Police departments consider not chalking tires after Midwest ruling

Some Connecticut police departments are reevaluating their practice of chalking tires after a Midwest federal appeals court ruled it unconstitutional.

News 12 Staff

Apr 24, 2019, 7:32 PM

Updated 1,829 days ago

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Some Connecticut police departments are reevaluating their practice of chalking tires after a Midwest federal appeals court ruled it unconstitutional.
Parking officers would enforce parking limits by marking tires with chalk. If that driver received a ticket, it's because they did not follow the parking limits.
"We haven't actually had a chance to sit down and review the decision yet, so we'll have to make an evaluation moving forward," says Fairfield Det. Lt. John Bucherati.
The court said that the chalk is essentially a tracking device and says it is unconstitutional if officers do not have a warrant.
The ruling doesn't directly affect Connecticut, just four states in the Midwest. Fairfield police say they're not sure alternative technologies are worth the extra cost.
Privacy groups are worried that police could replace chalking with even more invasive techniques, like license plate scanners.
Westport police say chalking will continue for now.
New Canaan's first selectman declined to comment on their future plans and the police chief did not return calls for comment.


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