Monthly Archives: August 2020

Back at It, They Are

Law enforcement is at it again – Emphasis Patrols. This time it is the Washington State Patrol. In line with other law enforcement agencies in-and-around the nation, the WSP is conducting DUI emphasis patrols. It is part of a nationwide effort to curb buzzed (drunk) driving. Through Labor Day (this year that is 9/7/20) extra… Continue Reading »

Breathalyzer Tests for Marijuana??

All throughout the United States, Police officers use breathalyzer tests during traffic stops when they suspect a driver is drunk. Soon, they may use a similar breath test if they suspect a driver is high due to marijuana. For years, scientists have been busy working on a breathalyzer device that tests drivers for marijuana impairment.… Continue Reading »

Can the Passenger Drink ?

Anyone with a driver’s license should know that drivers are not permitted to drive while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. But a question that often arises is whether a passenger can drink alcohol in a car? Usually they are not but the answer can depend on specific state and local laws. Most… Continue Reading »

Youths’ Rights Protected in Seattle

This week the Seattle City Council unanimously passed an ordinance that is intended to stop police from being able to deceive juveniles – the MiChance Dunlap-Gittens’ law. The King County Council passed its own version of the Mi’Chance law this week too. The MiChance Dunlap-Gittens’ Youth Rights Ordinance gives protections to children and young people… Continue Reading »

Police Authority

Even though people in the United States are entitled to freedom from government intrusion, there is a limit to that privacy. Police officers are allowed, where justified, to search your home, car or other property in order to look for and seize evidence of a crime. Under the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, police… Continue Reading »

To Defund, or Not

The Seattle City Council’s effort to defund the police is in full swing, and the SPD is fighting back by rolling out a new website meant to put a human face to the department and its employees. The site explains how officers do their jobs, and outlines rules they must follow when using force. Seattle… Continue Reading »

Boating Under the Influence

All states have driving under the influence (DUI) laws that were enacted to help keep drivers, passengers, and the community safe. Did you know that every state and the federal government have laws against Boating Under the Influence (‘BUI’) that allow law enforcement officials to stop boats and other watercraft, and make sure that boat… Continue Reading »