Winnipesaukee Forum - View Single Post - Is random boarding of vessels unconstitutional?

Woodsy · 05-20-2013, 09:12 AM

Wifi...

NH got rid of random boarding a few years ago when the NH Supreme court ruled it unconstitional. Up until that point the NHMP would conduct "random" safety checks. Essentially stopping you and "checking" for "safety violations". The Court ruled that the NHMP needed to be held to the same standard as regular police forces, and needed 'articulable suspicion" that violation had already occurred prior to stopping someone.

When I had my 22 Classic, I used to get stopped every year at least 2-3 times for a "Vessel Safety Check" usually by a rookie.... it got to the point where I would laugh as I would have the stuff ready as they went down the checklist.

On the upside I got to meet some great NHMP officers! They do an awesome job with little reward!

Woodsy

05-20-2013, 09:12 AM	#2
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,965 Thanks: 80 Thanked 979 Times in 440 Posts	Wifi... NH got rid of random boarding a few years ago when the NH Supreme court ruled it unconstitional. Up until that point the NHMP would conduct "random" safety checks. Essentially stopping you and "checking" for "safety violations". The Court ruled that the NHMP needed to be held to the same standard as regular police forces, and needed 'articulable suspicion" that violation had already occurred prior to stopping someone. When I had my 22 Classic, I used to get stopped every year at least 2-3 times for a "Vessel Safety Check" usually by a rookie.... it got to the point where I would laugh as I would have the stuff ready as they went down the checklist. On the upside I got to meet some great NHMP officers! They do an awesome job with little reward! Woodsy __________________ The only way to eliminate ignorant behavior is through education. You can't fix stupid.

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