Following a federal judge’s decision saying its so-called “two step” traffic stop method is not constitutional, the Kansas Highway Patrol says it is reviewing the ruling and respects the judge’s decision. It also says it will continue working to ensure enforcements are constitutional and legal.
The Highway Patrol’s statement Wednesday follows a US District Court decision saying the traffic stop procedure, where troopers are accused of conducting a traffic stop, moving towards their vehicles and then returning to the stopped vehicle to resume interactions with the driver in an effort to find drugs or other contraband or to get additional information.
The American Civil Liberties Union sued KHP in 2019, saying the “two-step” violated Fourth Amendment rights protecting people from unreasonable search and seizure. ACLU also said this method focused on people coming from or heading to states where certain drugs, notably marijuana, are legal.
The Highway Patrol has an online complaint forum for residents wanting to convey their concerns about the lawsuit and the ruling. Click here for the forum.
