Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Michigan

What are the legalities of private security searches of personal automobiles on

What are the legalities of private security searches of personal automobiles on company property?

Specifically I work for a major automotive manufacturer. I understand the company through its security personnel have the right to search anything concerning my work ie. desk, locker, file cabinets, ect.. My specific question is do they have the right to search my private car and locked trunk? If requested by the security personnel to submit to a search and open the trunk where do I stand if I outright refuse?

Is there any difference in saying yes you can search, however, I will not voluntary help you by opening the trunk myself. This put them in the position of having to open any of my locked property.


Asked on 9/06/03, 11:13 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
William Stern William Stern, P.C.

Re: What are the legalities of private security searches of personal automobiles

I do not know for sure, but there is a big difference between searching a car and a desk. The desk, perhaps is legal. The car would be an invasion of privacy. Remember, that the 4th amendment only applies to police seaches.......not to searches performed by private companies. Your only remedy would be an injunction and suit for invasion of privacy. Bill Stern 248-353-9400

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Answered on 9/08/03, 6:58 am


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