Mayor Stephen Thompson

*** Know Your Rights: Plain View ***

Q: What is the “plain view” rule?
A: The “plain view” rule allows police to seize evidence of a crime without a warrant if they can clearly see it from a place they are legally allowed to be.

Q: Does this mean police can search my home or car without a warrant?
A: No. “Plain view” does not give officers a free pass to search. It only applies to what is already out in the open and visible, not to closed drawers, cabinets, bags, or other hidden areas.

Q: When can officers use the “plain view” rule?
A: Three things must be true:
1) The officer is lawfully present (for example, during a valid traffic stop or after being called to your home).
2) The item is clearly visible without moving or opening anything.
3) It is obviously linked to a crime (such as illegal drugs, a stolen item, or an open container of alcohol in a vehicle where it is not allowed).

Q: Can officers create “plain view” by going somewhere they shouldn’t?
A: No. If an officer is trespassing, enters without legal authority, or otherwise violates your rights to get into a position to see something, the “plain view” rule does not apply.

Q: Does this apply in Missouri?
A: Yes. Missouri officers follow the same constitutional rules as officers in other states, including the “plain view” rule. They must still follow all other laws about when they can stop, enter, or search.

Q: What should I remember as a resident?
A: You have the right to be free from unreasonable searches. “Plain view” is a narrow rule that only covers what officers can clearly see from a lawful vantage point. If you have concerns about a specific incident, you may wish to speak with an attorney or reach out to Cottleville PD.

Pic: County leader's news conference on the $100 million Highway N expansion project. Submit feedback/comments by July 31st, via https://ewgateway.ecointeractive.com/projects/?planCycleId=3589&projectRevisionId=1f62e03f-1eee-45d1-bd60-b81ce8226242

Heading out of town? Our Cottleville Police Department offers a free Vacation Check service for residents within city limits. Our officers will keep a watch on your home while you’re away, helping give you added peace of mind. It’s a simple service that many may not know about; but it’s here for you. It’s just one more way we work together to keep Cottleville safe!

Sign up before your next trip:https://www.cityofcottleville.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Vacation-check-form-1.pdf

Yesterday we held a very confidential, totally top-secret meeting… at Open Park. Because nothing says “classified” like a public park with bikers, walkers and dogs.

Our topic: Sunshine Law.

Despite the name, it has nothing to do with weather. Missouri’s Sunshine Law is all about transparency—giving residents the right to access public meetings, records, and decisions. Government business should happen in the open.

We had a fun side discussion too: why do some Sunshine requests come in anonymously? For some, it’s about privacy. For others, maybe it’s just a little civic mystery. Either way, the law works the same—because access to information belongs to everyone.

Humor aside, Sunshine Law is a powerful tool. It helps build trust, keeps government accountable, and ensures you stay informed. So if you’ve ever been curious about how things work behind the scenes, don’t hesitate to use it (for the right reason).

Did you know:
Sunshine law was created to answer a simple democratic demand — “show us how decisions are made.”

Negative effects (when misused):
=> It can drain staff time and public money, especially when agencies spend hours searching, redacting, and responding to excessive requests.
=> It can slow down normal government work and make routine operations harder to manage.
=> It can discourage documentation and open communication if employees or elected members become afraid every note or email will become a fight later.
=> It can create a chilling effect on honest participation, especially when requests are used for harassment, “gotcha” politics, or intimidation.
=> It can also be misused from the government side, where officials over-redact, delay, or overcharge so much that the law exists in name only.

Sunshine laws are powerful, but like any powerful tool, they can be misused — and when they are, the damage shows up as wasted time, higher costs, slower government and less trust.

Transparency works best when everyone keeps it professional and doesn’t turn a Sunshine request into a circus. Be specific, be respectful, and keep the focus on public information—not personal drama, detective work, or a quest for courtroom glory. A good request helps government stay accountable without making everybody wish they’d chosen a quieter line of work.

And if you see us having another “secret” meeting at the park… you’re probably already invited!