CIVIL SITUATIONS

Sometimes police are called to situations that do not involve obvious violations of a law or ordinance. Police officers often refer to these incidents as "civil" situations or disputes. Some examples of common civil situations include the following:

· Landlord/tenant disputes

· Auto repossession arguments

· Un-satisfactory service complaints

· Defective products

Some civil disputes, however, may indeed result in criminal acts. For example, if in the midst of a landlord/tenant
argument one party assaults and injures the other, the matter has now become criminal, and police officers may take enforcement action. 
The primary responsibility of a police officer at the scene of a civil situation is to keep the peace. He or she cannot take
sides or give legal advice. If an investigation reveals a crime has occurred summonses may be issued or arrests made.

Even if a civil dispute does not constitute a police matter, officers may be able to provide referrals to help in settling the dispute. If you are uncertain if a specific situation is civil or criminal in nature, you may contact the Blackfoot Police Department at 785-1235