The Supreme Court today dealt a blow to L.A. law enforcement today, ruling that officers cannot inspect hotel and motel guest registries without a warrant.
The court’s decision was 5-4.
Under a city ordinance, hotels and motels are required to take down basic guest information. Law enforcement agencies say that illegal activities like prostitution and drug dealing run rampant in many budget hotels and motels and unannounced spot checks are necessary. But a group of hotel owners challenged the practice in court.
CITY OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA v. PATEL ET AL.
Guests:
Richard Blass, a criminal defense attorney at the law firm, Richard F. Blass & Associates in Chicago. He is a retired Deputy Police Chief and is general counsel to a police union representing over 100 officers and chiefs
Ken Corney, Chief of Police of the Ventura Police Department; First Vice President of the California Police Chiefs Association