Chapter 9- Protective Custody Flashcards
What is the purpose of Community Caretaking?
To detain someone who is lost, disoriented, or missing
This principle allows officers to intervene for the safety of individuals who may be in distress.
What level of suspicion is required for Community Caretaking detention?
Reasonable suspicion
Reasonable suspicion is a legal standard that requires specific and articulable facts to justify the detention.
CL- well-being check on meals on wheels finds person dead, suspect son did it, NJ officers respond to hotel and find disoriented man who’s story doesn’t add up and detain him, run plate and arrest for murder - good detention?
Yes based on community care taking
## Footnote
This case highlights the application of Community Caretaking in a potential homicide investigation.
What indicators led officers to detain the disoriented man in the hotel?
Emotions fluctuate, story doesn’t add up
These observations contributed to the reasonable suspicion that the man may need assistance.
What is the definition of incapacitation in the context of law enforcement?
Under the influence AND disorderly, unconscious, in need of medical attention, likely to cause physical harm or damage property
Incapacitation involves a state where an individual cannot care for themselves or others due to substance use.
What is required to justify an action involving incapacitation?
Need probable cause
Probable cause is a higher standard than reasonable suspicion and is necessary for certain actions like arrests.
True or False: Intoxication automatically means a person is incapacitated.
False
Intoxication does not equate to incapacitation; an individual may be intoxicated but still capable of functioning.
What is the legal implication of a person who drank 8 beers over 6 hours and denied admission into a concert?
The person was not considered incapacitated
This suggests that mere consumption of alcohol does not automatically imply incapacity.
What triggers sobriety testing?
Reasonable Suspicion
This indicates that officers must have a reasonable belief that a person is under the influence to initiate testing.
Hostile phone calls by drunk women who refuses to stop strongest action
Protective custody
Such behavior can justify police intervention based on probable cause.
What does resisting a police officer during attempted protective custody
Interfering with a police officer, not resisting arrest
This clarifies the distinction between resisting an officer and resisting an arrest.
What are the search rights of police under protective custody
May search the person and surroundings for weapons
This is a standard procedure to ensure officer safety.
What are the options for transporting an individual under the influence?
- Home (if someone there to take care of them)
- Hospital (TREATMENT FACILITY)
- Station (DO NOT BRING TO COUNTY JAIL OR HOC)
Transporting to appropriate facilities is crucial for the safety and well-being of the individual.
What is a critical warning regarding sending a person to the House of Correction (HOC)?
Never send to HOC and only send to station if detox is not available
This is important to prevent dangerous situations, as indicated by a previous incident where a person was beaten to death.
What is Good Samaritan Immunity?
Legal protection for individuals who assist others in emergency situations
It encourages bystanders to help without fear of legal repercussions.
Who is covered under Good Samaritan Immunity when seeking treatment for someone suffering from an alcohol episode?
Individuals under 21 years of age
This is to promote seeking help for alcohol-related emergencies among youth.
What is the legal consequence for individuals 21 and over who seek treatment for someone suffering from an alcohol episode?
No immunity from prosecution
Those 21 and older may face legal penalties for underage drinking situations.
Fill in the blank: Good Samaritan Immunity provides legal protection for individuals _______.
under 21 who seek treatment for someone suffering from an alcohol episode
True or False: Good Samaritan Immunity applies to all ages regardless of the circumstances.
False
Immunity is specifically for individuals under 21.
What is the first station procedure regarding phone calls?
Right to a phone call
What must be done if a person is under 18 years of age?
Notify parents
What is essential to determine regarding treatment?
Determine if treatment is available - DOCUMENT
What option must be provided to individuals regarding sobriety testing?
Provide Breathalyzer Option
What breathalyzer reading indicates incapacitation?
.10 OR ABOVE
What breathalyzer reading requires sobriety testing?
.06 to .09
What breathalyzer reading allows for immediate release?
.05 OR BELOW
What type of test can be used for the breath test?
PBT
What is the first priority for adults 18 and over regarding duty to release or transfer?
Treatment
This indicates that the primary concern is to ensure the individual receives necessary treatment.
What is the maximum time an adult can be held in a cell until sober?
12 hours
This limit is set to ensure that individuals are not held longer than necessary.
What should be done if a minor under 18 requests release?
Release minor upon request of parent or guardian
If the parent is intoxicated, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) should be contacted.
What options are available for a minor under 18 ?
- release to parents or guardian
- Treatment facility
- Hold in non-secure detention
These options ensure the minor receives appropriate care and supervision.
Will the court second guess an officer’s decision that did not work out?
No
This indicates that officers are afforded discretion in their decision-making without fear of court repercussions.
Pc of a minor with no adult to pick them up then feel you don’t have PC anymore so drive them home and they get an OUI, are you liable
No
This action is taken to ensure the safety of the minor and the public.
What is drug incapacitation?
A state where a person is under the influence of substances other than alcohol and is disorderly, unconscious, in need of medical attention, or likely to cause physical harm or damage property.
Includes substances like inhalants, drugs, and vapors.
What actions should be taken if someone is suspected of drug incapacitation?
Only bring them to a medical facility.
Searching someone’s purse for drugs may be permissible in overdose situations.
If a person under 18 is involved in drug incapacitation, what must be done?
Notify the parents immediately.
This is a crucial step in handling minors in such situations.
What is Good Samaritan Immunity?
Protection from possession charges for individuals who call for help during an overdose
This immunity applies to both the person calling for help and the one experiencing the overdose.
Who has the authority to place someone under protective custody (PC)?
Only police officers
This authority is exclusive to law enforcement personnel.
What happens to a person who receives NARCAN?
They are placed under protective custody (PC)
This is a protocol to ensure their safety after an overdose.
What is a near-fatal overdose considered in legal terms?
Evidence of incapacitation
This can lead to protective custody being enacted.
What is the nature of Narcan’s effect?
Temporary
It is used to counteract opioid overdoses but does not provide a permanent solution.
What risk can Narcan withdrawal pose?
It can cause the individual to use opioids again
This presents a public safety risk if the individual is not monitored.
What constitutes civil liability in the context of failing to act?
Failing to place a person under protective custody when required
An example includes not acting when someone is in danger and they subsequently get harmed.
Is it civilly liable to refuse protective custody to a person when they should have been placed under it?
Yes, if they later suffer harm
An example would be if they get hit by a car.
Are you civilly liable for using excessive force during protective custody
Yes if the force is deemed excessive
An example includes using a foot and knee on a person’s chest.