Court Opinion

ID: 9534828
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 04:43:03.138627+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:32:46.434059
License: Public Domain

Read, J. (concurring).
Whether the warrant application in this case was sufficient to support an all-persons-present search for drugs is a close question. Ultimately, though, I conclude that the information presented in the affidavit supporting the warrant application was simply too skimpy and dependent on boilerplate. All-persons-present warrants for drug searches have *368been approved where the supporting affidavits supply more detailed information regarding the experience and training of the officer seeking the warrant, including that, in the officer’s experience, persons engaged in the sale of drugs often work in concert with others and that those engaged in such activities frequently maintain residences separate and apart from the location where the drug-related activity is conducted (see People v Williams, 284 AD2d 564, 565 [3d Dept 2001], lv denied 96 NY2d 909 [2001]). Additional details to support an all-persons-present warrant based on drug purchases made by an informant might also include, for example, whether the drugs at the target location were in open view; whether scales and glassine bags were visible; whether those observed at the location appeared to be high, or were using drugs; and, generally, how many people were seen and whether any of them appeared unaware of or uninvolved with the illegal activity taking place.
As the majority points out, police surveillance may also supply a sufficient factual basis from which to infer that a location is a drug factory, shooting gallery or drug house, and that all those present when a search warrant is executed will likely possess contraband or other evidence of illegality (see majority op at 365-366). These havens for drug activity are often found in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods, whose innocent residents suffer from the high crime incident to the illicit drug trade in their midst. The all-persons-present warrant—properly supported—is a tool for combating drug crime for the benefit of these citizens. As for the strip/visual body cavity search, the facts set out in the affidavit and brought out at the suppression hearing did not meet the standard articulated in People v Hall (10 NY3d 303 [2008], cert denied 555 US —, 129 S Ct 159 [2008]), which was decided after the hearing took place in this case.
Judges Ciparick, Graffeo, Read, Smith, Pigott and Jones concur with Chief Judge Lippman; Judge Read concurs in a separate concurring opinion in which Judges Graffeo and Pigott concur.
Order reversed, etc.