Court looks at police detention powers in searches

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is reacting skeptically to the government’s argument that police may detain residents of a home to be searched even if they are away from home when the search takes place.

Liberal and conservative justices say they are reluctant to expand police powers that, for officer safety and other reasons, already allow the detention of people found at home during a search authorized by a warrant.

The case argued Thursday involves a Long Island man who was picked up about three-quarters of a mile away from his apartment as police searched it for a gun.