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Random police stops for the R.I.D.E. program are authorized at common law.
The appellant was randomly stopped by police as part of the R.I.D.E. program.
The officer smelled alcohol and demanded a breath sample, which the appellant failed to provide.
The appellant argued the random stop was unlawful, providing a reasonable excuse for his failure.
The Supreme Court of Canada held that while there was no statutory authority for the random stop, it was authorized at common law as a justifiable use of police powers associated with their general duties to prevent crime and protect life and property.
The appeal was dismissed.
