In a nutshell everyone, no warrant is needed by any officer to conduct a search in a place that a person has no reasonable expectation of privacy. The courts will determine what is reasonable and that may not be the same definition that you have. It seems like this field of law is evolving every day as new technologies are developed and people are taking advantage of them.
Is this official advice...or unofficial advice?
Not advice, just an explanation of how the courts come to their conclusions in these matters. Does a person have an expectation of privacy where they are or where are storing something?
Well hell yeah. I wouldn't want some random person rummaging through my stuff. And unless I know the officer personally, he fits the description of a random person. No more, no less. I don't care what job he has.
Just like I wouldnt want some random person piddlin around my open field.
