Federal Judge Condemns Kansas Troopers' Aggressive Tactics Against Motorists

A federal judge has ruled that the Kansas Highway Patrol engaged in unconstitutional practices by targeting out-of-state drivers in traffic stops in hopes of finding drugs. The troopers used a tactic known as the "Kansas two-step," where they would initiate a conversation with the driver after the initial traffic stop, potentially leading to a search of the vehicle. The judge described this as a "war on motorists" and ordered the troopers to stop factoring in a driver's travel to or from a state where marijuana is legal as probable cause for a search. The ruling also proposed additional training for troopers and protections for drivers who agree to have their cars searched.