COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Officers in South Carolina would not need a warrant to search juveniles and adults on probation or parole under a bill approved by a legislative panel.
A House Judiciary subcommittee approved the bill Thursday.
It allows police and probation officers to bypass going to a judge for a search warrant. They can search the person, the vehicle the person owns or is driving and any of that person's possessions.
Agreeing to the warrantless searches would be required for release on probation or parole.
The Senate passed the bill unanimously last February.
Charleston Police Chief Greg Mullen hopes the possibility of being searched by any officer in the state will deter people on probation from committing more crimes.
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