As for vehicle searches, I have asked, but I always had a reason to search before I asked, about half the time they would consent. I don’t ever recall searching a vehicle as a fishing expedition.
There are too many others out there that may as well be waving a flag that says “Arrest me”
But I wasn’t a very good cop, I trusted people to do the right thing too much, but I am still alive, and still live in the county I worked, and even now retired I can go to the store and look those people I worked for in the eye and not feel guilty about the way I tended the flock on my watch.
Good for you for not searching people needlessly. Sounds like you did a good job of upholding your oath. I wish there were more like you on the job.