Policy Text
Policy Number: IV27
Issued: 06/03
Revised: 08/12
PEACE OFFICER AUTHORITY
California Code Section(s):
Penal Code Sections 830, 830.5, 832, 1170(h)(5)(B), 3455
AUTHORITY DEFINED
The Penal Code (PC) outlines specific requirements and limitations on those designated to act as
peace officers. PC Section 830 states, “Any person who comes within the provisions of this
chapter and who otherwise meets all standards imposed by law on a peace officer is a peace
officer, and not withstanding any other provision of law, no person other than those designated in
this chapter is a peace officer.” The badge and identification issued by the department is the
evidence of each officer’s status and authority as a peace officer.
DEPARTMENT POSITIONS CONSIDERED PEACE OFFICERS
Probation Officers-Field:
While on duty, officers are peace officers pursuant to PC Section 830.5(a), which states that
probation officer “authority extends to any place in the state while engaged in the performance of
the duties, of their respective employment and for the purpose of carrying out the primary
function of their employment.” In addition, probation officers may carry firearms as authorized
and under terms and conditions specified by the department. Further, PC Section 830.5(a)
indicates the authority of a probation officer as a peace officer “shall extend only as follows:”
1. To conditions of parole, probation, Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS), or
Mandatory Community Supervision (MCS) by any person in this state on parole,
probation, PRCS, or MCS.
2. To the escape of any inmate or ward from a state or local institution.
3. To the transportation of persons on parole, probation, PRCS, or MCS.
4. To violations of any penal provisions of law which are discovered while performing the
usual or authorized duties of his or her employment.
5. To the rendering of mutual aid to any other law enforcement agency.
Department positions who are peace officers pursuant to PC Section 830.5(a) are listed as
follows, by title/rank:
1. Chief Probation Officer
2. Assistant Chief Probation Officer
3. Deputy Chief Probation Officer
4. Supervising Deputy Probation Officer
5. Senior Deputy Probation Officer
6. Deputy Probation Officer II
7. Deputy Probation Officer I
When on duty, the badge and identification must be available while in the office and in each
probation officer’s possession while working in the field during each workday.
Probation Officers-Institutions:
While on duty, specific Juvenile Detention Facility (JDF) staff are peace officers pursuant to PC
Section 830.5(b), and peace officer authority is limited to carrying out the primary functions of
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