Pursuits, gun fights near home, cuffing, etc. Think creatively. Are there any situations where we can help?
2007-03-01 15:10:34 · 8 answers · asked by c90 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
In the state where I was a cop for 21 years a citizen who is requested by law enforcement to assist them has ALL the same powers that a police officer has to effect the arrest or assist the officer. This is actually a crime to refuse to assist an officer (although I never heard of anyone being arrested for it). I never had to ask for help like that, but if I was handcuffing someone and it turned violent, I would definitely appreciate assistance from a citizen.
I know a lot of well meaning people will answer this, but if they aren't cops, they are just guessing. If I was in a gunfight in your front yard and you ran out yelling "Officer can I help?" it might be a time to start throwing lead downrange at the person I'm engaging, particularly if you have an M4 carbine and I have a .45 pistol. Or even throwing me your M4 and saying "here use this bro!" would be greatly appreciated.
But I do agree that normally people don't have any need to become involved in routine situations. When we are off-duty we were told to be "good witnesses" and a friend of mine got fired from the Highway Patrol for getting involved in a theft arrest when off-duty. They said he had a radio and should've called for help. The guy was a brute, incredibly strong and they ended up in a life or death fight in the parking lot of a convenience store over some stolen cases of pop. Maybe not the best judgement, but he would've appreciated some help at that point, I'm sure.
2007-03-01 15:50:33 · answer #1 · answered by Lt. Dan reborn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Accurate information is the best help a citizen can give. Descriptions of suspects, vehicles, license plate numbers. During a crime, these things can be of utmost help to an officer. He can't always see and hear all things. Stay out of the way during a crime. More victims don't help anyone. You can call the police department and give your information to the detective investigating the crime afterward.
2007-03-01 15:25:32 · answer #2 · answered by JANIE A 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WHEN A POLICE OFFICER ASK FOR HELP/ OR IS IN DANGER OF HARM AND NEEDS ASSISTANCE/ YOU CANNOT PURSUE ANYONE ONLY AT THE REQUEST OF POLICE/ CALL 911 ASAP/ YOU CAN MAKE A CITIZENS ARREST BUT I WOULD NOT ADVISE IT/ IF YOU DO SO YOU MAY RESTRAIN THAT PERSON BY RESONABLE FORCE
2007-03-01 19:12:01 · answer #3 · answered by intel541 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mainly only when asked. If you are'nt trained for police situations, you can do more harm than good. And what you do could be illegal. Nothing you mentioned would be legal. Don't you watch COPS ?
2007-03-01 15:18:44 · answer #4 · answered by Vinegar Taster 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would not interfere unless asked by an officer don't get yourself involved in pursuits of any kind you could be arrested for obstructing or hindering an officer
2007-03-01 15:23:15 · answer #5 · answered by Fire Lt. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why!
YES! BUT talk to your local police department so you don't get killed or so they can identify your remains after wards. GO Cape crusader!
2007-03-01 21:27:33 · answer #6 · answered by try out 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can make a citizens arrest, but you cannot get in the way
when they are out there dealing with an incident they are there
for a reason, to do exactly what you have said above....................
Be their eyes and ears, help out in their offices, become a
reservist, volunteer to do their filing.................................................
Anything else you need training for..................................................
2007-03-02 02:47:35 · answer #7 · answered by gorglin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
reporting law breakers(robbing banks,stealing) report sex offenders, report if someone is driving strangely. child abuse,theft,report drugs.
2007-03-01 15:21:00 · answer #8 · answered by ruth4526 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