Q: How far from the city limits can the city police cite motorists for minor traffic offenses occurring out of the city limits? What authority do the city police have outside their own city limits?
A: As provided by state law, all sworn police officers in Indiana have full police powers statewide, so theoretically an officer from South Bend can perform police duties, such as issuing traffic citations or making arrests anywhere within the state. Since SBPD officers have take home cars, officers (myself included) commonly make traffic stops for traffic violations ocurring anywhere in St Joseph County. (Dept. policy requires SBPD take home cars to be kept within the county unless being used for department business). |