Law Availability

[icp4life162005]

Ohh yeah I forgot that part, they have a copy of the PA UFA and a Crimes code book.

[policemedic]

Originally Posted by icp4life162005

They do have IN CAR internet access though!

I wish.

The Toughbook in my car can access secured police databases maintained by the Philadelphia Police, PSP, and FBI (PCIC/CLEAN/NCIC). That's it. No internet, no access to any other software, not even the ability to reset the time.

Now, I'm sure other agencies aren't so paranoid and let their officers have access to other productivity software and even the 'net. The Crimes Code is available on CD, so that could be loaded and available.

For personal references, I carry a current copy of the LexisNexis PA Crimes Code and Vehicle Law Handbook. This book covers much more than just titles 18 and 75. It's a great reference. I also have the DA's Charging Unit on speed dial.

In headquarters, we have current copies of the Arrest Law Bulletin, Search and Seizure Bulletin, and Investigative Bulletin posted where any officer can pick them up.

[BenningBoy]

I'm stretching here, but I'm curious, so bear with me. An LEO sees something he believes is shaky. Let's say he sees a guy doing something nasty to an animal carcass. He doesn't know if this is illeagal. Does he verify somewhere that it is indeed illeagal, does he whip out the trusty "Disorderly Conduct" in lieu of anything better to charge him with, or does he just make the arrest and hope for the best? I ask this legitimately, and without sarcasm, for once.

[policemedic]

Originally Posted by BenningBoy

I'm stretching here, but I'm curious, so bear with me. An LEO sees something he believes is shaky. Let's say he sees a guy doing something nasty to an animal carcass. He doesn't know if this is illeagal. Does he verify somewhere that it is indeed illeagal, does he whip out the trusty "Disorderly Conduct" in lieu of anything better to charge him with, or does he just make the arrest and hope for the best? I ask this legitimately, and without sarcasm, for once.

Well, he would need to lay a charge to 'hope for the best'. As I often told my troops at my last cop shop, that's what sergeants are for. We're there, among other things, to be resources in times of difficult decision making.

In the scenario you present, after the cop stopped laughing, he'd likely call his sergeant for advice on what to charge if he didn't know.

[BenningBoy]

So then, given the same scenario, the guy is arrested. Further research determines the act was legal. A legal storm ensues. Who catches the most hell (LEO-wise) out of it all? Do they hang the rookie out to dry? Or drop it in the Sgt.s lap?

[markheck1]

Neither....chief says "Case Closed" everyone go home

[policemedic]

Originally Posted by BenningBoy

So then, given the same scenario, the guy is arrested. Further research determines the act was legal. A legal storm ensues. Who catches the most hell (LEO-wise) out of it all? Do they hang the rookie out to dry? Or drop it in the Sgt.s lap?

In the event there's a lawsuit, everyone will be named, up to and including the chief and the municipal executive.

[Steve in PA]

Yup. Crap flows "uphill" in these situations.

[sgser]

They can get almost instant info by using the PaFoA search feature. Or even faster yet, start a thread with a question about gun laws and if it's been started before a mod will hit him with a notice so fast his head will spin. Ignorance of an excuse is no law, or something(LOL)