A Berks County law firm is claiming police violated the rights of residents in their manhunt for suspected cop killer Eric Matthew Frein, and are soliciting people to join a lawsuit.

Prince Law Offices, whose main office is in Bechtelsville, has received several complaints that investigators searching homes and cars did not have court orders or even consent to do so, said Joshua Prince, an attorney at the firm who specializes in firearms law.

Mr. Frein, 31, of 308 Seneca Lane, Barrett Twp., is accused of shooting and killing state police Cpl. Bryon K. Dickson II, 38, of Dunmore, and wounding Trooper Alex T. Douglass, 31, of Olyphant, during a Sept. 12 ambush outside their Blooming Grove police barracks.

"We're really concerned about the violation of individual civil liberties," Mr. Prince said in a recent phone interview.

Mary Catherine Roper, an attorney with the ACLU of Pennsylvania, said while police clearly have emergency powers, limits exist. If the residents' complaints prove true, she agreed that there may be issues relating to violations of individual civil liberties.

"In terms of searches, the law is very, very specific," she said. "You can search a person's house only if you have a warrant or if you have really exigent circumstances. Looking for a fugitive in the neighborhood is not sufficient to search someone's house (without a warrant or consent). We saw the fugitive duck into your backyard? That's reason to search."

In a press conference Wednesday, state police Lt. Col. George Bivens said law enforcement officers have executed search warrants on several vacant properties in areas they are searching and used locksmiths so as not to damage property. The search has spanned Pike and Monroe counties, most recently focusing on Barrett and Price townships in Monroe.

He also praised residents in the search area for their "cooperation and continued support."

"I'd like to thank you for your patience and understanding as this operation continues," he said. "Our troopers are doing their best to balance safety concerns with the needs of residents to travel freely to and from their homes."

But the multiple-hour barricades on neighborhoods have provoked anger and frustration from residents. Mr. Prince refused to say how many people complained to his law offices, but said there had been a "number" of them.

The ACLU of Pennsylvania is also seeking complaints with the intention of helping law enforcement "tailor their activities to not burden people more than is necessary," Ms. Roper said.

Anyone with legal complaints can call the ACLU of Pennsylvania at 877-745-2258.

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pcameron@timesshamrock.com, @pcameronTT on Twitter