Policy Text
Policy Delano Police Department
410 Delano PD Policy Manual
Foreign Diplomatic and Consular
Representatives
410.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidelines to ensure that members of the Delano Police Department extend
appropriate privileges and immunities to foreign diplomatic and consular representatives in
accordance with international law.
410.2 POLICY
The Delano Police Department respects international laws related to the special privileges and
immunities afforded foreign diplomatic and consular representatives assigned to the United
States.
All foreign diplomatic and consular representatives shall be treated with respect and courtesy,
regardless of any privileges or immunities afforded them.
410.3 CLAIMS OF IMMUNITY
If a member comes into contact with a person where law enforcement action may be warranted and
the person claims diplomatic or consular privileges and immunities, the member should, without
delay:
(a) Notify a supervisor.
(b) Advise the person that his/her claim will be investigated and he/she may be released
in accordance with the law upon confirmation of the person’s status.
(c) Request the person’s identification card, either issued by the U.S. Department of State
(DOS), Office of the Chief of Protocol, or in the case of persons accredited to the
United Nations, by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. These are the only reliable
documents for purposes of determining privileges and immunities.
(d) Contact the DOS Diplomatic Security Command Center at 571-345-3146 or toll free
at 866-217-2089, or at another current telephone number and inform the center of the
circumstances.
(e) Verify the immunity status with DOS and follow any instructions regarding further
detention, arrest, prosecution and/or release, as indicated by the DOS representative.
This may require immediate release, even if a crime has been committed.
Identity or immunity status should not be presumed from the type of license plates displayed on a
vehicle. If there is a question as to the status or the legitimate possession of a Diplomat or Consul
license plate, a query should be run via the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications
System (NLETS), designating “US” as the state.
Foreign Diplomatic and Consular
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/12/06, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Delano Police Department Representatives - 1