respectfully dissenting:
The search of the Deskins’ home does not comply with the policies which are articulated in the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and the right to be free from unreasonable searches (Article II, Section 11), and the right of privacy (Article II, Section 10) embodied in the Constitution of the State ofMontana. For this reason, I would reverse.
The policies embodied in the above Amendment and articles grew directly out of events which immediately preceded the revolutionary struggle with England. Due to their experience with unrestrained search and seizure by means of automatic issuance of writs of assistance, the colonists viewed the prohibition of unreasonable searches and seizures of utmost importance. As a result, after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, at least eight states included such prohibitions in their constitutions. Perry and Cooper Sources of Our Liberties (1959). Eventually the federal government followed this lead through its enactment and the states’ ratification of the Bill of Rights.
These freedoms should not be lost by the exigencies of our times. The right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure is of paramount importance to a free society. Following his return from the Nuremberg trials Justice Jackson observed:
“[Fourth Amendment rights] are not mere second class rights but belong in the catalog of indispensable freedoms. Among deprivations of rights, none is so effective in cowing a population, crushing the spirit of the individual and putting terror in every heart. Uncontrolled search and seizure is one of the first and most effective weapons in the arsenal of every arbitrary government...”
See Almeida-Sanchez v. United States (1973), 413 U.S. 266, 37 L.Ed.2d 596, 93 S.Ct. 2535 citing Brinegar v. United States (1948), 338 U.S. 160, 180, 93 L.Ed. 1879, 1893, 69 S.Ct. 1302, 1313 (Jackson dissenting).
Consistent with these sentiments, the framers of our State Constitution have prohibited state officials from conducting unreasonable searches and seizures of property. This prohibition is contained in Article II, Section 11 of the Montana Constitution. It states:
“The people shall be secure in their persons, papers, homes and effects from unreasonable searches and seizures. No warrant to *165search any place, or seize any person or thing shall issue without describing the place to be searched or the person or thing to be seized or without probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation reduced to writing.”
As this article indicates, government officials must apply to the courts for permission to search a person’s property. Before this permission can be granted, the judiciary must determine whether there is probable cause to believe that evidence of illegal activity will be found in the place to be searched. Courts have spent a great deal of time attempting to formulate a test which can be utilized in probable cause determinations. The United States Supreme Court, in Illinois v. Gates (1983), 462 U.S. 213, 76 L.Ed. 2d 527, 103 S.Ct. 2317, has adopted a totality-of-the-circumstances test.
According to this test, a reviewing magistrate need only make a common sense decision whether, given all the circumstances set forth in the affidavit, there is a fair probability that evidence of a crime will be found in a particular place. Therefore, if from a review of the totality of the circumstances it reasonably appears that criminal evidence is present at the locale to be searched, a search warrant could legally be issued. Gates, 462 U.S. at 238, 103 S.Ct. at 2332. Following the Gates decision, this Court followed federal lead and adopted the same totality of the circumstances approach. State v. Kelly (1983), 205 Mont. 417, 668 P.2d 1032.
Many commentators, fellow judges and legal scholars have expressed strong disagreement with the principles set forth in Gates. Justice Byron White for example, while concurring in the outcome of the Gates case, disagreed with the majority’s decision to adopt the totality of the circumstances test. He expressed concern that utilization of the totality of the circumstances test would result in “an evisceration of the probable cause standard.” Gates, 462 U.S. at 272, 103 S.Ct. at 2350 (White concurring).
The case now before us proves Justice White to be correct. Gates is a step backward in the development of any set of coherent rules to deal with information supplied by an informant. As stated in Gates, “The task of the issuing magistrate is simply to make a practical, common-sense decision whether, given all the circumstances set forth in the affidavit before him, including ‘veracity’ and ‘basis of knowledge’ of persons supplying hearsay information, there is a fair probability that contraband or evidence of a crime will be found in a particular place.” Gates, 462 U.S. at 238, 103 S.Ct. at 2332.
*166The Gates decision, however, fails to adequately define or limit the term “practical, common-sense decision.” Utilization of this broad standard has rendered probable cause determinations involving hearsay information, essentially subjective. Through their use of this “common-sense” approach, the courts have turned probable cause determinations into an art form which is not based on any reason or rule of law. For this same reason appellate review of search warrant decisions is difficult, because there are no real standards of review, except the appellate judge’s view of “practical common sense.” Due to the use of such a subjective test, inconsistencies between magistrates and reviewing trial courts are sure to arise and the application of common law will be thwarted.
