Eleanor Kinnaird: Unlawful searches in Harnett County
Regarding the June 24 news article “Harnett deputy who killed John Livingston resigns”: The Fourth Amendment provides that we are secure in our persons, homes, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures. It requires a law enforcement officer to get a warrant, swearing under oath there is probable cause to search a person’s home. But apparently not in Harnett County. Instead of a warrant, it only takes a gun.
It is outrageous that a homeowner in his own home cannot demand that law enforcement follow the Constitution and get a warrant to search his home without getting shot. This is the same state that passed the castle doctrine to protect against dangerous intruders.
However, dangerous law enforcement, using a gun to break into our house, is apparently considered acceptable in Harnett County.
Eleanor Kinnaird
Chapel Hill
This story was originally published June 28, 2016 at 3:43 PM with the headline "Eleanor Kinnaird: Unlawful searches in Harnett County."