Opinion ID: 9265
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Location of Detention

Text: 97 The search and subsequent detention was not carried out under the scrutiny of other citizens. During the suppression hearing, testimony indicated that the Agents blocked the entrances and exits to the neighborhood where the residence was located. Id. at 78. Law enforcement personnel were the only ones that witnessed the treatment afforded to Douglas. Furthermore, between twenty and fifty agents clothed in black body armor, masks, helmets, combat boots and armed with semi-automatic rifles and handguns executed the search warrant and remained at the residence during a portion of the search after the residence was secured. 98 Needless to say, the police presence was significantly greater than that associated with a routine traffic stop and was not witnessed by other citizens as are brief stops at fixed border checkpoints. In fact, the only persons that were around Douglas during the majority of the search were Federal Law Enforcement Agents. The number of officers which were present during the period numbered between twenty and fifty. This police presence was significant and served to increase Douglas' perception of restraint on his freedom of movement. 99 Similarly, the interrogation at issue occurred at Douglas' residence was not in the nature of a brief investigatory visit as when an officer drops by to inquire into a neighbor's complaint. Hence, the fact that the interrogation occurred in Douglas' residence is of little consequence in mitigating his fear of police overbearance or abuse.