Previous to the Gates decision, the courts used the two-prong Aguilar-Spinelli test when making probable cause determinations. See Aguilar v. Texas (1964), 378 U.S. 108, 12 L.Ed.2d 723, 84 S.Ct. 1509; Spinelli v. United States (1969), 393 U.S. 410, 21 L.Ed. 2d 637, 89 S.Ct. 584. As the previous paragraphs indicate, probable cause is an innocuous concept which involves legal intricacies as well as everyday common sense. In recognition of this concept, the courts have sought to develop a set of coherent rules governing a magistrate’s consideration of warrant applications and the showings that are necessary to support a finding of probable cause. Gates, 462 U.S. at 275, 103 S.Ct. at 2352 (Brennan dissenting). In my view this goal is well served by renewed adherence to the two-pronged Aguilar-Spinelli test.
This test requires the police, when relying upon hearsay information provided by an informant, to establish two elements before obtaining a search warrant. First, the police must establish some basis to reasonably believe crime evidence will be found at the locale to be searched. Second, the police must provide facts which establish either the veracity of their informant or alternatively the reliability of the informant’s report. Aguilar, 378 U.S. at 114, 84 S.Ct. at 1514, Spinelli, 393 U.S. at 413, 89 S.Ct. 587. Each element must be established; they are independent and separate requirements. If one is not established, probable cause would not exist on the basis of information received from an informant. Very strong evidence relative to one test does not overcome the deficiencies involved in the other test.
It is important to realize, however, that the two prongs of AguilarSpinelli need only be met when the police are relying upon evidence obtained through an informant. Therefore, when they rely upon facts *167which are directly discovered through investigation, the police need not present further information which establishes credibility or veracity. In these situations, the police need only establish the first prong of Aguilar-Spinelli which requires that they present facts which support the reasonable conclusion that incriminating evidence will be found in the place to be searched. Holley, The Decline of the Right to Privacy and Security; Gates and the States - The First Three Years, (1988) 21 Creighton L. Rev. 21
When the police rely upon hearsay information however, they must also satisfy the second prong oí Aguilar-Spinelli. This requirement is necessitated by the recognition that hearsay information obtained from an informant is often times untrustworthy. See State v. Gommenginger [242 Mont. 265,] (1990), 47 St.Rep. 681, 790 P.2d 455 citing Fletcher v. United States (D.C. Cir. 1946), 158 F.2d 321. In order to ensure that search warrants are not obtained through reliance upon false information or unfounded rumors, the Aguilar-Spinelli rule requires the police to establish the credibility of their informant or the veracity of his information. Spinelli, 393 U.S. at 416, 89 S.Ct. at 589.
This requirement serves a second purpose when applied to anonymous tips. By definition nothing is known about an anonymous informant’s identity, honesty or reliability. The courts should not, therefore, blindly accept conclusory allegations from such sources or attach any presumption to their information. Gates, 462 U.S. at 284, 103 S.Ct. at 2356 (Brennan dissenting). Such allegations, submitted by police officers, who are considered presumptively rehable, cannot form the basis for probable cause. Therefore, the courts should not accept the same type of conclusion from anonymous informants when nothing is known concerning their reliability.
The first prong of the test, can often be satisfied if the informant’s tip contains sufficient detail describing the accused’s criminal activity. Such detail might assure the magistrate that he is relying “on something more substantial than a casual rumor circulating in the underworld or an accusation based merely on an individual’s general reputation.” Spinelli, 393 U.S. at 416, 89 S.Ct. at 589. See also Draper v. United States (1959), 358 U.S. 307, 79 S.Ct. 329, 31 L.Ed.2d 327. Of course, this portion of the test can also be satisfied through a clear explanation of how the informant came across his knowledge concerning the alleged criminal behavior. Stanley v. State (1974), 19 Md.App. 507, 313 A.2d 847, 861.
The second prong of the Aguilar-Spinelli rule can be satisfied through statements by an officer informing the magistrate of the *168informant’s reliability. Often this is accomplished by showing that the information obtained from the informant was against his penal interests or that the informant has been proven reliable in the past. LaFaue, Search and Seizure (1978) Volume 1 § 3.3(c). The second prong can also be met by establishing the veracity of the informant’s allegations. This can be accomplished through corroboration of details of the tip by further investigation. See Gates, 462 U.S. at 283, 103 S.Ct. at 2356 (Brennan dissenting). Such corroboration can help establish the reliability of the source. If law enforcement can establish that an informant is right about some things, it is generally safe to conclude that “he is right about other facts, usually critical, ■unverified facts.” See Spinelli, 393 U.S. at 427, 89 S.Ct. at 594. (White concurring).
Through application of this test to the case now before us, it is apparent that sufficient probable cause does not exist and the search of the Deskins’ home was unreasonable. The investigating officer in this case had three basic facts which were incorporated in his affidavit for a search warrant. According to the majority opinion, the officer received an anonymous tip from an informant who stated he had seen a marijuana growing operation in the basement of a house located at 600 or 602 South Avenue East. The informant further stated that the house was owned by John and Nancy Deskins. The police officer verified the fact that the house was owned by the Deskins. The officer also, through a review of electrical records, concluded that the Deskins were engaged in a marijuana growing operation. This conclusion was based upon the fact that the Deskins’ use of electricity fluctuated.
