2007-06-11 08:11:41 · 19 answers · asked by Joe B 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Technically there is no such thing as off duty.
2007-06-11 09:14:34 · answer #1 · answered by CGIV76 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Usually off-duty police officers are not supposed to make arrests.
Here is an example of an actual police department's exception when off-duty arrests are allowed:
1. There is an immediate need to prevent a crime or apprehend the suspect and
2. the crime would require a full custodial arrest and
3. the arresting officer has police identification on his person.
4. Is not personally involved in the situation and there is not time or availability to wait for an on-duty police officer to respond.
These are just one police departments policy, so they might vary depending on where you go.
At the very least the off-duty policeman could make a citizen's arrest if he observed a felony being committed.
2007-06-11 08:24:02 · answer #2 · answered by kclark747 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Technically any citizen can make an arrest if they wittness a felony take place, save for in the state of North Carolina. It's known as a Citizen's Arrest. Be aware, however, that the citizen making the arrest is liable for any violation of the arrested's rights during the arrest.
More to the point, however, yes an off duty police officer is still a police officer, and may make an arrest any time they witness a crime.
2007-06-11 08:18:40 · answer #3 · answered by Schaufel 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
once you are sworn in as a police officer, you are a police officer 24/7. you are just in uniform and getting paid for only 40 hours per week. Police officers can make arrests off duty, but are not smart too. I would rather have an on duty officer make the arrest, but if I am the only one there, and I have called it in by cell phone, and I was notified that an on duty officer was more than 2 minuites away, then yes I would arrest someone too......
2007-06-11 08:37:50 · answer #4 · answered by SWT 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes they can. All law enforcement are on duty 24/7
2007-06-11 08:14:28 · answer #5 · answered by ? 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Even if he is off-duty he is still a cop. Yes, he can arrest you.
2007-06-11 08:14:35 · answer #6 · answered by Laura E 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, if in his jurisdiction it doesn't matter whether he is on or off duty. He is an officer of the law 24/7.
2007-06-11 08:16:19 · answer #7 · answered by booman17 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Technically all commissioned officers are on duty 24/7. If they see a crime, they are to interdict.
2007-06-11 08:18:35 · answer #8 · answered by WC 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes he is still a cop and sworn to uphold the law.
2007-06-11 09:03:24 · answer #9 · answered by mnwomen 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Even if he/she does not have their badge they can make a citizen's arrest.
2007-06-11 08:15:16 · answer #10 · answered by Mav 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