Latham Hotel Realty Corp. v. Valentine

This litigation involves a social problem as well as a legal problem. The defendant, Police Commissioner of the City of New York, is charged with the duty of preventing crime. In discharge of that duty he exercises police surveillance over premises where crime has been committed. Ordinarily, such police surveillance is exercised where there is a likelihood of a continuation of the criminal status. Under such conditions police surveillance is reasonable and proper and not subject to interference by the courts. The Police Commissioner’s opinion rather than the court’s opinion must control in…