Just curious if a Sheriff has the right to search my boat any time he likes. This last Saturday the Sheriff pulled me over (Canyon Lake, Arizona) doing what he said was a safety check. He then proceeded to look all around my boat including under the hatches, seats and even opened my old gun case, which I use to house a first aid kit, out on the floor. I kept my mouth shut and he didn't find anything wrong and let me go, but does he have the right to do this without my permission? Doesn't he have to have probable cause or my permission? The lake is in the National Forest.
Thanks!
My understanding is that Sheriffs have jurisdiction anywhere in the county for which he/she serves. And the fact that you were towing something, probably makes his "safety search" legit. They pull over vehicles with trailers all of the time for just that. Best not to get into a pissing contest with a sheriff.