Jurisdiction of Police Officers

Defendant appealed the decision of the trial judge sustaining the violations of R.I.G.L 1956 § 31-14-2 (primal facie limits), R.I.G.L 1956 § 31-15-5 (use of break-down lane for travel), R.I.G.L. 1956 § 31-16-5 (turn signal required), and R.I.G.L. 1956 § 31-16-2 (manner of turning at intersection).  The Court held that Rhode Island public policy did not permit Rhode Island law enforcement officials to have the authority to issue citations in other states.  The Court noted that if the General Assembly wanted Rhode Island law enforcement officials to be able to issue citations in other states it should have provided a statute.  Thus, the Appeals Panel reversed the trial magistrate’s decision finding the defendant in violation of the above traffic violations that were committed during a high-speed chase.

Town of North Smithfield v. Eric Wilcox, C.A. No. T11-0010 (November 25, 2011).pdf