[Adopted 12-12-2002 by Ord. No. 396]
A. 
Pursuant to 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 8902, if a police officer of the Township of Patterson has probable cause to believe that there is a violation of one of the four offenses listed below, that the defendant's conduct is ongoing, that the conduct constituting the crime is based upon the police officer's view of the conduct, and if the conduct imperils the personal security of any person or endangers public or private property, the officer shall have the right to arrest a defendant without warrant.
B. 
These guidelines shall apply to the following summary offenses, pursuant to Title 18 Pa. C.S.A.:
(1) 
Section 5503, Disorderly conduct;
(2) 
Section 5505, Public drunkenness;
(3) 
Section 5507, Obstructing highways and other public passages; and
(4) 
Section 6308, Purchase, consumption, possession or transportation of liquor or malt or brewed beverages.
Any officer making an arrest under these guidelines shall also follow those procedures set forth in the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure and in particular Rule 441, a copy of said Rule being attached hereto and made a part hereof.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Said Rule is on file in the Township offices.
The Commissioners recognize that Criminal Procedure Rule 441 and 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 8902 may be amended from time to time. It is the intention of the Commissioners that the police officers follow the terms of the rule or statute that is in effect as of the date of the arrest, whether or not these guidelines have been formally amended to comply with any rule or statute changes.
The guidelines stated in this article are immediately to be considered as an integral part of the standard operating procedure for the Paterson Township Police Department. A copy of this article is to be referenced in the Police Standard Operating Procedure.