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Careers: Police/Survivor procedures
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Question
QUESTION: If someone attempts suicide by jumping off a bridge and survives, would the police have any reason to detain this person? Would the police department automatically request the person be committed or at least medically evaluated before being released? What rights does the person have who, having just survived the jump, says to the police, "I won't do it, again. May I go, now?"
ANSWER: The police would be incredibly negligent if they did not detain the person who jumped off a bridge. The person would probably be taken to a mental health facility where he would be examined by a doctor who most likely would commit the person for a period of time. The person would also be interviewed about his intentions and background.
Also there are probably at least a few legal reasons to detain him besides mental health issues.
If the person said "may I go" he won't be going.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: But, can the police legally take him into "custody" to take him to a mental instituition? What if the person parks on the high bridge, jumps then survives and walks his way back home; the police trace the parked car to the jumper's house and go to the home to investigate. Now, the person who attempted suicide is in his home, apologizes to the investigating officer, but says he'll follow up with his own doctor. At that point, can the police officer still insist the person either come into the precinct for questioning or be escorted to a medical facility?
Yes the police can take him into custody because he is obviously a threat to himself. All states have such a law. If in the far fetched scenario that he walked home and then told the police that he was going to see his own doctor the police would again be negligent for not taking him into custody.
What if the police said, "oh ok, going to the doctor tomorrow"? And then after they left he killed his wife and children and then shot himself. Every second guesser in the country would be damning the police officer(s).
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Answers by Expert:
Jack Toomey
Expertise
U.S.: I am an expert in this category for the purpose of giving young people an idea what the hiring process involves for the position of police officer. I am getting a flood of questions from young people who are being influenced by unrealistic television shows. I'd ask you to consider that when you watch police shows on television that they are NOT realistic and most of what you see does not happen in real life. Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. I am NOT a probation officer so I cannot answer questions about probation and parole matters. I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience.I worked in a variety of assignments including investigations, homicide, sex crimes, runaway investigations, missing persons, and fraud.I also dealt with the general public during that time giving a wide range of advice on matters such as domestic disputes, problem solving, teenage problems, civil/criminal matters, and dealing with the mentally ill. I am available to give sound and reasonable advice which can solve most problems. Please do not ask me to do homework questions or online interviews. Young people should not rely on the Internet for interviews. Local police officers are normally very agreeable to assist students with interviews and surveys.
Experience
Worked as a police officer/detective for 26 years.
Graduate of the University of Maryland.B.S. in Law Enforcement.Attended numerous schools and training courses involving investigations, interviewing, interrogations, crime detection, domestic violence, and others. Recognized in court as an expert witness.
Received numerous awards during my police career for expert investigations. Handled the most sensitive and confidential investigations. In 1999 I won an award for my work with high school students while working in my new career in a large suburban high school.
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