Legal Question in Criminal Law in Ohio

Sheriff's responsibility to the people in their home.

If a person threatens to commit suicide in their home in the presence of a sheriff what should a sheriff do?

Surely not pull out their gun and threaten to shoot the person for holding a knife to their self. Is there a law as to what the sheriff should do?


Asked on 11/26/00, 9:46 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Brian Halloran Brooking and Halloran, PLLC

Re: Sheriff's responsibility to the people in their home.

To the best of my knowledge, there is no state statute governing the conduct of a Sheriff placed in a situation you describe. The Sheriff is charged with the protection of citizens, including those who are a threat to themselves. It is likely there is a police dept. policy or regulation that gives guidance to the officer responding. I'd assume the Sheriff in that situation is told to not let the person injure themselves, to the extent of wounding them to prevent possible fatal self inflicted wounds. I hope that helps. If you need to know more, contact an attorney in your area. Good luck.

Read more
Answered on 11/30/00, 1:51 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Ohio