A disturbing erosion of constitutional rights is working its way through tiny Colonial Heights, Va. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports about 50 people charged with drug possession or sale have traded away their right to object to being searched in exchange for a lighter sentence or looser fine.

Tom Kifer of the Colonial Heights police department said the program is designed to stop repeat offenders. "Even though a search may not have been made today, one can be made tomorrow," Kifer said. "Just knowing that fact serves as a deterrent."

Let's see... you're coerced into giving up your right to be safe in your home or person because you were caught doing something that should be safe to do in your home or person anyway. Sound like a violation of the Fourth Amendment to anyone?

The ACLU is watching this case, as should anyone who thinks there's such a thing as a right to privacy.