Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Pennsylvania

Police disable fire alarm/suppression system.

At my college this week, the police performed a bust of a party that involved underage drinking. It is understandable to stop such behavior, but some of the actions by officers during the operation seems questionable. Namely, during the operation, the officers forced everyone in the residence into a single room and disabled the fire alarm and suppression system to prevent anyone from operating it. As a firefighter, I feel that this is a gross act of negligence, and would like to know what the legal standing is on disabling a fire emergency system when no such emergency exists. I feel that it was incredibly dangerous, immature, and unprofessional. Please let me know what the standing is. Thank you.


Asked on 11/13/06, 7:32 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Roger Traversa Arjont Group (Law Office of Roger Traversa)

Re: Police disable fire alarm/suppression system.

You asked about police activity at a college party.

Are you suggesting that underage persons were drinking alcoholic beverages? My oh my, say it isn't so.

Seriously, I wasn't there and the the police were. What you describe sounds both stupid and dangerous. It would be worth your time to send a letter to your local chief of police, fire marshal and mayor's office.

Moreover, I would argue that the police activity itself was unlawful for a number of reasons. But they were there and you've provided very little information. Follow up with the folks I named above and the situation should resolve itself for the future.

I would be glad to hear what my colleagues think of this.

Regards,

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Answered on 11/13/06, 8:18 pm


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