Federal judge grants injunction banning 'Kansas Two-Step' Highway Patrol tactic

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

Federal judge grants injunction banning ‘Kansas Two-Step’ Highway Patrol tactic

BY JIM SALTER
Updated 5:24 PM EST, November 21, 2023

The Kansas Highway Patrol must stop using a tactic known as the “Kansas Two-Step” to detain out-of-state drivers long enough to find a reason to search their vehicles for illegal drugs, a federal judge has ruled.

U.S. District Judge Kathryn H. Vratil on Monday granted a permanent injunction. The injunction was not unexpected. It follows Vratil’s ruling in July that determined that the tactic violated drivers’ constitutional rights against unreasonable searches.

KHP spokeswoman Candice Breshears said the order is being reviewed by the state attorney general’s office and declined further comment. A message left Tuesday with the office of Attorney General Kris Kobach was not immediately returned.

The injunction has several requirements, including cameras and audio for all marked and unmarked patrol cars. It also says troopers must inform drivers that they can refuse or revoke consent for a search at any time. The injunction also requires better training and documentation.

-snip-

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/kansas-highway-patrol-tactic-lawsuit-b3225cbeccd71e89a33ee67bbf0a9dea