The Purpose of a Parole Search

In People v. Reyes (1998) 19 Cal.4th 743, the court explained that the purpose of a parole search is to deter crime and protect the public, "and the effectiveness of the deterrent is enhanced by the potential for random searches." (Id. at p. 753.) But the court recognized that a parole search may be arbitrary, capricious, or harassing if it is made too often or at an unreasonable hour, if unreasonably prolonged, or if made under other circumstances amounting to arbitrary or oppressive conduct by searching officers. (Id. at pp. 753-754.) For example, a search is arbitrary when its motivation is unrelated to rehabilitative, reformative, or legitimate law enforcement purposes, or when the search is motivated by personal animosity toward the parolee. (Id. at p. 754.)