It is the general mission of law enforcement officers to defend the public peace. Officers are required to enforce the peace, defend citizens from threats, and help promote the general well-being of ordinary persons in their communities.
Law enforcement officers are authorized to protect the public at large by enforcing the law. This includes the service of civil processes, such as eviction notices and court orders, and general enforcement of laws regarding property rights, traffic regulation, and even domestic disputes. Although specific duties pertaining to domestic violence cases vary from officer to officer and department to department.
In addition to enforcing the law and protecting public safety, police officers are often called upon to keep the public peace by maintaining control over chaotic or disruptive situations. It is also the duty of law enforcement officers to provide emergency assistance to persons in need, if possible. This includes providing assistance to persons who are injured, reporting missing or wanted persons, and giving whatever aid is possible in life-saving situations.
Though you may assume that police officers are bound to report or facilitate the seeking of treatment for injuries, this responsibility has not always been assigned to police officers. Legislation mandating officers to report an injury, regardless of cause, has only recently been brought to the state of Illinois through the passage of the SAFE-T act.
Though reporting injury and contacting medical treatment authorities have certainly been the implied and expected duties of police officers, no legislation required officers to aid injured persons or even contact medical assistance.
The recent passage of the SAFE-T Act adds ILCS 5/7-15: Duty to render aid
According to the new law, Illinois police officers are now obligated to determine if any persons are injured as soon as practically possible. The police officer is obligated to determine this injury, whether there has been a use of force or not, and whether or not the injury has occurred due to the police officer’s actions or not. Officers are required to render medical aid consistent with training or to procure emergency medical assistance if necessary.
In the terms of the law, rendering medical aid means performing CPR, applying a defibrillator, or making arrangements to carry or transport a person to a physician, medical care facility, or emergency medical care person.
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Do not delay in acquiring legal help if you are facing any sort of legal concern. Recent changes to Illinois law likely affect your rights if you are facing criminal charges, so make sure to remain informed and updated. When you need an attorney, experience matters. Contact us today to learn how our experience can get you the results you deserve.