To begin the analysis we must address the first prong of the test, which requires an inquiry into the facts and circumstances that combine to form a basis for the anonymous informant’s belief that the Deskins’ basement contained a marijuana growing operation. In making this inquiry, we must restrict our analysis to the four corners of the search warrant. State v. Hembd (1989), 235 Mont. 361, 767 P.2d 864.
According to the search warrant affidavit, the anonymous tipster told officials of the Missoula police department that he personally viewed a marijuana growing operation in the Deskins’ home. According to the tip, the operation was located in the basement which was equipped with fluorescent lights. The plants were grown on a two and one-half month cycle.
*169The first prong of the Aguilar-Spinetti test can be satisfied by a statement from the informant that he personally observed the criminal activity. See Spinelli, 393 U.S. at 416, 89 S.Ct. 589. Such personal observation occurred in this case and therefore the first prong of the test is satisfied.
The information contained in the affidavit fails to meet the requirements of the second prong, however. This portion of the test requires that the police show either that the informant is credible or that his information is reliable. This case involves an anonymous tip. Therefore, the police obviously cannot establish the informant’s credibility. Instead they must establish the veracity of his information.
The Missoula police officers sought to accomplish this task by verifying that the Deskins lived where the informant said they did and by obtaining electrical records. The fact that the Deskins lived at 600 South Avenue East is an innocent fact. It does nothing to establish any allegation regarding illegal activity. Moreover, the electrical records in and of themselves do not establish the probability that the Deskins illegally grew marijuana.
Supported by further evidence, electric records are invaluable in detecting illegal activity. However, by themselves they do not provide adequate information to establish probable cause. See e.g. State v. Huft (1986), 106 Wash.2d 206, 720 P.2d 838, State v. Mason (App.1986), 111 Idaho 916, 728 P.2d 1325. This fact is especially evident in the case now before us. The informant told Missoula police officers that the Deskins had been growing marijuana for five years. Despite this allegation the police officers only included power records for the period between September of 1988 until May of 1989 in their application for a warrant. During this nine month period, records indicate that in the residential portion of their home; the Deskins’ power usage approximated 378 KWH during the months of late September through late November of 1988. Their usage rose to 538 KWH during the time period between November 22 through December 21, 1988. During the months of late December through late March, the power records reveal that the Deskins’usage ranged from a low of 421 KWH, to a high of 525 KWH. This use rose dramatically between April 20, 1989 and May 22,1989, to a rate of 1567 KWH.
Examination of records from the day care portion of the Deskins’ property revealed similar information. During the fall months, the Deskins utilized an average of876 KWH of electricity per month. This *170power usage increased steadily throughout the winter months to a high of 1442 KWH during January and February of 1989. During the spring months, the electricity records reveal that the power usage once again approximated 900 KWH, which was close to that recorded during September and October of the previous year.
With the possible exception of the high rate recorded in April and May of 1989 for the residential portion of the property, these records are not indicative of any illegal activity. On the contrary, the records indicate a normal utilization of electrical power. For both the home and the day care center, the power usage increased throughout the fall and winter months and then began to decline during the spring.
The Missoula police stated in their affidavit that the high rate recorded in April and May indicated the beginning of a marijuana growth cycle. However, this high rate was recorded over only one month. According to the informant, the Deskins had grown marijuana for five years. This one month period does not establish any pattern which may have been revealed through a review of power records gathered from a longer period of time. Furthermore, it is highly doubtful that increased use of electricity during one month can form the basis to verify an anonymous tip such as received here.
The affidavit for the search warrant failed to establish probable cause, as determined under the Aguilar-Spinelli test, because the police did not sufficiently verify the information obtained through the anonymous tip. Moreover, the results of this case illustrate the problems inherent in the totality of the circumstances test. Armed with only an anonymous tip and a high rate of electricity recorded over only a one month period, the police obtained a warrant and searched a citizen’s home. The authors of our state constitution sought to prevent such occurrences through inclusions in our state constitution granting Montana citizens a right to privacy and a right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures.
Although we are constrained by the minimal protections afforded by the federal constitution, we may construe the rights enumerated in our state constitution as affording additional liberties to those granted by the United States Supreme Court. The State of Alaska rejected completely the totality of the circumstances test on the basis that its constitutional provisions granting a right against unreasonable searches and seizures and a right to privacy, mandated stronger protection. State v. Jones (Alaska 1985), 706 P.2d 317. The detailed *171reasoning set forth by the Alaska Supreme Court is compelling. I believe it should be adopted by this Court, given the fact that the Montana Constitution contains provisions similar to those of the Alaska Constitution.
The judgment should be vacated and the results of the search suppressed.
JUSTICES HUNT and SHEEHY concur in the foregoing dissent.