Dog and Officer Safety Override Privacy in Florida Police Stops

Drivers must exit their cars when drug-sniffing dogs are involved in routine traffic stops, the Florida Supreme Court ruled Thursday, finding that personal security rights can be tossed aside in favor of the safety of officers and their animals.

Even without reasonable suspicion of contraband, a driver can be forced from their car while a K-9 unit inspects, a five-justice majority of the court ruled. The safety of the officer and the dog—which could get struck by the car if it’s driven away—is more important than a driver’s Fourth Amendment rights in that scenario, the court said.

“Balancing the officer’s ...