Back in my New York reporter days, NY State Troopers would often bring a CO along (they called them “Fish Cops”) on some raids.
Instant access.
Ever look for a poached deer in Appartment 17G at 128th Street and Amsterdam Avenue in Harlem.... at 4:00 AM?
Loads of fun. :~)
Ever hear of 'officials' [including 'officers of the court'] exaggerating their powers, mindbender?
-- Too bad we don't, imho:
Title 18, U.S.C., Section 242 Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law
This statute makes it a crime for any person acting under color of law, statute, ordinance, regulation, or custom to willfully deprive or cause to be deprived from any person those rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution and laws of the U.S. Acts under "color of any law" include acts not only done by federal, state, or local officials within the bounds or limits of their lawful authority, but also acts done without and beyond the bounds of their lawful authority; provided that, in order for unlawful acts of any official to be done under "color of any law," the unlawful acts must be done while such official is purporting or pretending to act in the performance of his/her official duties.
This definition includes, in addition to law enforcement officials, individuals such as Mayors, Council persons, Judges, Nursing Home Proprietors, Security Guards, big mouthed attorneys, etc., - persons who are bound by laws, statutes ordinances, or customs.