Alternatives to Arrest Policy

Policy & Procedures                 No. 1.43
                                  Subject:
                  Alternatives to Arrest
                                  Issuing Authority:                                       Effective Date:    Review Date:
                     Chief of Police                   03/23/2014  12/03/2023
                                                                                 References:

 Review
 Revision   02/17/2016
 Reissued   11/19/19
 Dates:

CALEA STANDARDS:
41.4.4

            __________________________________________________________________

Purpose      Although police officers must always be guided by the intent and purpose of the
              law, there are limited circumstances in the discretion of the officer involved when
               the public interest would be better served by not making an arrest, even though
               there is justification for such action.

            __________________________________________________________________

Policy
41.4.4        All sworn personnel may exercise alternatives to arrest, pre-arraignment
             confinement and/or pretrial release.

              Arrest alternatives include the following:
                  -   Citations
                  -  Summonses
                  -   Informal resolutions
                  -  Warnings
                  -   Referrals to other agencies

            Circumstances where alternatives to arrest may be appropriate include the
                      following:
                  -  When an arrest could aggravate community conflict or possibly precipitate
                 a serious disorder.

             Canton Police Department’s Alternative to Arrest Policy            Page 1

-  When there is a greater priority to respond to a more serious crime or to an
    urgent public emergency.

-   In neighborhood quarrels, noisy parties, landlord tenant problems and minor
    disturbances of the peace where no serious crime has been committed and the
    officer can successfully act as a mediator.

-   In minor juvenile offenses where a warning and a talk with the parents can
   avoid a court appearance.

-   In other minor offenses where a summons can effectively accomplish the
   intended purpose.

-   In minor motor vehicle offenses where a citation may suffice.

 Canton Police Department’s Alternative to Arrest Policy            Page 2