conduct the searches, with a clergyperson or community activist in tow. Weapons found will be confiscated, but no charges will be filed unless the weapon is linked to a violent crime.
The ACLU opposes the program and plans a counter-initiative to educate residents about the potential ramifications of the warrantless searches.
Time reports that at least one activist has asked police to include a defense attorney to attend the search as well, to explain that the search is voluntary.
