Jurisdiction of Police Officers

Defendant appealed the decision of the trial judge sustaining the violation of R.I.G.L. 1956 § 31-16-5 (turn signal required).  The Court held that the officer did not have the authority to issue a citation outside of his jurisdiction because an emergency situation was not taking place and the defendant was never placed under arrest to meet the statutory requirements when police make a traffic stop outside its jurisdiction.  Thus, the Court dismissed the violation.

Town of Tiverton v. William Silvia, Jr., C.A. No. T12-0059 (February 1, 2013).pdf