Policy Text
Date: 08/10/84
Revision: 12/18/96
Reviewed: 02/28/25
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
CHAD CHRONISTER , SHERIFF
STANDARD OPERATING PROCED URE
Number: GEN 515.00
Page: 1 of 1
SUBJECT: HOTEL AND MOTEL ROOMS SEARCHES; FELONY ARREST WARRA NTS
I. PURPOSE: The purpose of this standard operating procedure is to define the
guidelines for forcibly entering hotel and motel rooms to execute felony arrest warrants.
II. SCOPE: This shall apply to all Sheriff's Office personnel.
III. DISCUSSION : It is imperative that Sheriff's personnel understand the procedures and
circumstances under which warrantless searches of motel or hotel rooms (temporary
housing quarters) can be conducted.
IV. DEFINITION:
A. Warrant - A judicial writ authorizing a la w enforcement officer to execute a
judgment or make a search, seizure, or arrest.
V. PROCEDURE:
A. Given the premise that legally occupied hotel and motel rooms are protected
from "warrantless" searches in the same manner as private dwellings, deputi es
shall follow the same laws, procedures and guidelines establ ished for entry into
private dwellings.
B. If deputies are in possession of, or are aware of, a verified felony arrest warrant
and have probable cause to believe the subject is in a hotel or motel room, they
shall announce the fact that they have a warrant. Should the subject not answer,
or if deputies believe that exigent circumstances are present, they may use
whatever force is necessary to enter the room.
C. If the owner or an employee o f the establishment gives deputies a pass key, the
key shall be u sed as an alternative to breaking down the front door when the use
of force is necessary.
Chad Chronister
Sheriff
Amends or Supers edes: NEW