A positive K9 alert only allows for which type of search?

• A. Search of vehicle, not occupants
• B. Search of occupants
• C. Search of exterior area
• D. No search allowed

Answer: (A)

A positive K9 alert indicates the dog detected the odor of contraband in the vehicle itself, not on the people inside or on the exterior. That creates probable cause to search the vehicle and its interior compartments where contraband could be hidden. It does not, by itself, authorize a search of the occupants’ bodies or possessions, nor does it limit the search to just the exterior area. So the appropriate action is to search the vehicle, not the occupants or the exterior, and certainly not to forego any search.