police vs peace officers

[shadowchaser]

who can tell me the difference between the two? Does it affect carry laws or powers of arrest or both? I am mostly interested in Illinois. Thanks

[CTMarshal999]

Generally the difference is "peace officers", where there is a separation of the two, have a specific area or jurisdiction such as a college, government building or other such DEFINED area of responsibility. police usually have FULL powers statewide, on and off duty.

Not all states do this. In Connecticut there is NO distinction. ALL LEO's are "peace officers", whether a state trooper or a police officer for a college. The difference comes under the statute they are hired under. Under title 10 College police only have jurisdiction on Campus owned, controlled or leased property. Protective Services Police are hired as "Special " police for state property (CGS 29-18)and have NO authority when off duty or off property unless in fresh pursuit( this was ruled on by the Federal courts).

It is different everywhere, check your local laws AND case law to see how it is setup in your area.

[Kahuna5150]

A peace officer in CA can be a police officer, deputy sheriff, or any other law enforcement officer. Some peace officers may carry firearms while others may not. If you want to see who CA considers to be peace officers check out the penal code section that covers it.

California Penal Code

830 PC

830.1 PC -- Is police officers and deputy sheriffs

830.2 PC -- Covers the CHP, University of CA police, California State Universit Police, etc.

You have peace officers from Consumer Affairs, coroners offices, corrections, etc.

It makes for some interesting reading.

Check out www.leginfo.ca.gov go to California Law, check the Penal Code box and type in 830 in your search window to see the section in whole.

Kahuna

[joshp135]

In Texas the two terms are interchangeable. They changed the laws to reflect "peace officer" instead of "police officer" to better represent all kinds of officers (i.e. deputies, etc).

In my opinion is was purely a politically correctness lawyer like move.

[wellcraft]

In IL they mean the same. For example, on all warrants issued in IL, they start by stating " to all peace officers of the state of IL". This means, campus cops, county deputies, state troopers, city police, etc. All peace officers in IL are police officers of some sort certified by the state of IL and the academy.

[shadowchaser]

Thanks for the help I appreciate it.