New York police can search bags of anyone in subway,

[Eric J in MN]

says Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

So long to privacy.

So long to the Constitution.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/21/nyregion/21cnd-security.html?pagewanted=2&hp

In New Security Move, New York Police to Search Commuters' Bags


By TIMOTHY WILLIAMS and SEWELL CHAN
Published: July 21, 2005

New York City will begin tomorrow morning random checks of bags and backpacks at subway stations, commuter railways and on buses, officials announced today in the wake of a second wave of bombings on the London transit system.

New York City will begin tomorrow morning randomly checking bags at subway stations, commuter railways and on buses, officials announced today.

The announcement by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly represents a significant ratcheting up of antiterrorism security in the city. Previous efforts have been limited in order to avoid causing delays in a city known for the hustle and impatience of its denizens.

Officials said the city has never before attempted to regulate the possessions of passengers in its sprawling, complex transit system. The city's subway system alone has 468 stations and carries some 4.5 million passengers on an average weekday. Some of the larger stations have at least half a dozen entrances and exits. In New York City, relatively few people own cars, and the majority of those who commute via subway carry a bag of some sort filled with items needed for the entire day, including computers, business documents, gym clothes and makeup. Many people carry two bags.

"We live in a world where sadly these types of security measures are necessary," Mr. Bloomberg said. "Are they intrusive? Yes, a little bit. But we're trying to find the right balance."

Mr. Kelly said most searches will occur in subway stations, but that the Police Department "will reserve the right" to check the bags of passengers on buses and ferries as well. While the policy is still being worked out, officials said passengers will be checked before they enter a station's turnstiles, though some people inside stations may also be searched.

People who do not submit to a search will be allowed to leave, but will not be permitted into the subway station. The police commissioner said officers would take pains to avoid singling people out for searches based on race or ethnicity.
...



"The police can and should be aggressively investigating anyone they suspect is trying to bring explosives into the subway," said Christopher Dunn, associate legal director at the New York Civil Liberties Union. "However, random police searches of people without any suspicion of wrongdoing are contrary to our most basic constitutional values. This is a very troubling announcement."

[kenny blankenship]

1. Hope it's not a "terrorism drill"

Those usually end badly!

[bluestateguy]

2. They're going to be spending most of their time confiscating drugs

Little bags of marijuana, vials of coke and smack. Real important stuff like that that has nothing to do with terrorism.

[ixion]

3. exactly.

:grr:

[leveymg]

4. The legality of any arrests based on that will be decided by the courts.

In the meantime, I suggest you keep it in your pocket. Take a cab.

[MadAsHellNewYorker]

7. and thats why they are doing this! to get around the rights of citizens

and invade their personal space. Even security experts say there is a .00001 to nil chance they will ever find someone with a bomb or something. Its about control and other things that have nothing to do with sfety...

[HockeyMom]

5. As I said on another thread,

do you seriously think they will be searching any white man in a suit and tie holding a briefcase? Wanna buy a bridge?

[Talismom]

6. Right you are! n/t