SLO rental inspections violate the Constitution

In the Feb. 15 Tribune article “SLO rental inspections start amid growing opposition,” San Luis Obispo Code Enforcement Supervisor Teresa Purrington is quoted as saying that “the fact that you’re denying us access” is a sufficient standard of proof required to get into a rental unit. This means that if one refuses to give consent to search, that refusal alone is sufficient probable cause for issuance of a search warrant. If this is true, it would effectively eliminate the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution.

I suppose the next target for elimination will be the Fifth Amendment. Using the same circular logic, the exercising of one’s right not to self-incriminate would be deemed equivalent to an admission of guilt.

Maybe it’s time for a new code enforcement supervisor.

This story was originally published February 16, 2016 at 9:33 PM with the headline "SLO rental inspections violate the Constitution."