2006 Louisiana Laws - RS 46:2140 — Law enforcement officers; duties

§2140.  Law enforcement officers; duties

A.  Whenever a law enforcement officer has reason to believe that a family or household member or dating partner has been abused, the officer shall immediately use all reasonable means to prevent further abuse, including:

(1)  Arresting the abusive party with a warrant or without a warrant pursuant to Code of Criminal Procedure Article 213, if probable cause exists to believe that a felony has been committed by that person, whether or not the offense occurred in the officer's presence.

(2)  Arresting the abusive party in case of any misdemeanor crime which endangers the physical safety of the abused person whether or not the offense occurred in the presence of the officer.  If there is no cause to believe there is impending danger, arresting the abusive party is at the officer's discretion.

(3)  Assisting the abused person in obtaining medical treatment necessitated by the battery; arranging for, or providing, or assisting in the procurement of transportation for the abused person to a place of shelter or safety.

(4)  Notifying the abused person of his right to initiate criminal or civil proceedings; the availability of the protective order, R.S. 46:2136; and the availability of community assistance for domestic violence victims.

B.(1)  When a law enforcement officer receives conflicting accounts of domestic abuse or dating violence, the officer shall evaluate each account separately to determine if one party was the predominant aggressor.

(2)  In determining if one party is the predominant aggressor, the law enforcement officer may consider any other relevant factors, but shall consider the following factors based upon his or her observation:

(a)  Evidence from complainants and other witnesses.

(b)  The extent of personal injuries received by each person.

(c)  Whether a person acted in self-defense.

(d)  An imminent threat of future injury to any of the parties.

(e)  Prior complaints of domestic abuse or dating violence, if that history can be reasonably ascertained by the officer.

(f)  The future welfare of any minors who are present at the scene.

(3)(a)  If the officer determines that one person was the predominant aggressor in a felony offense, the officer shall arrest that person.  The arrest shall be subject to the laws governing arrest, including the need for probable cause as otherwise provided by law.

(b)  If the officer determines that one person was the predominant aggressor in a misdemeanor offense, the officer shall arrest the predominant aggressor if there is reason to believe that there is impending danger.  If there is no threat of impending danger, the officer may arrest the predominant aggressor at the officer's discretion, whether or not the offense occurred in the presence of the officer.  An arrest pursuant to the provisions of this Subparagraph shall be subject to the laws governing arrest, including the need for probable cause as otherwise provided by law.  The exceptions provided for in R.S. 46:2140 shall apply.

(4)  As used in this Subsection:

(a)  "Dating violence" has the meaning as defined in R.S. 46:2151(C).

(b)  "Domestic abuse" has the meaning as defined in R.S. 46:2132(3).

Acts 1985, No. 442, §1, eff. July 12, 1985; Acts 2003, No. 750, §6; Acts 2004, No. 882, §1.