Austin Code Compliance executes an illegal search warrant - Part 1

UPDATE: YNN Austin covered the story at http://austin.ynn.com/content/top_sto...

This is the video from one of four surveillance cameras, and is edited to follow the code investigators.

On April 13th, Austin Code Compliance executed a search warrant at a residential property in East Austin. The warrant was issued based on two suspected violations: that a tool shed was 6 inches too close to the neighbor's fence, and that a detached structure might be too tall. Both violations were in the backyard. Both were in compliance based on communication with city zone reviewers.

Code Compliance was convinced these violations still existed, and to investigate for themselves sent two code compliance investigators wearing bullet proof vests, five police officers and a health inspector. The eight officials entered the house and began to search every inch of the property, including bedrooms, closets, refrigerators, trash cans, cabinets, water heater closet, and the entire backyard.

The warrant turned out to be expired, however police returned several hours after the search to drop off an updated warrant.

Nothing was seized, and the investigators refused to comment on their findings. The original violations were likely cleared by this inspection, however a City Attorney representing Code Compliance indicates that the investigators will be having a meeting with representatives from other administrative departments in an attempt to think up any new violations that could possibly exist on the property.

To review, Austin Code Compliance arrived at a residential property wearing defensive armor, escorted by a police backup, executed an expired warrant that covered areas not under investigation, and is now having brainstorming sessions with other departments in an attempt to invent new violations.

Find more information about Code Compliance activities at at www.joefairview.com

• Category

  People & Blogs

[TheWorldEnemy]

look at my video!!

[abark]

Why is she looking in your fridge? Didn't get a chance to stop at Popeye's on the way over?

[silverton7777]

Lawsuit take their money also get all the officer involved post the addresses. Yes its legal nothing the can do federal case law backs this up freedom speech. Also an effective tool is to protest in front of their personel homes. I find once you get thier personal space legally they cut knock off the bullshit. Sue the code enforcement officers not sworn in on individual bases. Another tool is to put a lean on their homes until the case is resolved. Fight fire with fire burn your yard first.

[Erik22552]

Get an attorney! A good one!

[johnnyboypdq]

I didn't know homes were required to fit COMMERCIAL laws? CODES ARE NOT LAWS! You have to contract with the city or state to be effected by codes! WTF!

[cbarsonfire]

Ah, did the search warant include the home interior. Generally all warants must be specific in nature and cite areas to be searched and for what. Antthing found during their illegal search should be thrown out of court.

Sue the dipsticks.

[freddytk421]

they had a warrant he had to let them in the house or do a david koresh. If he wanted to die that would be the best way to go.

[freddytk421]

It's like they raped your house. I hate the police but I love Austin. If they raided my house like that I'd be screwed big time.