Deputizing a civilian

debirlfan · Jan 25, 2011

In the old west (at least in western movies), when the sheriff got shot or needed backup, they just slapped a badge on the nearest bystander and deputized them.

Move that forward to today, the location being a large US city. Rather than a random bystander, the would-be deputy is someone who has skills the police need. Legally, would it be possible for someone (police chief?) to make the call to temporarily give them a badge and make them an officer? The "enlisted" individual would be more than happy to go along with this (it's not a case of him being forced/pressured into it) and would sign off on whatever paperwork might be involved. Could it be done?

Thanks in advance.

Skyler · Jan 25, 2011

And on the same note, would it have an impact if the individual had been convicted of a felony at some point?

Drachen Jager · Jan 25, 2011

Apparently the authority for temporary deputizations lies with a Sheriff. There are no special restrictions on who he can deputize. State laws may vary.

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_become_deputized

Rabe · Jan 25, 2011

Skyler said:
And on the same note, would it have an impact if the individual had been convicted of a felony at some point?

Not just yes, but HELL YES it would matter.

I'm not sure why you would feel that this person needs deputizing, temporarily, because of the skills when all that is required is just having the person working for the agency on that particular case.

But trying to turn a felon into a cop? That's the stuff of really, really, really bad Hollywood. And is just a lot insulting to good and decent members of the law enforcement community.

Rabe...

Deputizing a civilian

debirlfan

Skyler

Ninja kid, be gentle!

Drachen Jager

Professor of applied misanthropy

Rabe

the living dead