Not consenting to a search isn't really about preventing the search. The police are, by definition, they application of force; if they want to search you, they

Not consenting to a search isn't really about preventing the search. The police are, by definition, they application of force; if they want to search you, they will. However, not consenting forces them to make up some sort of justification for their actions and gives your lawyer a much better chance of getting the fruits of the search thrown out.