Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Pennsylvania

Police stops

Can a PA State Police office make a traffic stop while transporting a suspect for booking? There was no emergency for this traffic stop and there was no backup at the scene.


Asked on 4/27/07, 3:34 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Regina Mullen Legal Data Services, PLC

Re: Police stops

There doesn't seem to be any reason why not. It doesn't seem terribly *prudent* (for the officer's safety) but there doesn't seem to be any legal argument for why not.

On the contrary, if a serious crime were being committed in front of him, he certainly would be required to handle it.

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Answered on 4/27/07, 5:44 pm
John Gibson John W. Gibson, Esquire

Re: Police stops

I'm not sure if he was following proper procedure but I agree with the other answer. I think there is still some room to argue that other types of officers lack authority to make traffic stops but I don't think there is any question that an on-duty state police officer has such authority.

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Answered on 4/28/07, 1:45 pm


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