§ 22-11-5 — Unlawful arrest no defense if officer acting under color of authority with reasonable force--Color of authority for law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical technician.

It is no defense to a prosecution under § 22-11-4 that the law enforcement officer was attempting to make an arrest which in fact was unlawful, if the law enforcement officer was acting under color of authority and, in attempting to make the arrest, the law enforcement officer was not resorting to unreasonable or excessive force giving rise to the right of self-defense. A law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical technician acts under color of authority if, in the regular course of assigned duties, he or she is called upon to make, and does make, a judgment in good faith based upon surrounding facts and circumstances.

Legislative History

SL 1976, ch 158, §